Anakalypsis / Unveiling the Word

Biblical Person · New · Apostolic Age · 1794-05-27 – 1877-01-04

Cornelius

Cornelius

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Cornelius, a Roman centurion, is significant for being the first Gentile convert to Christianity, as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles, marking a pivotal moment in the early Church's mission.

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Biographical facts

Born
1794-05-27
Died
1877-01-04
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Where Cornelius appears

10 verses across 1 book.

Acts10×

Verses mentioning Cornelius

  • Acts 10:1 — There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
  • Acts 10:3 — He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
  • Acts 10:7 — And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
  • Acts 10:17 — Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,
  • Acts 10:21 — Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
  • Acts 10:22 — And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house,
  • Acts 10:24 — And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
  • Acts 10:25 — And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
  • Acts 10:30 — And 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,
  • Acts 10:31 — And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
Voices from the tradition

The Church Fathers on Cornelius

Patristic commentary on the Scriptures that name Cornelius.

From the words of Peter, therefore, which he addressed in Caesarea to Cornelius the centurion, and those Gentiles with him, to whom the word of God was first preached, we can understand what the apostles used to preach, the nature of their preaching, and their idea with regard to God. For this Cornelius was, it is said, "a devout man,…

"And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him." This, both to teach the others, and by way of giving thanks to God, and showing his own humility: thereby making it plain, that though he had been commanded, yet in himself he had great piety. What then did Peter? "But Peter took him up,…

What then does Cornelius? He does not say, Why, did not the soldiers tell thee? but observe again, how humbly he speaks. For he says, "From the fourth day 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, and said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine…

They do not mention that both the Ethiopian and Cornelius held office, but that by their wealth and the influence surrounding them they were not hindered from living devoutly. This man therefore is not a Jew, nor under the laws, but already had anticipated our way of life. Seeing him, the eye of simple-mindedness, that his deeds are…

It seems to him that the seasons of his life had become more exacting for him, and on certain days. For this reason he said, "From the fourth day." When then the angel appears to him, this is one day; and the day on which those sent from Cornelius withdrew is one; and the day on which they came is one; and on the fourth he appeared…

"Now, whilst Peter was doubting within himself, what the vision that he had seen should mean," etc. As Peter thought in bewilderment about the above-mentioned vision, the Holy Ghost said to him: "Behold, men seek thee; Cornelius hath sent them. Arise and go with them, for they were sent at my behest to seek thee." When Peter had gone…

He called two of his domestic servants and a soldier who feared the Lord. Cornelius sent three to Peter, because the Gentiles destined to believe overcame Europe, Asia, and Africa with apostolic faith, partly by military efforts, that is, the urgency of preaching, partly by attending to domestic affairs. Note that one soldier and two…

And the messengers spoke praises of Cornelius in order to convince Peter that an Angel had appeared to him. Authority over the people is in the hands of a pious man who by his own merits has proven worthy of it. True, it does happen that those who hold power do not live up to their position; but if this were not the case, then what…

This was a glorious man and he had his dwelling in a glorious city. "Having called together his relatives." This is the mark of a truly pious friend: Cornelius, being surrounded by so many blessings, makes everyone partakers and close friends. They are called close friends because he could rely on them when he faced labors and cares…

Historic voices touch this life

6 passages from 6 historic works cite verses that mention Cornelius.