Cornelius was a Roman centurion who is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament. He was a Gentile convert to Christianity and is considered to be one of the first Gentiles to convert to the Christian faith. Here is an overview of the key things the Bible tells us about Cornelius:
Cornelius was a Roman centurion
Cornelius is described as being “a centurion of what was known as the Italian Regiment” (Acts 10:1 ESV). A centurion was a Roman army officer who commanded around 80-100 soldiers. The Italian Regiment refers to a cohort of soldiers recruited in Italy. So Cornelius had an important military position commanding Italian troops in the Roman army.
He was devout and God-fearing
The Bible says that Cornelius was “a devout man who feared God with all his household” (Acts 10:2). Even though he was a Gentile, Cornelius believed in one God and lived a faithful life devoted to God. He was not an idol-worshipping pagan like many Romans at the time. His devotion to God is evidenced by the fact that he prayed to God regularly (Acts 10:2) and gave generously to help the Jewish people (Acts 10:2).
An angel appeared to him
One day at about three in the afternoon, Cornelius clearly saw an angel of God appear to him (Acts 10:3). The angel called him by name and told him “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God” (Acts 10:4). This shows that God heard his prayers and saw his acts of charity. The angel then instructed Cornelius to send men to Joppa to bring back the apostle Peter (Acts 10:5).
He obeyed the angel’s instructions
Cornelius immediately obeyed the angel’s command. He called two of his servants and one of his devout soldiers and explained everything to them (Acts 10:7). Then he sent them to Joppa, about 30 miles away, to bring Peter back to him (Acts 10:8). This shows Cornelius’ obedience and eagerness to follow God’s leading.
Peter preached the gospel to him and his household
When Peter arrived, Cornelius fell at his feet in reverence (Acts 10:25). But Peter made it clear he was just a man like Cornelius (Acts 10:26). Cornelius then explained the vision with the angel. Peter proceeded to preach the gospel message about Jesus to Cornelius, his relatives and close friends who were assembled there (Acts 10:24, 34-43).
He and his household believed and were baptized
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit was poured out on Cornelius and all his household (Acts 10:44). They began speaking in tongues and praising God, showing clear evidence they had received the Holy Spirit. Peter then commanded that Cornelius and all his household be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:48). Cornelius became the first recorded Gentile convert to Christianity.
His conversion was a breakthrough moment for the early church
The fact that Cornelius, a Roman Gentile, had received the Holy Spirit and been baptized was a radical milestone for the early Jewish believers. Prior to this, they thought salvation was only for the Jews. But God showed Peter that the gospel was for all nations. Cornelius’ conversion opened the door for many more Gentiles to come to faith in Jesus Christ.
Key lessons from Cornelius’ story
There are some important lessons we can learn from the account of Cornelius’ conversion in Acts 10:
- God hears the prayers of the devout, no matter their background (Acts 10:4).
- God values acts of charity and kindness (Acts 10:4).
- God can speak through visions and angels when it suits His purposes (Acts 10:3).
- Obedience to God is important, even when His commands seem unclear at first (Acts 10:7-8).
- Salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 10:34-35).
- The Holy Spirit is poured out on those who respond to the gospel with faith (Acts 10:44).
- God makes it clear when He accepts new groups of people into His family (Acts 10:45).
- Baptism is commanded for new believers to identify with Christ (Acts 10:48).
The account of Cornelius gives us important insights into God’s desire to include the Gentiles in His kingdom. It shows that God does not show favoritism or exclusion, but will accept all who come to Him in faith (Acts 10:34-35). Cornelius responded readily to the revelation he was given, leading to him and his household experiencing salvation.
Cornelius after his conversion
The Bible does not record much about Cornelius’ life after his conversion experience recorded in Acts 10. However, we can infer some key things:
- He likely continued serving in some capacity in the Roman regiment he commanded.
- He grew in his newfound faith and became part of the Christian community that began to thrive in Caesarea and other parts of Judea.
- He used his influence to share the gospel with other soldiers and Romans.
- He almost certainly helped fund the spread of Christianity and supported the apostles and early church leaders.
- He probably hosted one of the first house churches in Caesarea where believers could meet.
- He continued living a righteous life as a believer, knowing his salvation was by God’s grace.
Although we don’t have specific details, it’s clear Cornelius went on to be an important early church leader and used his resources and influence to advance the gospel after his dramatic conversion.
Significance and legacy of Cornelius
Cornelius occupies an important place in the history of the early church and the New Testament record:
- First Gentile convert – He was the first recorded Gentile convert to Christianity, setting a precedent for many more to follow.
- Inclusion of the Gentiles – His conversion signified that the gospel was for all nations, not just the Jews.
- Outpouring of the Spirit – The Holy Spirit was poured out on the Gentiles at Cornelius’ conversion (Acts 10:45).
- Vision for Peter – His story led to Peter receiving a vision from God about accepting Gentiles (Acts 10:9–16).
- Milestone event – The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 pointed back to Cornelius’ conversion as a milestone event for the Gentile mission.
- Example of piety – He exemplified devotion to God through prayer and charity even before becoming a believer in Jesus.
- Example of obedience – He obeyed promptly when given instructions by the angel of God.
