The Gospel is for EVERYONE!

Acts 10:2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.

God is about to answer Cornelius' prayers, but first look at what Cornelius was doing:

Acts 10:30 So Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

Cornelius had been fasting and praying. The Word seems to suggest he was committed to fasting and prayer and Cornelius was patient in waiting for God to answer. Cornelius is told by an angel to send for a man named Peter (who would be the answer to his prayer). At the same time God is doing something to prepare Peter for this. Isn't it interesting how The Word as many examples of ways God tells one person to do something that doesn't seem to make sense, but He is putting everything in motion “behind the scenes” to pull it all together. As we see in verses 12-15, God is pulling Peter kicking and screaming away from his religious traditions. Although Peter was a born-again Christian, he still held on to some religious tradition. God not only makes it clear to Peter that being forbidden to eat anything is silly, but to think that the Gospel is only meant for a certain people group is equally silly:

Acts 10:12-15 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
13 And a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat."
14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean."
15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common."

Peter goes to see Cornelius and Cornelius is very excited to hear what Peter has to share with him. In his excitement, he worships Peter and in so doing gives us an example of what NOT to do(v 25-26). We can be excited about a Word a preacher, teacher or anyone may have for us, but that should never change the direction of our praise and worship. God sent Peter, Peter is just the messenger, God gets the Glory. No matter how you got saved (if you are) the same is true. If you have been saved, God put the plan in motion and placed the right people in the right places for you to hear and receive The Word.

Acts 10:25-26 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.
26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself am also a man."

And what is this Word Peter had for Cornelius (that was an answer to prayer)?

Acts 10:34-44 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 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. 39 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. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 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. 42 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. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins." 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.