1 Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,
2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Acts 10 recounts a pivotal moment in the early church—the conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, and the vision given to Peter. Cornelius, a devout man who feared God, receives a vision instructing him to send for Peter. Meanwhile, Peter has a vision of “four-footed animals and crawling creatures of the earth and birds of the sky,” which God commands him to eat. Peter is perplexed by this vision, but when Cornelius visits, Peter preaches the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit falls upon the Gentiles. In response to this, Peter declares, “I most truly comprehend now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the one who fears Him and does righteousness is welcome to Him,” demonstrating his understanding that God accepts all who believe in Him, regardless of their heritage. This event marks a turning point, showing that the message of Christ is for all nations, not just the Jews.

Acts 10 highlights God's sovereignty in salvation, and that He chooses whom He will - the Gospel is not limited to any ethnicity or social status. The vision given to Peter emphasizes that God's laws have been fulfilled through Christ, and the distinction between clean and unclean in the Old Testament was a foreshadowing of God's ultimate plan to redeem all who believe.
The importance of obedience to God's calling is very apparent here, as Peter initially hesitates but ultimately follows God's command. This is a lesson for Christians today: we must not resist God's will, even when it challenges our preconceptions. In direct contradiction of a modern worldview of religion, this passage affirms the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ. While Cornelius was devout, he still needed to hear and believe the Gospel. His conversion underscores that “good works” are not sufficient for salvation. Only faith in Christ brings redemption.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Gentiles mirrors Pentecost, demonstrating that salvation is available to all who call on Christ, regardless of background. This passage reaffirms the Great Commission, urging believers to share the Gospel with all nations and reject any barriers that might hinder evangelism.

1 Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.

1 Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to harm them.