Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/819

 which God  hath  purified  do  not  thou  call  common!”  This  was done three  times,  after  which  the  vision  disappeared.

Whilst Peter  was  wondering  what  this  vision  might  signify, the Spirit  of  God  spoke  within  him,  saying: “Behold,  three  men seek thee;  arise,  therefore,  go  down,  and  go  with  them,  doubting nothing, for  I have  sent  them.”  Immediately  Peter  went  down and met  the  men  whom  Cornelius  had  sent.

Next day  he  set  out  with  them,  and  with  some  of  his  own disciples, for  Caesarea. Here he  was  met  by  Cornelius,  who, bowing down  before  Peter,  told  his  vision  and  all  that  the  angel had said.

Peter then  understood  his  own  vision  about  clean  and  unclean animals; that  is  to  say  that  the  Gentiles,  who  had  hitherto  been considered as  unclean,  were  to  be  received  henceforth  into  the Church of  Christ. Whereupon he  announced  to  Cornelius  and  his household the  doctrine  of  Jesus  Christ.

And opening  his  mouth,  he  said:  “In  very  deed  I perceive that God  is  not  a respecter  of  persons. But in  every  nation he that  feareth  Him ,  and  worketh  justice,  is  acceptable  to  Him. God sent  the  word  to  the  children  of  Israel,  preaching  peace by Jesus  Christ  (He  is  Lord  of  all ). You know  the  word  which hath been  published  through  all  Judaea: for  it  began  from  Galilee,