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Most churches today are deceived into believing this was a vision to explain that YEHO-
               VAH had "done away" with the unclean food laws of Leviticus 11! However, Peter soon realized
               that he was not to call any MAN common or unclean -- which means the vision had absolutely
               nothing to do with revoking YEHOVAH's food laws. Peter finally proclaimed, starting in verse 34
               of Acts 10:

                       "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him
                       and works righteousness is accepted by Him."


                       Then, in verse 36: "The word which God sent to the CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, preaching
               peace through Jesus Christ -- He is lord of all" -- the tribes of Israel, if you will. Read the entire
               chapter of Acts 10 to understand the context and story flow.


                                                    Back to Cornelius

                       Cornelius no doubt was an ISRAELITE that feared YEHOVAH, gave alms and prayed to
               God always: "There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was
               called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who
               gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always" (Acts 10:1-2). In Acts 26:7 we
               read that the twelve tribes (ALL of Israel) understood the promise that YEHOVAH gave to Abra-
               ham -- and were instantly serving YEHOVAH day and night. Isn't it just possible that Cornelius
               was someone of these twelve tribes? Notice: "To this promise our TWELVE TRIBES, earnestly
               serving God night and day, hope to attain. For THIS hope's sake...I am accused by the Jews."


                       I realize many people will argue that it does not say anywhere in the New Testament that
               Cornelius was an Israelite. But using logic and common sense, and what we just read in Acts 26:7,
               we have to come to the conclusion that the hope of the promise given to Abraham is ONLY applied
               to the twelve tribes of Israel. Since Cornelius was a devout man and always prayed to YEHO-
               VAH, and evidently hoped for this promise too, then he had to be an ISRAELITE!

                       There is much evidence in history that the ruling and upper classes of the Roman people
               were descended from the Israelites. In a letter written by the 1st-century B.C. British king Cassi-
               bellaunus to the Roman emperor Caius Julius Caesar, we find some fascinating references to a
               common bond between the two nations:


                       Cassibelaun, king of the Britains, to Caius Julius Caesar. We cannot but wonder, Caesar,
                       at the avarice of the Roman people, since their insatiable thirst after money cannot let us
                       alone whom the dangers of the ocean have placed in a manner out of the world; but they
                       must have the presumption to covet our substance, which we have hitherto enjoyed in
                       quiet. Neither is this indeed sufficient: we must also prefer subjection and slavery to them
                       before the enjoyment of our native liberty.


                       Your demand therefore, Caesar, is scandalous, since THE SAME VEIN OF NOBILITY,
                       FLOWS FROM AENEAS, IN BRITAINS AND ROMANS, and ONE AND THE SAME
                       CHAIN OF CONSANGUINITY SHINES IN BOTH: which ought to be a bond of firm
                       union and friendship. That is what you should have demanded of us, and not slavery: we

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