Cornelius
maleNew TestamentMeaning: “Of a horn”
A devout Roman centurion of Caesarea whose vision and Peter’s opened the door of the gospel to the Gentiles.
Biography
Cornelius was a Roman centurion of the Italian band stationed at Caesarea — "a devout man, and one that feared God... which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway" (Acts 10:2). Through him, God opened the gospel to the Gentiles.
Two visions
An angel told Cornelius to send for Peter. Meanwhile God gave Peter the vision of the sheet of unclean animals, teaching him "what God hath cleansed, that call not thou common" (Acts 10:15). Peter went to the Gentile's house — something previously unthinkable for a Jew.
The Gentile Pentecost
As Peter preached, "the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word" — and the Jewish believers were astonished "that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 10:44–45). Cornelius and his household were baptized, a watershed moment proving "God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34) and that salvation was for all nations.
Life Timeline
Told by an angel to send for Peter
He and his household receive the Spirit — the gospel opens to Gentiles
Themes & lessons from Cornelius
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Cornelius appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
10 verses in 1 bookActs10 verses
Acts 10:1
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
Acts 10:3
He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
Acts 10:7
And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
Acts 10:17
Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
Acts 10:21
Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
Acts 10:22
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
Acts 10:24
And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
Acts 10:25
And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
Acts 10:30
And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
Acts 10:31
And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
Frequently asked about Cornelius
Who was Cornelius in the Bible?
A devout Roman centurion of Caesarea whose vision and Peter’s opened the door of the gospel to the Gentiles.
What does the name Cornelius mean?
The name Cornelius means “Of a horn”.
What did Cornelius do in the Bible?
Cornelius served as roman centurion.
Where does Cornelius appear in the Bible?
Cornelius is mentioned 10 times across 1 book: Acts.
What can we learn from Cornelius?
The story of Cornelius touches on themes of family, vision, visions, angel (1) — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Cornelius's life.
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