'God shows no favouritism. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ — He is Lord of all — that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.' (Acts 10.34-43, NKJV.)
Acts 10 recounts the significant event where Peter, one of the disciples of Jesus, receives a vision from God that challenges his understanding of who can be included in the Christian community. In the vision, Peter sees a sheet descending from heaven containing various animals, both clean and unclean according to Jewish dietary laws. A voice commands Peter to kill and eat, but Peter refuses, citing his adherence to Jewish customs.
Meanwhile, Cornelius, a Roman centurion, receives a vision instructing him to send for Peter, who is staying in Joppa. Cornelius, a devout man who feared God, sends his servants to fetch Peter. As they approach Joppa, Peter also receives a vision from the Holy Spirit, telling him not to regard any person as unclean.
When Cornelius' messengers arrive, Peter goes with them to Cornelius' house, which is against Jewish custom because Cornelius is a Gentile. Peter preaches the Gospel to Cornelius and his household, and while he is speaking, the Holy Spirit falls upon them, evidenced by their speaking in tongues. This convinces Peter that God shows no partiality and that Gentiles can receive salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, just as Jews can.
Peter baptises Cornelius and his household, marking a pivotal moment in the early church's understanding of the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith.