What happensPermalink
A Roman centurion named Cornelius, visited by an angel, invites Peter to preach to his household. Peter sees a vision of clean and unclean foods, which he understands to mean that the Gospel is available to Gentiles. Peter visits Cornelius and preaches the gospel. The Holy Spirit falls on the entire crowd.
Why it mattersPermalink
Peter’s vision overturns the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, declaring that God decides what is clean, not man. The Holy Spirit confirms his understanding when He baptizes the Gentiles without any Jewish rituals.
Key versePermalink
And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.