The answer is: Cornelius

Acts 10 - God had revealed to Peter in a vision that the Gentiles were no longer 'unclean' and Cornelius was the first to benefit.

The story of Cornelius is a fascinating turning point in the early Christian church, encapsulated in Acts 10. Imagine the scene: Here is a Roman centurion, someone typically viewed with skepticism by Jewish believers. But Cornelius wasn’t your average Gentile; he was devout, a man of prayer and generosity. His sincere search for the divine didn’t just place him on Peter’s radar, but opened a window for God's message to leap beyond the borders of Israel.

In his unique vision, Peter sees a sheet filled with all kinds of animals—clean and unclean—lowered from heaven, prompting him to grapple with the notion that God’s love isn’t confined to the Jewish community alone. This revelation reshapes Peter’s understanding, suggesting that no one is beyond redemption, and everyone is welcome at God’s table.

And here’s something truly remarkable: Within the early church structure, baptism symbolized a new beginning and a break from old traditions. Cornelius’ baptism signifies a monumental shift, where the church begins to embody inclusiveness. It’s a powerful reminder that in the vastness of spiritual journeys, everyone belongs—no matter how different their backgrounds may be.

So when we consider Cornelius as the first Gentile preacher of this newly realized grace, he wasn’t just creating a link between Jews and Gentiles; he was heralding God's expansive love that would soon reach across continents and generations. Isn't it amazing how such an encounter transformed not just lives, but the entire mission of the church?