Topical Bible: Obedience: Cornelius

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Cornelius, a centurion in the Roman army, is a prominent figure in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Acts. His account is a profound example of obedience to God, illustrating the transformative power of faith and the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles in the early Christian church.

Background and Character

Cornelius is introduced in Acts 10:1-2 as a centurion of the Italian Regiment stationed in Caesarea. He 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 continually" (Acts 10:2). This description highlights his piety and reverence for the God of Israel, despite being a Gentile. His devotion is further evidenced by his charitable acts and consistent prayer life, marking him as a man of integrity and faith.

Divine Encounter and Obedience

Cornelius's obedience is first demonstrated through his response to a divine vision. In Acts 10:3-6, Cornelius receives a vision of an angel of God who instructs him to send men to Joppa to bring back Simon Peter. The angel tells him, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God" (Acts 10:4). Cornelius's immediate compliance with the angel's instructions, without hesitation or question, underscores his readiness to obey God's command.

Peter's Vision and the Meeting

Simultaneously, God prepares Peter through a vision, teaching him that what God has made clean should not be called impure (Acts 10:9-16). This vision is pivotal in breaking down the Jewish-Gentile divide, as Peter is called to visit Cornelius, a Gentile. When Peter arrives at Cornelius's house, Cornelius demonstrates humility and reverence by falling at Peter's feet, though Peter insists he stand, saying, "I am only a man myself" (Acts 10:26).

The Message and the Holy Spirit

Cornelius's obedience culminates in his reception of the Gospel message. Peter preaches to Cornelius and his household, declaring, "Truly I understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right" (Acts 10:34-35). As Peter speaks, the Holy Spirit descends upon all who hear the message, and they begin speaking in tongues and praising God (Acts 10:44-46). This event marks a significant moment in the early church, as it confirms God's acceptance of Gentiles into the faith.

Baptism and Further Obedience

In response to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter commands that Cornelius and his household be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:48). Cornelius's obedience is further demonstrated by his willingness to be baptized, signifying his full acceptance of the Christian faith and his commitment to follow Christ.

Legacy of Obedience

Cornelius's account is a testament to the power of obedience rooted in faith. His willingness to act upon God's instructions, despite cultural and religious barriers, exemplifies the transformative nature of the Gospel. Cornelius's obedience not only leads to his own salvation but also plays a crucial role in the early church's understanding of God's inclusive plan for all humanity. His life serves as an enduring example of how obedience to God can lead to profound spiritual breakthroughs and the expansion of God's kingdom.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 10:2
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

'God is no Respecter of Persons'
... It was, first, a test of humility and obedience. Cornelius, as a Roman officer,
would be tempted to feel the usual contempt for one of the subject race, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/god is no respecter of.htm

Obedience to God the Way to Faith in Christ.
... to believe in Him, ordinarily implies that we are living in obedience to God ... 20];"
Joseph of Arimathea was "a good man and a just[21];" Cornelius, the centurion ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xiv obedience to god.htm

A Seeker for Truth
... Because Cornelius was living in obedience to all the instruction he had received,
God so ordered events that he was given more truth. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 14 a seeker for.htm

What God Hath Cleansed
... which gives the outward reality of the appearance strongly), Cornelius's confidential
servants ... Swift obedience to whatever God points out as our path towards ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/what god hath cleansed.htm

Of the Subject to whom to the Key of Church Priviledge, Power, or ...
... of the circumcision expostulated with Peter about his communion with Cornelius,
and his ... of them therein: Whereunto the people give consent, in obedience to the ...
/.../chap iiii of the subject.htm

The Ordinances of the New Testament.
... Obedience to the commands of God brings a joy to the Christian heart. ... of baptism
to which we wish to invite your attention is that of the devout Cornelius. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter viii the ordinances of.htm

His Great Controversy
... In obedience to this heavenly sign Peter accompanied the centurion's messengers
to Caesarea and saw such evidences that the household of Cornelius had already ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter ix his great controversy.htm

Easter Monday
... a gentile but a believer, and to the centurion's assembled friends, Peter having
been summoned by Cornelius and having responded to the call in obedience to a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter monday.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by Peter.
... Holy Ghost, and even in a subordinate sense, sanctification by obedience, and all ...
who spoke before the council at Jerusalem in reference to Cornelius and his ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter viii entire sanctification as.htm

Introductory Notice to Cyprian.
... and to direct honest and truth-loving spirits in the Roman Obedience to the ... Then
follow many letters between himself and Cornelius bishop of Rome, and others ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/introductory notice to cyprian.htm