Topical Encyclopedia The account of Cornelius' vision concerning Peter is a significant event in the New Testament, illustrating the early Church's expansion to include Gentiles. This vision is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 10:1-48. Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment, is described as a devout man who feared God, gave generously to the people, and prayed continually to God (Acts 10:1-2).Context and Background Cornelius resided in Caesarea, a prominent city in Judea, and was a Gentile who had adopted Jewish religious practices, known as a "God-fearer." Despite his devoutness, Cornelius was not a full convert to Judaism, as he had not undergone circumcision. His vision marks a pivotal moment in the early Church, as it signifies the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles. The Vision Around the ninth hour of the day, Cornelius had a vision in which an angel of God appeared to him. The angel addressed him by name and acknowledged his prayers and alms as a memorial offering before God (Acts 10:3-4). The angel instructed Cornelius to send men to Joppa to bring back Simon Peter, who was staying with Simon the tanner by the sea (Acts 10:5-6). Significance of the Vision Cornelius' vision is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates God's initiative in reaching out to the Gentiles, indicating that the message of salvation through Jesus Christ is for all people, not just the Jews. Secondly, it sets the stage for Peter's own vision, which further reinforces the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith. Peter's Vision and the Meeting While Cornelius' men were on their way to Joppa, Peter experienced a vision of his own. In this vision, a sheet containing various animals was lowered from heaven, and a voice instructed Peter to kill and eat. Peter, adhering to Jewish dietary laws, initially resisted, but the voice responded, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (Acts 10:15). This vision occurred three times, emphasizing its importance. When Cornelius' men arrived, Peter, guided by the Holy Spirit, agreed to accompany them to Caesarea. Upon meeting Cornelius, Peter realized the full meaning of his vision: "God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean" (Acts 10:28). Peter then preached the Gospel to Cornelius and his household, and the Holy Spirit came upon all who heard the message, leading to their baptism (Acts 10:44-48). Theological Implications The vision of Cornelius and the subsequent events underscore the universality of the Gospel. It marks a turning point in the early Church, as it begins to embrace Gentile believers without requiring adherence to Jewish ceremonial laws. This event is a fulfillment of the Great Commission, where Jesus instructed His disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). The account of Cornelius' vision and Peter's response is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers within the body of Christ. It highlights the inclusivity of God's salvation plan and the role of divine revelation in guiding the early Church's mission. Nave's Topical Index Acts 10:3-6He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying to him, Cornelius. Nave's Topical Index Library The Conversion of Cornelius. Our First Proposition Was, that There is Satisfactory Evidence ... Against Jovinianus. Christian Churches. The Apocalypse. Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ... The Doctrine of Arbitrary Scriptural Accommodation Considered. The Doctrine of Jesus Christ. A Case of Conscience Resolved Lydia, the First European Convert Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong for a Christian to have a dream catcher? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 2? | GotQuestions.org Dream: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dream of Abimelech, , Concerning Sarah Dream of Daniel, Concerning the Four Beasts Dream of Eliphaz, of a Spirit Speaking to Him Dream of Jacob, Concerning the Ladder Dream of Joseph, Concerning Mary's Innocence Dream of Joseph, Concerning the Sheaves Dream of Laban, Concerning Jacob Dream of Midianite Concerning the Cake of Barley Dream of Pilate's Wife, Concerning Jesus Dream of Solomon, Concerning his Choice of Wisdom Dream: Concerning his Going Down Into Egypt Dream: Concerning the Flight Into Egypt Dream: Concerning the Return Into Palestine Dream: Concerning the Shipwreck, and the Safety of all on Board Dream: Cornelius Vision, Concerning Peter Dream: False Prophets Pretended to Receive Revelations Through Dream: Paul's Vision of the Man in Macedonia, Crying, "Come Over Into Macedonia" Dream: Peter's Vision of the Ceremonially Unclean Creatures Dream: Relating to his Going to Rome Dream: The Dreams of the Butler and Baker Dream: The Ring-Straked Cattle Related Terms Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) Understandest (10 Occurrences) |
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