Acts 10:1-8 · Cornelius Calls for Peter

1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!"

4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. 5 The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea."

7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

Cornelius Calls for Peter
Acts 10:1-8
One Volume
by Gary M. Burge
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The first part of the story begins with numerous references highlighting its very different geographical and cultural context (10:1). Caesarea is one of the most significant ports of the Mediterranean world. It was founded by Herod the Great and became a major Hellenistic city occupied mostly by Gentiles. Cornelius is introduced as a “centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment.” “Centurion,” referring to a leader of about one hundred soldier…

Baker Publishing Group, The Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary, by Gary M. Burge