Character Study Of Cornelius – The First Gentile Convert Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF CORNELIUS – THE FIRST GENTILE CONVERT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 10:1-48

"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)

Supporting Texts: John 3:16, Ephesians 2:11-13, Galatians 3:28, Romans 10:12-13, Isaiah 56:6-7

INTRODUCTION

Cornelius was a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea, described as a devout man who feared God. Although he was not a Jew, he prayed regularly and gave generously to the poor. His sincere faith led to a divine encounter where an angel instructed him to send for Peter. Through Cornelius, God demonstrated that salvation was not only for the Jews but for all people, making him the first recorded Gentile convert to Christianity. His story marks a turning point in church history, showing that the gospel is for all nations.

1. CORNELIUS WAS A DEVOUT AND GOD-FEARING MAN

a) He was a Roman centurion with a good reputation (Acts 10:1)

As a centurion, he was a military leader in charge of about 100 soldiers, yet he lived a life of integrity.

b) He feared God and led his household in faith (Acts 10:2)

Though a Gentile, he worshipped the God of Israel and influenced his family to do the same.

c) He was devoted to prayer (Acts 10:2)

Cornelius constantly sought God through prayer, showing his dependence on Him.

d) He gave generously to the needy (Acts 10:2, Proverbs 19:17)

His charitable acts reflected his godly character, and God took notice of his good works.

e) Biblical Example: Job, a Gentile who feared God (Job 1:1)

Like Cornelius, Job was a non-Israelite who feared God and lived righteously.

2. CORNELIUS RECEIVED A DIVINE VISITATION

a) An angel appeared to him in a vision (Acts 10:3-4)

God sent an angel to Cornelius to acknowledge his prayers and almsgiving.

b) The angel instructed him to send for Peter (Acts 10:5-6)

God was preparing Cornelius to receive the full message of salvation.

c) Cornelius obeyed immediately (Acts 10:7-8)

Without delay, he sent his servants to Joppa to find Peter.

d) God responds to those who sincerely seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13)

Cornelius’ desire for God led to a life-changing encounter.

e) Biblical Example: Mary, who received angelic visitation (Luke 1:26-38)

Just as Cornelius received divine instruction, Mary was also visited by an angel with a divine assignment.

3. PETER’S VISION AND THE BREAKING OF JEWISH BARRIERS

a) Peter saw a vision of unclean animals (Acts 10:9-12)

God showed Peter a sheet filled with unclean animals, symbolising the inclusion of the Gentiles in His salvation plan.

b) God declared all people clean (Acts 10:13-15)

God told Peter not to call anyone impure whom He had cleansed, preparing him to accept Gentiles.

c) Peter obeyed and followed the men to Cornelius (Acts 10:23-24)

Despite Jewish traditions, Peter accepted the invitation and went to Cornelius’ house.

d) God does not show partiality (Romans 2:11)

God’s salvation is for all people, regardless of background.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus and the Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26)

Jesus broke cultural barriers to bring the gospel to the Samaritans, just as Peter was sent to Cornelius.

4. THE GOSPEL REACHES THE GENTILES

a) Peter preached the message of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:34-43)

He explained that Jesus came to bring salvation to all people, both Jews and Gentiles.

b) Cornelius and his household believed (Acts 10:44)

As Peter preached, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, confirming their acceptance by God.

c) They received the Holy Spirit like the Jews (Acts 10:45-46)

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles mirrored what happened at Pentecost.

d) They were baptised in the name of Jesus (Acts 10:47-48)

Baptism confirmed their new faith and full acceptance into the church.

e) Biblical Example: The Ethiopian eunuch's conversion (Acts 8:26-39)

Like Cornelius, the Ethiopian eunuch was a Gentile who sought God and was baptised after hearing the gospel.

5. THE IMPACT OF CORNELIUS’ CONVERSION

a) The gospel became available to all nations (Acts 11:1-18)

Cornelius’ conversion opened the way for Gentiles to be included in God’s salvation plan.

b) The early church accepted Gentile believers (Acts 15:7-9)

Peter testified before the church leaders that God had accepted the Gentiles.

c) It fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:3, Galatians 3:8)

Through Abraham’s seed, all nations would be blessed, and Cornelius’ salvation was part of this fulfilment.

d) The church became a diverse and united body (Ephesians 2:14-16)

Cornelius’ story showed that in Christ, there is no division between Jews and Gentiles.

e) Biblical Example: Paul's mission to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46-48)

Following Cornelius’ conversion, Paul took the gospel to many Gentile nations.

STRENGTHS OF CORNELIUS

1. Devoted to God – He feared God and led his household in faith.