Story of peter visiting cornelius – पतरस द्वारा कुरनेलियुस से मिलने की कहानी
The story of Peter visiting Cornelius is a significant event in the New Testament, found in the Book of Acts, chapters 10 and 11. It marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, demonstrating the inclusion of Gentiles (non-Jews) into the Christian faith.
Cornelius was a centurion in the Roman army, stationed in Caesarea. He was described as a devout man who feared God, gave generously to the needy, and prayed to God regularly. Despite being a Gentile, his piety was acknowledged by God.
One afternoon, Cornelius had a vision in which an angel of God appeared to him. The angel told him that his prayers and alms had ascended as a memorial before God. The angel instructed Cornelius to send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon Peter, who was staying with Simon the tanner by the sea.
The next day, as Cornelius’ men were approaching Joppa, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. In his vision, Peter saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, reptiles, and birds.
A voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
Peter replied, “Surely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
While Peter was still wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius arrived at the gate. The Spirit told Peter to go with them without hesitation. The next day, Peter and some of the believers from Joppa went with the men to Caesarea.
When they arrived, they found Cornelius had gathered his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up, saying, “Stand up; I am only a man myself.”
Peter then addressed the gathered people, explaining that it was against Jewish law for him to associate with or visit a Gentile, but God had shown him not to call anyone impure or unclean. He realized that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right.
Peter began to speak, sharing the message of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection. He testified that Jesus is Lord of all and that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came upon all who heard the message. The Jewish believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. They heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
Peter then said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Peter’s visit to Cornelius is a landmark event, showing that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. It signified the breaking down of barriers and the opening up of the Christian faith to the Gentiles, fulfilling God’s plan of salvation for all humanity.
Story of peter visiting cornelius – पतरस द्वारा कुरनेलियुस से मिलने की कहानी
