1. In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, who was the captain of a group of soldiers called “The Italian Unit”.
2. Cornelius was a very religious man. He worshipped God, and so did everyone else who lived in his house. He had given a lot of money to the poor and was always praying to God.
3. One afternoon at about three o'clock, Cornelius had a vision. He saw an angel from God coming to him and calling him by name.
4. Cornelius was surprised and stared at the angel. Then he asked, “What is this all about?”The angel answered, “God has heard your prayers and knows about your gifts to the poor.
5. Now send some men to Joppa for a man named Simon Peter.
6. He is staying with Simon the leather maker, who lives in a house near the sea.”
7. After saying this, the angel left.Cornelius called in two of his servants and one of his soldiers who worshipped God.
8. He explained everything to them and sent them off to Joppa.
9. The next day about midday these men were coming near Joppa. Peter went up on the roof of the house to pray
10. and became very hungry. While the food was being prepared, he fell sound asleep and had a vision.
11. He saw heaven open, and something came down like a huge sheet held up by its four corners.
12. In it were all kinds of animals, snakes, and birds.