On Peter’s arrival Cornelius met him, and falling at his feet, worshiped him.  But Peter made him get up, saying, ‘Stand up; I am only a mortal.’... Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him....While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word.  The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’  So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.  Then they invited him to stay for several days.

Peter: “I begin to see how true it is…”

Peter, who was already so full of the Holy Spirit, full of wisdom and gentleness and knowledge…now we can add to that – humility.  He, too, is still growing in the spiritual life.  “I begin to see…”  He was not arrogant enough to proclaim dictums in this matter of the Gentiles, he was open like a child.  “The circumcised believers…were surprised…”  Apparently they believed that they were special and unique in God’s sight – above the Gentiles.  And prior to that “the Spirit descended upon all…” so even so, they had a growth experience.

“They asked him to stay for a few days.”  Common bond of love and reception of the Spirit leads to human companionship and friendship.