Peter and Cornelius: the gospel to the Gentiles
A vision of unclean animals taught Peter not to call unclean what God had cleansed. Sent for by Cornelius, a Roman centurion at Caesarea, Peter preached to his household, and the Holy Spirit fell on these Gentiles as he spoke.
Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.”
Acts 10:34–35 (World English Bible)
Cornelius was a God-fearing Gentile whom an angel had told to send for Peter. Peter entered his house, something a Jew did not do, and told them about Jesus. When the Spirit came on them, Peter had them baptized. Back in Jerusalem the believers at first objected, then glorified God, saying that he had granted repentance to the Gentiles too (Acts 11:18).
Places
Dating notes
Ussher: AD 40. Others suggest AD 38–41.