2. He and his whole household were pious, Gentile God-worshippers. He gave generously to those in need among the Jewish people and prayed to God constantly.
3. One day at nearly three o’clock in the afternoon, he clearly saw an angel from God in a vision. The angel came to him and said, "Cornelius!"
4. Startled, he stared at the angel and replied, "What is it, Lord?" The angel said, "Your prayers and your compassionate acts are like a memorial offering to God.
5. Send messengers to Joppa at once and summon a certain Simon, the one known as Peter.
6. He is a guest of Simon the tanner, whose house is near the seacoast."
7. When the angel who was speaking to him had gone, Cornelius summoned two of his household servants along with a pious soldier from his personal staff.
8. He explained everything to them, then sent them to Joppa.
9. At noon on the following day, as their journey brought them close to the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.
10. He became hungry and wanted to eat. While others were preparing the meal, he had a visionary experience.
11. He saw heaven opened up and something like a large linen sheet being lowered to the earth by its four corners.
12. Inside the sheet were all kinds of four-legged animals, reptiles, and wild birds.
13. A voice told him, "Get up, Peter! Kill and eat!"
14. Peter exclaimed, "Absolutely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."