This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Acts 10:1-48, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius. He was a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a leader of many soldiers. He loved and respected God, and he encouraged his whole family to do the same. Cornelius was very kind to people and often gave them money. He prayed to God all the time.
One day, while he was praying, an angel of God appeared to him and said, “Cornelius, God has heard your prayers and seen your kind deeds. Send for a man named Peter in Joppa, who is staying at a tanner’s house. Peter will tell you what you need to know.” Cornelius immediately sent some of his servants to go and find Peter.
Meanwhile, Peter was also praying on a rooftop in Joppa. He was hungry and waiting for food to be prepared when he had a vision. He saw a sheet come down from the sky with all kinds of animals on it. A voice told him to eat, but Peter said he could not eat those animals because they were not clean. The voice then said, “Do not call unclean what God has made clean.” This happened three times, and then the sheet went back up into the sky.
While Peter was still trying to understand his vision, Cornelius’ servants arrived and asked for him. The Holy Spirit then spoke to Peter and told him to go with the servants because God had sent them.
The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius and his family and friends were waiting for him. Cornelius was so excited to see Peter that he fell down on his knees and worshiped him. Peter told him to get up because he was just a man, not God.
Peter then said to Cornelius and his friends, “You know that it is against our Jewish law for me to come into a Gentile home like this. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.” Peter then asked Cornelius, “Why did you send for me?”
Cornelius replied, “Four days ago, I was praying in my house when a man in bright clothing appeared to me and said that my prayers and gifts to the poor had been received by God. The man told me to send for you so that you could tell me what God wants me to do.”
Peter then shared with Cornelius, his family, and his friends the good news about Jesus. He told them, “I know that God treats everyone equally, and anyone who respects and obeys Him is welcome, no matter where they come from. Jesus Christ is Lord of all, and He brings good news of peace. He traveled all over, doing good things and healing people who were sick or troubled by bad spirits.
Jesus was killed on a cross, but God raised Him back to life on the third day. We saw Him after He came back to life and even ate and drank with Him. Jesus told us to go and tell people about Him and that He is the one who will judge everyone, living and dead. All the prophets talked about Jesus, and if you believe in Him, your sins will be forgiven.”
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came upon everyone who was listening, even the non-Jewish people. Peter then baptized them in the name of Jesus Christ. They asked him to stay with them for a few days.
Biblical Lessons
- Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead.
- God can use anyone to spread the good news of Jesus, regardless of their background or status in society.
- We should not let our prejudices or biases prevent us from sharing the love of Jesus with others.
- God desires for all people to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth.
- We should be obedient to God’s call, even if it means going outside of our comfort zones or doing things that seem unconventional or risky.
- God’s plan is bigger than our own limited understanding or expectations, and we should trust Him to guide us on the right path.
- The Holy Spirit empowers and equips us to do God’s work, and we should rely on Him for guidance and strength.
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