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Peter tells Cornelius about Jesus

Peter, a vision of unclean animals and Cornelius.
Contributed by Sweet Publishing
Story also available on our translated websites: Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Romanian, Hindi, Arabic, Simplified Chinese
1
The Romans built a port called Caesarea on the coast of Israel. The Italian regiment of soldiers was garrisoned here. – Slide 1
2
A centurion called Cornelius lived in the port. Although not a Jew, he and his family were devout and God- fearing. He prayed regularly to God and gave generously to those in need. – Slide 2
3
Further down the coast Peter was staying in the port of Joppa in the house of Simon who worked tanning animal hides. As Simon’s job involved dyeing the skins of dead animals, many Jews considered tanners as ‘unclean’. – Slide 3
4
One day, at about three in the afternoon, Cornelius had a vision of an angel of God. ‘Cornelius!’ said the angel. Cornelius, feeling afraid replied, ‘What is it, Lord?’ ‘Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been an offering before God. Send men to Joppa to get Peter who is staying with Simon the tanner who lives by the sea.’ – Slide 4
5
Cornelius immediately sent two of his servants and a devout soldier, who was one of his attendants, to Joppa. – Slide 5
6
Joppa was about 30 miles (48 kilometers) down the coast. The messengers stopped to rest overnight and continued their journey the next day. Meanwhile, Peter was resting on the rooftop of Simon’s house at noon when he fell into a trance. – Slide 6
7
Peter saw heaven open and a large sheet lowered to the ground by its corners. The sheet was full of animals, reptiles and birds that the Jews considered unclean and would not eat. A voice commanded him, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’ ‘Surely not, Lord!’ Peter replied. ‘I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.’ – Slide 7
8
The voice spoke to him a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. – Slide 8
9
While Peter was puzzling out the meaning of the vision, the messengers from Cornelius arrived. The Holy Spirit told Peter to go and meet them. ‘We have come from Cornelius the centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.’ Peter invited them into the house to stay as guests. – Slide 9
10
The next day Peter and several Christians from Joppa set off with the messengers to visit Cornelius in Caesarea. – Slide 10
11
Cornelius had gathered his relatives and close friends. When Peter arrived, Cornelius knelt down before him but Peter said, ‘Stand up, I am only a man.’ – Slide 11
12
‘It is against our law for a Jew to visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. That is why I am here. May I ask why you sent for me?’ – Slide 12
13
Cornelius explained how the angel had spoken to him in a vision and told him to send for Peter. ‘We have gathered in the presence of God to hear everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.’ – Slide 13
14
‘I now know that God accepts people from every nation who fear and obey Him,’ Peter explained. Then he told them about Jesus and His death and resurrection. ‘Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name,’ Peter announced. – Slide 14
15
As Peter was speaking the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Gentiles. They began praising God and speaking in tongues (other languages). – Slide 15
16
The Jewish Christians with Peter were amazed that people who were not Jewish had received the Holy Spirit. Peter then baptised the new believers with water in the name of Jesus Christ. At their invitation he stayed with them for a few days to help and encourage them. – Slide 16
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Slide 17