Cornelius
Gentile Roman (centurion of the Italian band) · Early Church · New Testament
- Role
- Roman centurion; first Gentile convert baptised by Peter
- When
- c. AD 40
What they did
A devout God-fearing soldier at Caesarea who, after a vision, sent for Peter; the Holy Spirit fell on his household as Peter preached.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
His conversion showed that God is no respecter of persons and opened the church to the Gentiles.
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: Acts 10:34 (KJV)
Bible references
There was a certain man in Cæsarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. Acts 10:1-2 (KJV)
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. Acts 10:34-35 (KJV)
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Acts 10:44-48 (KJV)
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. Acts 11:18 (KJV)
Family
His household and close friends believed and were baptised with him (Acts 10:24, 44-48).