Cornelius had a vision about the 9th hour (3 PM). He was give instructions to send for Simon (Peter), and he would tell Cornelius what to do. The angel gave him specific instructions for an unspecified reward.
Meanwhile, Peter is on the housetop of Simon, the tanner. He's hungry and suddenly has a vision of a sheet filled with all kinds of animals considered unclean. He tells God he's NEVER eaten anything common or unclean. He's told to not to call what God has cleansed, "common." Peter eating or abstaining is not the important part here. He has this vision three times.
Peter mulls over the meaning of this vision. This isn't about eating or not eating certain foods. God is making a point. When the Spirit tells him people are at the door and to go with them nothing doubting, he understands. They are Gentiles, and Jews were to have nothing to do with them. However, God was telling him to go.
When they arrive at the house of Cornelius, he finds all of the man's family and friends in attendance. He informs Cornelius that it was unlawful for him to meet with Gentiles, but God showed him he was to come. He asks Cornelius why he sent for him. Peter doesn't know.
God needed Peter to grow and pruned something that was not causing Peter any problems. This is a more advanced stage of pruning. God wants to prepare us for future opportunities.
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If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to our Sunday Morning Service, at 10:00 AM. Zoe Christian Fellowship is located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA. We look forward to meeting you!
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