- Household conversion – His “household” converted together with him, setting a precedent for family conversions.
Cornelius was clearly a pivotal figure in the history of the early church. He helped incorporate Gentiles into the previously all-Jewish Jesus movement. His devotion, generosity, obedience and hospitality made him used greatly by God to start something new. His legacy lives on among the millions of Gentile believers who have come to faith in Jesus Christ since.
Where we can read about Cornelius in the Bible
The story of Cornelius’ conversion is recorded in Acts chapter 10. This is the key passage that provides details on him and his household becoming believers:
- Acts 10:1-8 – Cornelius described as devout, his vision of the angel
- Acts 10:24-33 – Meeting between Cornelius and Peter in Caesarea
- Acts 10:34-43 – Peter’s preaching to those assembled
- Acts 10:44-46 – The Holy Spirit falls on Cornelius and his household as Peter is preaching
- Acts 10:47-48 – Peter commands them to be baptized in Jesus’ name
In addition to Acts 10, Cornelius in mentioned in a few other places in the New Testament:
- Acts 11:12-14 – Peter recounts the vision from the angel
- Acts 15:7-9 – Peter references back to Cornelius’ conversion at the Jerusalem Council
- Acts 15:12 – Barnabas and Paul reported the signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles
So Cornelius and his conversion experience are an important milestone recounted several times in both Acts 10 and 15. This underscores the huge significance of this event for the fledgling early church.
Interesting facts about Cornelius
In addition to the key events and aspects of his life already covered, here are some fascinating facts about Cornelius that provide insight into his story:
- – His name means “of a horn” in Latin, suggesting strength or power.
- – He was likely stationed at Caesarea Maritima, an important Roman base of operations.
- – Pious Romans like Cornelius were attracted to Judaism’s monotheism but did not fully convert.
- – Centurions had important leadership roles with higher status than common soldiers.
- – He was part of the “Godfearer” movement of Gentiles who admired Jewish beliefs.
- – Angels very rarely appear in the book of Acts, underscoring the uniqueness of Cornelius’ vision.
- – His baptism is the first recorded Christian baptism of a Gentile convert.
- – Caesarea became an important early center of Christianity after Cornelius’ conversion.
- – He showed great humility by bowing before Peter, an unusual act for a Roman officer.
- – His relatives and close friends who witnessed Peter’s preaching were likely also converts.
These interesting facts help provide more context and depth to the story of this significant early church leader. Examining these details allows us to more fully appreciate Cornelius’ background and the importance of his conversion.
Questions about Cornelius’ story
There are some common questions people have about the story of Cornelius recorded in Acts 10:
Why did God choose Cornelius to be the first Gentile convert?
It seems Cornelius was specifically chosen because of his devotion to God, prayers, and charity. His strong faith made him open to God’s message when it came through Peter. As a Roman centurion, he also provided a strategic bridge to the wider Gentile world.
What does this story teach us about God?
It shows that God does not show favoritism or exclusion based on ethnicity or background. He desires all to come to faith in Him. It also shows God purposefully guiding events to incorporate the Gentiles into the church.
How did Peter realize the gospel was for Gentiles too?
Peter had a vision from God where he was told not to call anything impure that God had made clean (Acts 10:15). This helped Peter understand that the gospel was for the Gentiles also.
Why was Cornelius’ conversion so significant?
It was the first definitive proof that non-Jews could receive salvation in Jesus without first becoming Jewish proselytes. It opened the door for the global spread of Christianity.
What can we learn from Cornelius’ example?
His devotion, generosity, household unity, hospitality, and obedience provide great examples for believers. He took the revelation from God seriously and walked in obedience.
These questions help shine more light on Cornelius’ monumental conversion and the impact it had on the early church in including the Gentiles in God’s kingdom.
Summary of the importance of Cornelius
In summary, here are some of the key reasons Cornelius was such an important figure in early church history:
- – He was the first Gentile convert, opening the door for many more to come to faith.
- – His conversion certified that the gospel was for all nations, not just Jews.
- – It led to a major paradigm shift in the early church’s understanding of God’s mission.
- – His story features the outpouring of the Spirit on a Roman’s household.
- – It caused Peter to grasp that God wanted to include the Gentiles in salvation.
- – Cornelius embodied admirable traits like devotion, humility, generosity and obedience.
- – His vision pointed to the acts of God reaching beyond Israel to bless all nations.
- – He was strategic in his position, influence, and location for expanding the gospel.
- – It affirmed the inclusion of Gentiles during the pivotal Jerusalem Council.
This remarkable God-fearer became instrumental in taking the message of Jesus beyond the confines of Judaism to the wider Greco-Roman world. His historic conversion planted the seeds that helped accelerate the spread of early Christianity across the Roman Empire and beyond.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cornelius occupies an important place in the New Testament as the first Gentile convert to Christianity. This Roman centurion exemplified admirable qualities like devotion to God, prayer, charity, and obedience. His story features a vision from an angel, the preaching of Peter, and the outpouring of the Spirit. Cornelius readily embraced the gospel, leading to his baptism and incorporation of Gentiles into the early church. His conversion represented a major paradigm shift and milestone event for early Christianity. This remarkable God-fearer helped propel the message of Jesus beyond Judaism to reach the entire Roman world.