Now in Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Cohort called the Italica, 2 devout and God-fearing along with his whole household, who used to give alms generously to the Jewish people and pray to God constantly. 3 One afternoon about three o’clock, he saw plainly in a vision an angel of God come in to him and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 He looked intently at him and, seized with fear, said, “What is it, sir?” He said to him, “Your prayers and almsgiving have ascended as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send some men to Joppa and summon one Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with another Simon, a tanner, who has a house by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from his staff, 8 explained everything to them, and sent them to Joppa.
Acts chapter 10 is a turning point in the early Christian Church. It underscores the inclusivity of the Christian message and breaks down the long-standing barriers between Jews and Gentiles. Cornelius, a devout and God-fearing Gentile, receives instructions from an angel in a vision. At the same time, Peter experiences a vision that changes his understanding of the necessity for the Christian Church to adhere to Jewish dietary laws. Peter goes to Cornelius’ house and witnesses the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and his family, marking the acceptance of Gentiles into the Church. This acceptance, along with other requirements related to following Jewish Law, was ratified by the early Christian leaders at the Council of Jerusalem in Acts chapter 15.
Cornelius was a Roman Gentile soldier assigned to the Italian regiment in the prominent Roman city of Caesarea. As a centurion, he commanded about 100 soldiers and was a respected and authoritative figure responsible for enforcing discipline. This passage highlights how the Gospel had reached beyond Jewish boundaries. Cornelius and his household were described as devout and God-fearing, terms often used to describe Gentiles who worshipped the God of Israel without fully converting to Judaism. God-fearing Gentiles attended synagogue services, observed certain Jewish practices, and revered the God of Israel, but they did not undergo full conversion, which included circumcision and strict adherence to the Mosaic Law. Despite not being a full convert, Cornelius was devoted to God and generously gave alms to the Jewish people.
One afternoon at three o’clock, the ninth hour, Cornelius had a vision. Three o’clock is the traditional time for Jewish prayer and also the time of the afternoon sacrifice in the Temple in Jerusalem. The appearance of an angel indicated divine presence and intervention, underscoring the importance of the message. Cornelius’ fear and reverence showed that he recognized it was a divine encounter. The angel told him that God had acknowledged his prayers and almsgiving. The angel then instructed him to send for Peter and provided details about Peter’s location. Cornelius obediently explained the vision to two of his servants and a devout soldier and sent them to Joppa, a nearby coastal town, to bring Peter. The instruction to send for Peter shows the necessity of apostolic authority in the unfolding plan of God.
Heavenly Father, help us to emulate Cornelius’ devoutness in our daily prayers and his acts of charity so that we too can be pleasing to You. May our lives break down barriers and embrace all who seek You with sincere hearts. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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Sources:
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
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