When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”
And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”
Comment: I wonder how short this passage is of a much longer introduction and conversation. Cornelius, as the Roman overlord is very respectful to Peter – no doubt because of his meeting with the angel. That was surely a sobering experience. Peter is honest, humble and confesses why in spite of his cultural background he has willingly come. Cornelius then repeats the angelic instructions and announces that he is keen to hear Peter’s message and has brought his friends to share the good news that he expects Peter to bring.
Prayer: Father, how I wish that people of this century were keen to hear Your message.
As I read it! 