Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Cornelius

Bible > Topical > Answers To Prayer

◄ Answers To Prayer: Cornelius ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment, is a significant figure in the New Testament, particularly in the context of answered prayer and the expansion of the early Christian Church to include Gentiles. His account is primarily found in Acts 10, where his devout life and prayers play a crucial role in the unfolding of God's plan for the inclusion of non-Jews into the Christian faith.

Background and Character

Cornelius is described as a God-fearing man who, along with his household, worshiped the God of Israel. He was known for his generosity to the poor and his consistent prayer life. Acts 10:2 states, "He and all his household were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly." This description highlights Cornelius's piety and his commitment to living a life pleasing to God, despite being a Gentile.

Divine Encounter and Answered Prayer

Cornelius's prayers and almsgiving ascended as a memorial before God, leading to a divine encounter. In Acts 10:3-4 , it is recorded, "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 passage underscores the biblical principle that God hears and responds to the prayers of those who earnestly seek Him.

Peter's Vision and the Holy Spirit

In response to Cornelius's prayers, God orchestrates a meeting between him and the Apostle Peter. Concurrently, Peter receives a vision that challenges Jewish dietary laws and signifies the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles. Acts 10:15 records the voice from heaven saying, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." This vision prepares Peter to accept the invitation to visit Cornelius.

When Peter arrives at Cornelius's house, he shares the gospel message. Acts 10:44-45 describes the remarkable event: "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles." This outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius and his household is a direct answer to prayer and a pivotal moment in the early Church, signifying God's acceptance of Gentiles as part of His covenant people.

Significance in the Early Church

Cornelius's experience is a testament to the power of prayer and God's willingness to answer those who seek Him with a sincere heart. His account marks a turning point in the early Church, as it demonstrates that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. The account of Cornelius serves as a powerful reminder of God's inclusivity and the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 22:18).

Cornelius's answered prayer not only brought salvation to his household but also paved the way for the gospel to reach the Gentile world, fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). His account is a profound example of how God uses prayer to accomplish His divine purposes and expand His kingdom on earth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 10:4,31
And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Your prayers and your alms are come up for a memorial before God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... It was in answer to the prayers of Cornelius, that Peter was sent to teach ... With the
evidence here presented, who can doubt that God hears and answers prayer? ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Acts X
... prays for a knowledge of salvation, this incident in the case of Cornelius, instead
of encouraging him to pray on, actually answers his prayer, by telling him ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts x.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... Jerome answers the second, third, and fourth propositions of Jovinianus. ... 4808] cannot
be overcome, except by prayer and fasting. [4809] Cornelius the centurion ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Conditions of Effectual Prayer.
... His Son, except such as those of Cornelius, who never ... but if you miss one, you will
not get answers. ... get more of this Spirit of intercessory prayer in parents ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter vii conditions of effectual.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... and pray, and hear no voice, but stay till God answers. ... as she was, in answer to
the prayer of Zacharias ... The angel was sent to Cornelius, and the Gospel opened ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... Cornelius (Acts 11) was saved even before he was baptized. ... the millions, the world
over, can and do testify to the fact that God both hears and answers prayer. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

The Olivet Message.
... In the tenth chapter the Holy Spirit's action with Cornelius completely upsets the
life-long, rock-rooted ideas of these ... Having answers to prayer as a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the olivet message.htm

Luther's Catechisms. AD 1529.
... Men like Cornelius, the Eunuch, Apollos, Justin Martyr ... not divided into questions
and answers; moreover, it ... Latin division), the Creed, and the Lord's Prayer. ...
/.../ 43 luthers catechisms a d.htm

Introductory Notice to Cyprian.
... from the Edinburgh editor, supplies further answers to inquiry ... in that year, the
date of the death of Cornelius. ... no sooner spoken these words (of prayer to the ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/introductory notice to cyprian.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... It, in some measure, answers some of the ends thereof ... God, in ancient times always
joined prayer and fasting ... Thus the angel declares to Cornelius, fasting and ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 27 upon our lords.htm