Who was Cornelius? CQ Kids

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Who was Cornelius?

Cornelius was a Roman army officer, a captain in the Italian Regiment.

We learn more about him in the book of Acts (10:1,2):

He was a “Gentile,” which means he was not Jewish.
He was “devout,” which means he had deep, religious feelings. He was devoted to God.

He and his household respected and worshipped the one, true God and not the fake, pagan gods of Rome that surrounded them.
He was generous, donating (most likely) money and food to poor people. (Acts 10:4)

He was respected by the Jewish people. (Acts 10:22)
He prayed continually to the God of Israel.

During Cornelius’ time, only the Jewish people enjoyed special favor and blessings from God. Even though, as a Gentile, he was outside of God’s favor, that didn’t stop Cornelius from praying to God and worshiping Him…and God noticed!

One day, at around three in the afternoon, Cornelius had a vision. (see Acts 10:3,4, Amplified Version) An angel of God came to him, saying that God had heard his prayers and noticed all of his generous gifts. God considered them as a "memorial," which is an offering made in remembrance of His past blessings!

The angel told Cornelius to send his men to the city of Joppa to find the Apostle Peter and invite him to his home to hear Peter’s message. (see Acts 10:22)

Meanwhile, God was working with Peter, too! Just as Cornelius' men were on the way to find him, Peter was praying on the flat roof of where he was staying. It was around lunchtime, and Peter was hungry. He then fell into a trance and saw a vision. The sky opened, and something like a large bed sheet was let down by its four corners. In the sheet were all sorts of four-footed animals, birds and reptiles. (Acts 10:12) A voice told Peter to kill and eat these animals.

“No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.” (Acts 10:14, NLT) Peter knew that according to Jewish Law, certain animals were forbidden to be eaten - they were considered “unclean.”

The voice answered, “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” (Acts 10:15, NLT) This vision was repeated three times, and then the sheet was pulled up back toward heaven.

Naturally, Peter was confused. Just then, Cornelius’ men arrived. God spoke to Peter through the holy spirit, telling him to go down and meet them. The men explained who Cornelius was (see Acts 10:22) and how the angel had instructed him to send for Peter. The next day, they set out for Cornelius’ house, along with other Jewish believers from Joppa.

When they arrived, Cornelius, his relatives and close friends were waiting to meet Peter. (Acts 10:28, NLT) “Peter told them, ‘You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.’”

Cornelius described his encounter with the angel. Peter said, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism. (Acts 10:34, NIV) God is pleased with everyone who worships Him and does right, no matter what nation they come from. (Acts 10:35, CEV)

Peter preached about Jesus to them, and while he was still speaking, God gave His holy spirit - His power and influence - to everyone who heard the message! (see Acts 10:44) Peter then commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

So, who was Cornelius? The first Gentile believer to receive the holy spirit and become a Christian. Hebrews says that God (11:6, NLT) “...rewards those who sincerely seek Him.” That certainly was true in the case of Cornelius!

This was a big change in Jewish history. God made it clear that the Good News about His son, Jesus, was for EVERYBODY! Now ALL people who choose to follow Jesus, worship God and to try to do what’s right have the opportunity to receive the privilege of God’s favor and blessings!

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