Peter had long practiced a religion which required the separation of Jews and Gentiles, and following Christ's ascension Peter continued to be a practicing Jew. Through the example of Christ, Peter began to think differently about those who were considered ritually unclean and unacceptable to God. Earlier in Acts 10, Peter has been staying in Joppa in the home of one who practiced an "unclean" profession, Simon the Tanner.

From there he receives the call from God to travel to Ceasarea to the home of Cornelius the centurion, the "Italian Cohort," to preach to uncircumcised Gentiles which is where we find him in today's text. Peter's focus is shifting beyond Jerusalem. "Go into all the world and make disciples...." Peter and his companions baptize many Gentiles at the home of Cornelius and …