23. Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter went with the three men. Some of the believers from Joppa went along.
24. The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them. He had called together his relatives and close friends.
25. When Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him. As a sign of respect, he fell at Peter's feet.
26. But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said. "I am only a man myself."
27. Talking with Cornelius, Peter went inside. There he found a large group of people.
28. He said to them, "You know that it is against our law for a Jew to have anything to do with those who aren't Jews. But God has shown me that I should not say anyone is not pure and 'clean.'
29. So when you sent for me, I came without asking any questions. May I ask why you sent for me?"
30. Cornelius answered, "Four days ago at this very hour I was in my house praying. It was three o'clock in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood in front of me.
31. He said, 'Cornelius, God has heard your prayer. He has remembered your gifts to poor people.
32. Send someone to Joppa to get Simon Peter. He is a guest in the home of another Simon, who works with leather. He lives by the sea.'
33. So I sent for you right away. It was good of you to come. Now we are all here. And God is here with us. We are ready to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us."
34. Then Peter began to speak. "I now realize how true it is that God treats everyone the same," he said.
35. "He accepts people from every nation. He accepts all who have respect for him and do what is right.
36. "You know the message God sent to the people of Israel. It is the good news of peace through Jesus Christ. He is Lord of all.