The story of Cornelius.
In Acts chapter 10 we read about a centurion named Cornelius. He was a centurion of the Italian band, a pious and Yahweh-fearing man, who gave alms and lived a good life. He had a good report among the Jews as a noble man. . He seems to have a church or a prayer room in his house so that even some of his soldiers who were close to him may also have been believers.
An angel appeared to him one day and told him that his alms and prayers were accepted by Yahweh and asked him to send his servants to call the Apostle Peter, that he may preach the gospel of Messiah so that he and his family would be saved. As we read the scriptures, we see the angel of the Lord appeared to Peter and asked him to meet the servants of Cornelius and to go along with them to preach them the word of the Lord.
As Peter entered the house, Cornelius, who was waiting for Peter along with his family and friends, fell down and tried to worship Peter! But Peter lifted him up and told him that he too was and ordinary man. Peter then proceeded to preach the gospel to Cornelius and his household.
Peter said (Acts.10: 34) that Yahweh was no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that fears Him and works righteousness is accepted with him. He preached that Messiah is the Lord of both Jews and Gentiles. (v.38) How Yahweh anointed Yahshua Messiah… that through His name whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins. As Peter spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all of them present there and they spoke in tongues, magnifying Yahweh. Peter commanded them to be baptized (water) in the name of the Lord as they were already baptized by the Holy Spirit.
This little incident has a lot to tell us about the character of Cornelius and Peter.
Cornelius was a man of authority, a centurion, and an officer in the Roman army, and duty conscious. He took care of his subordinates with love and concern. He was a responsible man. In spite of his authority, he fared Yahweh and man and did good things in life.
He is described as a god-fearing man (v.22) In spite of his position in the army, Cornelius was fed up with the multitude of Roman gods and turned to the Jewish religion, read the scriptures and was aware of the promised Messiah. He was much in prayer: He prayed to Yahweh always, i.e like King David who always worshipped and praised Yahweh, so was Cornelius. He kept up the stated times for prayer, and was constant to them. He took time to pray and plead Yahweh for everything in his life. He worshipped the Creator with all his heart and soul. Wherever the fear of Yahweh rules in the heart, it will be reflected both in works of charity and of piety.
He was kind to his neighbors and because of his good deeds he earned a good reputation even among the Jews. He prayed to the Lord regularly and gave alms to the poor. ‘Pure religion and undefiled before Yahweh and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows...to keep himself unspotted from the world’. (James.1: 27). God also was pleased with his prayers and alms and sent His angel to witness this to Cornelius because He loved him and wanted Cornelius and his whole family to be saved. He seems to have set up a prayer hall or a church in his own house, which is proved by his family and near friends who came to listen to Peter.
His family and friends were with him to listen to Peter. He kept up religion in his family. He feared Yahweh with all his house. He would not admit any idol worshippers under his roof, but took care that not only he, but also all his, should serve the Lord. Every good man will do what he can that those about him may be good too. He wished to bring his family and friends to the Lord first and then go out into the world. What a contrast to what we see in the world now! Family and friends are last in the list when it comes to preaching the Word. In fact most of the preachers neglect their own family and are completely immersed in the world, all in the name of preaching!
He had a good report even among the Jews. The Jews were, for the most, part very critical of anyone who was not a Jew. That Cornelius earned a good report speaks highly of his character, his kindness, his prayerful life and his nobility.
He was praying about the ninth hour, the time of the evening sacrifice, around 3.pm. An angel of the Lord appeared to him and called him by name. The Lord hears when His beloved call (Jer.33: 3) and he calls us by name (Isa.49: 16)
When the angel of the Lord told him to send someone to Joppa, Cornelius did not stop and argue with the angel. His response was immediate. He did not ask why. He was a good man, prayed regularly, and gave alms, what more should he do? The Lord wants us to obey Him unconditionally. Observe that Cornelius did not go personally to Joppa. He wanted everyone in his little church to listen to the gospel. So he sent two servants and a devout soldier accompanied his servants (v7). A person who is really God-fearing and devout will leave a lasting influence on his subordinates. A devout master will have devout servants. When we wish to get something done for us, we should pick someone who is trustworthy. ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant’ (Matt.24: 21)
Through the character of Cornelius, we learn that Yahweh loves everybody; He is not partial, provided man fears Him and worships Him. Yahweh gives us authority to be used in the right way, to take care of people under us, to guide them, counsel them and teach them the way of salvation and also to help them in their needs. When we are financially sound, He expects us to help our fellowmen who are poor and weak. The Lord, through His word, teaches us and helps us to grow in Him spiritually. We will enjoy His blessings if we keep His commandments and witness these blessings to others.
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