Topical Bible: Servant: Good of Cornelius

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The account of Cornelius, a centurion in the Italian Regiment, is found in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 10. Cornelius is depicted as a devout man who feared God, gave generously to those in need, and prayed to God regularly (Acts 10:2). His account is significant in the early Christian church as it marks a pivotal moment in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Cornelius's household included a servant who is described as being "good" or "valued." This servant plays a crucial role in the narrative, highlighting the interconnectedness of Cornelius's faith and his household's well-being. The term "good" in this context suggests that the servant was not only efficient in his duties but also held in high regard by Cornelius, reflecting the centurion's character and leadership.

In Acts 10:7, after receiving a vision from an angel instructing him to send for Simon Peter, Cornelius immediately calls two of his servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants. The inclusion of the servant in this mission underscores the trust and respect Cornelius had for his household members. The servant's involvement in this divine mission indicates that Cornelius's faith and reverence for God permeated his entire household, influencing those under his authority.

The narrative of Cornelius and his household, including his servant, is a testament to the early Christian understanding of leadership and servanthood. Cornelius's treatment of his servant reflects a biblical model of stewardship and care, where those in positions of authority are called to lead with integrity and compassion. This aligns with the broader biblical teachings on servanthood, where leaders are encouraged to serve others selflessly, as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, the account of Cornelius and his servant illustrates the breaking down of social and cultural barriers in the early church. The Gospel's reach to the Gentiles, initiated through Cornelius's encounter with Peter, signifies the inclusivity of God's kingdom, where distinctions between Jew and Gentile, master and servant, are transcended by faith in Christ.

In summary, the "good" servant of Cornelius is a minor yet significant figure in the biblical narrative, representing the broader themes of faith, leadership, and the transformative power of the Gospel. Through Cornelius's example, the early church is reminded of the importance of righteous living and the impact of a godly household on the spread of the Christian faith.

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Acts 10:7
And when the angel which spoke to Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
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Library

Epistle Liv. To Cornelius, Concerning Fortunatus and Felicissimus ...
... Argument."Cyprian Chiefly Warns Cornelius in This Letter Not ... of the good treasure
bringeth forth good things; and ... had received a buffet from a servant of the ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle liv to cornelius concerning.htm

That the Ruler Should Be, through Humility, a Companion of Good ...
... not to be over men, but to do them good. ... God the principality of Holy Church, from
Cornelius, acting well ... be chief among you, let him be your servant; even as ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter vi that the ruler.htm

Epistle Li. To Antonianus About Cornelius and Novatian.
... believe whatever is currently rumoured against Cornelius and about ... has at once leapt
forward with good-will to ... not sacrifice to idols, that the servant of God ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle li to antonianus about.htm

Meditations for Household Piety.
... instruction of a godly and religious master will make a good and a faithful servant;
as may witness the examples of Abraham, Joshua, David, Cornelius, &c., who ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for household piety.htm

Letter clxxxix. (AD 418. )
... incorruptible riches of the angels; not the good things of ... Come, and he cometh; and
to my servant, Do this ... Israel." [2873] Among them was that Cornelius to whom ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter clxxxix a d 418.htm

Luther -- the Method and Fruits of Justification
... we read of the Holy Ghost falling on Cornelius and his ... are willing and ready to do
those things which are good. ... the heir must no longer remain a servant, but a ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/luther the method and.htm

Worldly Business no Plea for the Neglect of Religion
... So the servant returned, and showed his master all these things." And ... Thus we hear
of a good centurion in the evangelists, and a devout Cornelius in the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/worldly business no plea for.htm

On the Arrival of the Egyptians.
... and true God of the true Father, and not a good fellow-servant honoured only ... He comes
upon Cornelius and his companions before Baptism, to others after ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxiv on the arrival.htm

On Baptism.
... all hear, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou wast ... Cornelius was a just man,
who was honoured with a ... his prayers and alms-deeds as a good memorial [584 ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture iii on baptism.htm

Matt. xviii. 21
... Since Cornelius also was a centurion, and Paul a ... his own calamities, might be indulgent
to his fellow-servant. ... this point then this man was good and acceptable ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxi matt xviii 21.htm