Lexical Summary Kornélios: Cornelius Original Word: Κορνήλιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Cornelius. Of Latin origin; Cornelius, a Roman -- Cornelius. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition Cornelius, a Rom. centurion NASB Translation Cornelius (8). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2883: ΚορνήλιοςΚορνήλιος, Κορνηλίου, ὁ, a Latin name, Cornelius, a Roman centurion living at Caesarea, converted to Christianity by Peter: Acts 10:1ff Topical Lexicon Identity and Historical Background Cornelius was a centurion stationed at Caesarea Maritima, serving in the “Italian Regiment” (Acts 10:1). As a mid-ranking officer he commanded about one hundred soldiers and enjoyed the social status, pay, and privileges of a Roman citizen. Living in the administrative center of Judea, he was ideally placed at the intersection of Roman authority and Jewish life. Occurrences in Scripture The name appears nine times, all in Acts 10 (verses 1, 3, 17, 21, 22, 24, 25, 30, 31). Each reference develops the narrative of how God used Cornelius to open the door of salvation to the Gentiles. Spiritual Character Acts 10:2 describes him as “devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly”. His piety is witnessed in: Divine Intervention At about the ninth hour of the day an angel appeared: “Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial offering before God” (Acts 10:4). The angel directed him to send men to Joppa for Simon Peter. Simultaneously, Peter received the rooftop vision declaring formerly unclean creatures now clean (Acts 10:9-16), preparing him to welcome Gentiles without hesitation. The synchronization of visions underscores God’s sovereign orchestration. The Gospel Breakthrough When Peter arrived, Cornelius “fell at his feet in reverence, but Peter helped him up. ‘Stand up,’ he said, ‘I am only a man myself’” (Acts 10:25-26). Gathering relatives and close friends, Cornelius listened as Peter proclaimed the risen Christ (Acts 10:34-43). “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard” (Acts 10:44). The Spirit’s outpouring prior to water baptism authenticated God’s acceptance of Gentiles apart from proselyte rites. Peter concluded, “Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!” (Acts 10:47). Doctrinal Implications 1. Universal Offer of the Gospel: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him” (Acts 10:34-35). Ministry Applications • Prayer and generosity prepare hearts—Cornelius models how sincere seekers receive further light. Legacy in Church History Cornelius is often called the first Gentile convert, marking a decisive transition from a predominantly Jewish movement to a worldwide church. His conversion became a key precedent cited in later debates on circumcision and Mosaic law (Acts 15:7-11). Church fathers such as Augustine viewed him as evidence of God’s predestined plan to gather the nations. Personal Lessons for Believers 1. God hears the sincere prayers of seekers and responds in His timing. Cornelius’s account thus stands as a milestone in redemptive history, showcasing the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ and urging the church to continual cross-cultural mission. Forms and Transliterations Κορνηλιε Κορνήλιε Κορνηλιος Κορνήλιος Κορνηλιου Κορνηλίου Kornelie Kornēlie Kornḗlie Kornelios Kornēlios Kornḗlios Korneliou Kornelíou Kornēliou KornēlíouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 10:1 N-NMSGRK: Καισαρείᾳ ὀνόματι Κορνήλιος ἑκατοντάρχης ἐκ NAS: named Cornelius, a centurion KJV: called Cornelius, a centurion INT: Ceasarea by name Cornelius a centurion of Acts 10:3 N-VMS Acts 10:17 N-GMS Acts 10:21 Noun-GMS Acts 10:22 N-NMS Acts 10:24 N-NMS Acts 10:25 N-NMS Acts 10:30 N-NMS Acts 10:31 N-VMS Strong's Greek 2883 |
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