Relatives would be family members such as Cornelius’ wife and his children. Close friends would be those who share something of his beliefs and know him well. All in all, Cornelius is ready to receive Peter and hear a message from God.1 He also wants to make sure that those whom he knows and loves also share in the blessings which God will bring through Peter.2
24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.