Cornelius, a centurion in the Roman army, was a moral man, who was generous to the poor, feared God, and was faithful in prayer. Cornelius saw a vision, and an angel of God told him to send to Joppa for one called Peter, who would tell him what to do to be saved. "Send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter; he lodgeth with one Simon's a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do" (Acts 10:5-6; 11:13-14).

Peter on the Rooftop

While Peter was on the rooftop, he had a vision in which he saw a sheet descend out of heaven containing unclean animals. The Lord told him to "rise, slay, and eat". Peter with all his Jewish tradition, would not eat lest he partake of something unclean, but God was preparing Peter for a ministry to the Gentiles, whom the Jews thought were unclean.

At this time the messengers sent from Cornelius arrived. Peter journeyed with them to Caesarea. There he learned that God is no respecter of persons and that the Holy Ghost is "for whosoever will" (Acts 10:34-35).

Gentiles Receive the Holy Ghost

As Peter preached to Cornelius and his household, the Holy Ghost fell upon them. Peter then commanded them to be baptized in the of the Lord Jesus (Acts 10:48).