Acts 10:23b-33

    The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."

 

    Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?"

 

    Cornelius answered: "Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, `Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.' So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us."

 

Father, thank You for reaching out to us Gentiles and teaching us not to worship men or any other created being. Thank You for teaching Your Jewish people that Gentiles may be clean so that they would be willing to offer us the hope of salvation. Thank You that You have dealt with Gentiles in the same wonderful ways that You’ve dealt with Jews – in dreams, through angels, by Your grace and mercy. Thank You that Gentiles may gather to listen to hear what You have commanded. Thank You that we are not cut off from You, that You do not give us the cold shoulder, that You have not rejected us. You are so gracious!