Topical Bible: Prayer by Cornelius

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Introduction:
Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment, is a significant figure in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Acts. His account is pivotal in the early Christian church as it marks the opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Cornelius is described as a devout man who feared God, gave alms generously, and prayed continually to God. His prayers and almsgiving are noted as a memorial before God, leading to a divine encounter that would change the course of Christian history.

Biblical Account:
The account of Cornelius is primarily found in Acts 10. Cornelius is introduced as residing in Caesarea, a city of great importance in the Roman Empire. Acts 10:2 describes him 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" . This description highlights his piety and dedication to God, despite being a Gentile.

Divine Encounter:
Cornelius's prayers are central to the narrative. In Acts 10:3-4, it is recorded that "about the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God who came to him and said, 'Cornelius!' Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, 'What is it, Lord?' The angel answered, 'Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God'" . This divine visitation underscores the importance of Cornelius's prayers and almsgiving, indicating that they were pleasing to God and had reached His presence.

Significance of Prayer:
Cornelius's prayer life is a testament to his sincere faith and devotion. His prayers were not mere rituals but were expressions of a genuine relationship with God. The fact that his prayers were acknowledged by God and led to a significant revelation highlights the power and efficacy of sincere prayer. Cornelius's example demonstrates that God hears the prayers of those who earnestly seek Him, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.

Impact on the Early Church:
The prayers of Cornelius set in motion a series of events that would lead to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian church. Following the angelic vision, Cornelius was instructed to send for Simon Peter. Meanwhile, Peter received a vision that prepared him to accept Gentiles into the faith. When Peter arrived at Cornelius's house, he preached the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the message, leading to their baptism (Acts 10:44-48).

Theological Implications:
Cornelius's account illustrates the universality of the Gospel and God's desire for all people to come to Him. His prayers and subsequent conversion signify the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. Cornelius's experience is a powerful reminder of God's responsiveness to prayer and His sovereign plan to extend salvation to all humanity.

Conclusion:
The account of Cornelius in Acts 10 serves as a profound example of the power of prayer and its role in God's redemptive plan. His devout life, marked by continual prayer and acts of charity, was instrumental in the early church's expansion beyond Jewish boundaries, demonstrating that God's grace and salvation are available to all who seek Him with a sincere heart.

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

Acts X
... truth. The prayer of Cornelius was answered, like that of Saul, by referring
him to inspired authorities within the Church. This ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts x.htm

'God is no Respecter of Persons'
... clothing, 31. And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are
had in remembrance in the sight of God.32. Send therefore ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/god is no respecter of.htm

The Ministration of the Spirit and Prayer
... outpouring of the Holy Spirit, in the house of Cornelius at Caesarea, we have another
testimony to the wondrous interdependence of the action of prayer and the ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ii the ministration of.htm

The Conversion of Cornelius.
... hours of prayer was the ninth hour, or three o'clock in the afternoon, when the
evening sacrifice was offered. At this time the piety of Cornelius was rewarded ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm

Peter and the Roman Officer
... Just four days ago, in the afternoon, I was praying in my house, when a man stood
before me in bright clothing, and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/peter and the roman officer.htm

An Exposition of the Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles.
... Also * the account of Tabitha, the friend of widows, whom Peter raised from the
dead by means of prayer in Joppa. O. Of Cornelius, and what the angel said to ...
/.../pamphilus/the writings of pamphilus/an exposition of the chapters.htm

Treatise iv. On the Lord's Prayer.
... and alms, is even in this life a merciful hearer of one who comes to Him in prayer
associated with good works. Thus, for instance, Cornelius the centurion ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise iv on the lords.htm

Epistle Lvi. To Cornelius in Exile, Concerning his Confession.
... Praises in Cornelius and His People Their Confession of the Name of Christ Even
to Banishment; And Exhorts Them to Constancy and to Mutual Prayer for One ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lvi to cornelius in.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... to Elizabeth, barren and past age as she was, in answer to the prayer of Zacharias. ...
The angel was sent to Cornelius, and the Gospel opened through him to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

Prayer and Devotion
... the very spirit of true worship, and is of the nature of the spirit of prayer. ... Cornelius
was "a devout man, one that feared God with all his house, which gave ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/iii prayer and devotion.htm