Topical Bible: Heathen: The Centurion at Caesarea

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The term "heathen" traditionally refers to individuals or groups who do not adhere to the monotheistic beliefs of Judaism or Christianity. In the New Testament, the account of the Centurion at Caesarea, Cornelius, provides a significant narrative concerning the inclusion of Gentiles, often considered "heathen," into the early Christian community.

Cornelius, the Centurion

Cornelius is introduced in Acts 10 as a centurion of the Italian Regiment stationed in Caesarea. Despite being a Gentile, Cornelius is described as "a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people and prayed to God always" (Acts 10:2). His character and actions demonstrate that even those outside the Jewish faith could possess a reverence for the God of Israel.

Divine Vision and Peter's Revelation

Cornelius receives a vision from an angel of God, instructing him to send for Simon Peter, who is staying in Joppa. The angel tells Cornelius, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God" (Acts 10:4). This divine encounter underscores the notion that God acknowledges the faith and righteousness of individuals beyond the Jewish community.

Simultaneously, Peter experiences a vision in which a voice tells him, "What God has cleansed, you must not call common" (Acts 10:15). This vision prepares Peter to understand that the Gospel is not limited to the Jews but is intended for all humanity, breaking down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles.

Peter's Visit to Cornelius

Upon Peter's arrival at Cornelius's house, he finds a gathering of Gentiles eager to hear the message of Christ. Peter acknowledges the divine lesson he has learned, stating, "God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean" (Acts 10:28). He proceeds to preach the Gospel, declaring Jesus as Lord of all and recounting His life, death, and resurrection.

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

As Peter speaks, the Holy Spirit descends upon all who hear the message, astonishing the Jewish believers who accompanied Peter. They witness the Gentiles speaking in tongues and praising God, a clear sign of the Holy Spirit's presence. Peter then declares, "Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!" (Acts 10:47). Cornelius and his household are baptized, marking a pivotal moment in the early Church's mission to the Gentiles.

Significance in Early Christianity

The account of Cornelius, the Centurion at Caesarea, is a profound illustration of God's impartiality and the universality of the Christian message. It signifies the breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers, affirming that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all, regardless of their background. This narrative challenges the early Church to embrace a broader mission, extending the reach of the Gospel to the ends of the earth, fulfilling the Great Commission.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 10:1
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

His Great Controversy
... In obedience to this heavenly sign Peter accompanied the centurion's messengers
to Caesarea and saw ... on one occasion to be in the heathen city of ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter ix his great controversy.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Heathen
... quartered at the great stronghold of Caesarea was honoured ... the {26} gathering in
of the first heathen converts ... of the gentile Cornelius.] This centurion was not ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter ii the foundation of.htm

A Seeker for Truth
... Cornelius, in Caesarea. Cornelius was a Roman centurion. He was a man of wealth
and noble birth, and his position was one of trust and honor. A heathen by birth ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 14 a seeker for.htm

What God Hath Cleansed
... A centurion was not an officer of high rank, but ... would have been in the barracks
at Caesarea; and yet ... regard to the relation of such souls in heathen lands to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/what god hath cleansed.htm

Judaism and Heathenism in Contact.
... Then, as the heathen religious had been hopelessly undermined by ... Of this class
were the centurion of Capernaum, Cornelius of Caesarea, Lydia of ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 13 judaism and heathenism.htm

Matthew.
... be cast forth into the outer darkness." The heathen centurion, and the heathen woman
of ... Hebrew Matthew in the library of Pamphilus at Caesarea was "the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 80 matthew.htm

The Historical Situation
... the Sea of Galilee, having his capital at Caesarea Philippi, a ... lived as a frank heathen
in his heathen capital ... The centurion of Capernaum (Matthew 8:5; Luke 7:2 ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/i the historical situation.htm

'Other Sheep'
... was poring over Isaiah when Philip joined him, the Roman centurion at Caesarea whose
prayers ... in our Lord's thoughts when He saw His sheep in heathen lands. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/other sheep.htm

Jewish Homes
... if its worship had been disclaimed by the heathen (Ab. ... to in Luke 7:3, as sent by
the centurion of Capernaum ... Of Caesarea, for example, we know that there was a ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 6 jewish homes.htm

Paul a Prisoner
... When the centurion heard that, he went and told the ... God had suffered reproach in
the eyes of the heathen. ... two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 38 paul a prisoner.htm