Topical Bible: Godly Fear: Cornelius

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Topical Encyclopedia

Cornelius is a significant figure in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Acts, where he is depicted as a model of godly fear and reverence. His account is primarily found in Acts 10, where he is introduced as a centurion in the Italian Regiment, stationed in Caesarea. 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 continually" (Acts 10:2).

Background and Character

Cornelius, though a Roman centurion, is portrayed as a "God-fearer," a term used to describe Gentiles who were sympathetic to Jewish religious practices and beliefs but had not fully converted to Judaism. His devotion is evident in his consistent prayer life and acts of charity, which reflect a deep reverence for God. The text emphasizes that his fear of God was not superficial but permeated his entire household, indicating his influence and leadership in spiritual matters.

Divine Encounter

Cornelius's godly fear and devotion attract divine attention. In Acts 10:3-4, he receives a vision of an angel of God, who addresses him by name and acknowledges his prayers and alms as a "memorial offering before God" . This divine encounter underscores the biblical principle that God honors those who earnestly seek Him and live in reverence.

Role in the Early Church

Cornelius's account is pivotal in the early Christian church as it marks the opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Following the angelic vision, Cornelius is instructed to send for Simon Peter. Meanwhile, Peter receives a vision that prepares him to accept Gentiles into the Christian community. When Peter arrives at Cornelius's house, he finds a gathering of people eager to hear the message of salvation. Peter preaches the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit falls upon all who hear the word, leading to their baptism (Acts 10:44-48).

Significance of Godly Fear

Cornelius exemplifies godly fear as a profound respect and awe for God that manifests in righteous living and spiritual openness. His life demonstrates that godly fear is not limited by ethnic or cultural boundaries but is accessible to all who seek God sincerely. Cornelius's account illustrates the transformative power of godly fear, which not only impacts the individual but also extends to their household and community.

Legacy

Cornelius's conversion and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Gentiles serve as a testament to the inclusivity of the Gospel. His example of godly fear continues to inspire believers to live lives marked by devotion, prayer, and generosity. Cornelius's narrative in Acts 10 remains a powerful reminder of God's impartiality and the universal call to salvation through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Father and Judge
... at Joppa, looking out over the Mediterranean, and had it enforced by Cornelius'
message. ... not till then, is it safe to put aside the armour of godly fear and to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/father and judge.htm

Prayer and Devotion
... It is the spirit of reverence, of awe, of godly fear. ... Cornelius was "a devout man,
one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/iii prayer and devotion.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... For there is no duty performed by us that can by any means be accepted
of God, if it be not seasoned with godly fear. Wherefore ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Meditations for Household Piety.
... and family in the service and fear of God ... for the example and instruction of a godly
and religious ... the examples of Abraham, Joshua, David, Cornelius, &c., who ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for household piety.htm

The Divine Liturgy of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, the ...
... may spend a calm and tranquil life in all reverence and godly fear, through the ... of
our father Abraham, the incense of Zacharias, the alms of Cornelius, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/early liturgies/the divine liturgy of the.htm

Faith and Regeneration
... been done long ago for us by Christ Jesus, and that godly fear and careful ... as for
instance that faith which Peter inculcated when he said to Cornelius, "To him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/faith and regeneration.htm

Matt. xv. 21, 22
... even as Peter, having been first directed to annul this law, is sent to Cornelius. ...
I will come and heal him," [2029] that we might learn the godly fear of that ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lii matt xv 21.htm

Parental Duties Considered and Urged.
... ascend like the prayers and aims of good Cornelius for a ... the ways in which parents
should seek a godly feed. ... children to God, nor teach them his fear, nor walk ...
/.../sermon xxii parental duties considered.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... It was in answer to the prayers of Cornelius, that Peter was sent to teach him ... With
what holy reverence and godly fear should we approach this consecrated place ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... [1310] This reproof of Peter to Cornelius doth abundantly show ... and see whether these
things can consist with the seriousness, gravity, and Godly fear, which the ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm