In brief
Cornelius is a Roman centurion in Caesarea, in what is called the Italian cohort, described as devout, God-fearing, generous to the people and faithful in prayer. An angel tells him that his prayers and gifts have come up before God and orders him to send for Peter in Joppa. Peter comes and proclaims Jesus. The Holy Spirit falls on those who listen, and Cornelius and his household are baptized. The believers in Jerusalem glorify God, who has granted repentance to the Gentiles also. His story shows that God shows no partiality.
What does the name Cornelius mean?
The name Cornelius is a Latin name, borne by a great Roman family, which fits Cornelius' position as an officer of the Roman army. The biblical text gives no explanation of the name. The Bible introduces him as a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian cohort (Acts 10:1).
The story of Cornelius
A centurion who fears God
Acts 10:1-8In Caesarea, Cornelius is a centurion of the Italian cohort. He is devout and fears God with all his household, gives generously to the people and prays continually. About the ninth hour, an angel tells him that his prayers and his gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial before God. The angel tells him to send for Simon, called Peter, in Joppa.
Peter is prepared
Acts 10:9-23The next day, Peter goes up on the roof to pray and sees something like a great sheet, full of all kinds of animals. A voice tells him to kill and eat. Peter refuses, because he has never eaten anything unclean, but the voice answers that what God has made clean, he must not call common. Cornelius' messengers then arrive.
Peter's message
Acts 10:24-43Peter goes to Cornelius, who has gathered his relatives and close friends. Peter declares that God shows no partiality, but that in every nation the one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. He then proclaims Jesus Christ, his death, his resurrection, and forgiveness of sins for everyone who believes in him.
The Holy Spirit falls
Acts 10:44-48While Peter is still speaking, the Holy Spirit falls on all who hear the word. The circumcised believers who came with Peter are amazed, because the gift is poured out on the Gentiles too. Peter asks whether anyone can withhold water for baptizing those who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have. He orders that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
The reaction in Jerusalem
Acts 11:1-18The apostles and the brothers in Judea hear that the Gentiles also received the word of God. Peter tells them everything that happened. After hearing him, they fall silent and glorify God, saying that God has granted repentance that leads to life even to the Gentiles. The church understands that the gospel is for all nations.
What Cornelius teaches us
- God shows no partiality: the gospel is for all nations.
- Cornelius' sincere devotion is not enough by itself: he must hear the gospel and believe in Jesus.
- God prepares both the one who proclaims and the one who listens, and arranges their meeting.
- Obeying God, even without seeing the whole picture, opens doors that no one had imagined.
Key verses
Cornelius was a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave generously to the people and prayed to God continually. A portrait of a sincere man whom God already looks on with favor.
Peter recognizes that God shows no partiality, but that in every nation the one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. This is the central lesson of the episode.
The believers in Jerusalem glorify God, saying that he has granted repentance that leads to life even to the Gentiles. The church accepts that salvation in Jesus is for everyone.
Sermons about Cornelius
Frequently asked questions
Who was Cornelius in the Bible?
Cornelius is a Roman centurion in Caesarea, devout and God-fearing (Acts 10:1-2). An angel tells him to send for Peter. Peter proclaims Jesus to him, the Holy Spirit falls on his household and they are baptized (Acts 10:44-48). It is a turning point for the opening of the church to the Gentiles.
What does the name Cornelius mean?
Cornelius is a Latin name, borne by a great Roman family. The Bible does not explain the meaning of the name, so it is best to stay cautious about its interpretation. What the text stresses is his position as a centurion and his fear of God.
Where can I find the story of Cornelius in the Bible?
His story is in the book of Acts, in the whole of chapter 10: Cornelius' vision, Peter's vision, Peter's message and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Chapter 11, verses 1 to 18, tells how Peter reports these events in Jerusalem.