Cornelius

Cornelius was a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea Maritima, commander of a unit of the Italian Cohort. The text describes him as devout, fearing God with all his household, giving generously to the Jewish people, and praying constantly. He was not a Jew but a "God-fearer" — a Gentile who respected and worshipped the God of Israel without full conversion. One afternoon he had a vision of an angel who told him his prayers and almsgiving had ascended as a memorial before God, and who instructed him to send for a man named Simon Peter staying at a tanner's house in Joppa.

Simultaneously, Peter had a vision of a sheet descending with unclean animals and a voice commanding him to eat, saying "What God has made clean, do not call common." When Cornelius' messengers arrived, the Spirit told Peter to go with them without hesitation. Peter entered the house — an act a Jewish man would normally avoid — and began to preach. Before he had finished, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening, and they began speaking in tongues and praising God. Jewish believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift had been poured out even on Gentiles. Peter said, "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people?" and baptized them. The episode permanently opened the door of the church to the Gentile world.