Cornelius the Centurion
Good News for Everyone
Acts 10:1-48about 2 minutes to read aloud
Cornelius was a Roman centurion. He was a good man who feared God and gave generously to the poor. One afternoon, an angel of God came to him. "Your prayers and your gifts have come up as a memorial before God. Send for a man named Peter. He is staying in Joppa."
Cornelius sent three men to fetch Peter.
The next day, up on a rooftop in Joppa, Peter was praying. He grew hungry. He had a vision. A sheet came down from heaven full of all kinds of animals. A voice said, "Peter, get up. Kill and eat."
"No, Lord. I have never eaten anything unclean." The voice said, "Do not call anything unclean that God has made clean." This happened three times. Just then the men from Cornelius arrived. The Spirit said, "Go with them."
Peter went. He entered Cornelius's house. A room full of people waited. He opened his mouth. "God shows no favor. In every nation, those who fear Him and do what is right are welcome."
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came on everyone who heard the word. They were baptized. The good news had crossed a wall God never wanted built.
Questions to talk about
What was Cornelius's job?
Show the answer
Cornelius was a Roman centurion who feared God and gave to the poor.
What did God show Peter in a vision?
Show the answer
The vision taught Peter that God had made a way for every nation to come to Him.
What does the story tell us about God?
Show the answer
'God shows no favor,' Peter said. 'In every nation, those who fear Him are welcome.'
The lesson
The good news of Jesus is for every nation. The Lord has made one people out of many.
