We next learn that Peter was residing in Joppa when he fell into a trance and received a vision from heaven. In this vision, God used various forms of imagery to communicate to Peter that he should not call unclean what God had made clean (see Acts 10:9-15). Obviously, God knew that Peter would have a hard time understanding the meaning of what he had seen because He gave Peter the same vision three times. As Peter pondered its meaning, Cornelius’ men arrived at the house. The Holy Spirit instructed Peter to go with them. God did not tell Peter why he was being sent to see Cornelius, even though it was against the custom of the day for devout Jews to associate with Gentiles. Upon arriving at Cornelius’ house, Peter said:

You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me. (Acts 10:28-29 NLT)

Peter was starting to draw the connection between the vision and his encounter with this devout Gentile, so he began to preach the gospel to Cornelius. Suddenly, in the middle of Peter’s message, the Spirit of God manifested, and the Gentiles began speaking in tongues. Peter was completely shocked because this had never happened before.

God knew that Peter and his Jewish traveling companions would have a hard time coming to terms with the fact that the gift of salvation was also intended for the Gentiles. So God poured His Spirit out on the Gentiles before Peter ever had a chance to pray with them or baptize them in water. This was proof that those outside the nation of Israel were also included in the plan of salvation.

The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 10:45-48 NLT)