Cornelius: Difference between revisions
Created page with "thumb|''The Centurion Cornelius'', Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, 1660 '''Cornelius''' (Greek: Κορνήλιος)<ref>[https://biblehub.com/greek/2883.htm Strong's Greek: 2883. Κορνήλιος], ''Bible Hub''</ref> was a Roman [https://www.bibleodyssey.org/articles/roman-centurion/ centurion] stationed in Caesarea, Judea. Although he was not a Jew, he continually prayed to God and did his best to help the Jew|Jewish pe..." |
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[[ | <!-- interlanguage:start -->[[ko:고넬료]]<!-- interlanguage:end -->'''Cornelius''' (Greek: Κορνήλιος)<ref>[https://biblehub.com/greek/2883.htm Strong's Greek: 2883. Κορνήλιος], ''Bible Hub''</ref> was a Roman [https://www.bibleodyssey.org/articles/roman-centurion/ centurion] stationed in Caesarea, Judea. Although he was not a Jew, he continually prayed to God and did his best to help the [[Jew|Jewish people]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+10%3A2&version=NIV |title=Acts 10:2 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Because of his sincere faith and devotion, he became the first Gentile to be [[Baptism|baptized]] in the name of [[Jesus Christ]]. | ||
'''Cornelius''' (Greek: Κορνήλιος)<ref>[https://biblehub.com/greek/2883.htm Strong's Greek: 2883. Κορνήλιος], ''Bible Hub''</ref> was a Roman [https://www.bibleodyssey.org/articles/roman-centurion/ centurion] stationed in Caesarea, Judea. Although he was not a Jew, he continually prayed to God and did his best to help the [[Jew|Jewish people]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+10%3A2&version=NIV |title=Acts 10:2 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> Because of his sincere faith and devotion, he became the first Gentile to be [[Baptism|baptized]] in the name of [[Jesus Christ]]. | |||
== Historical Background == | == Historical Background == | ||
Latest revision as of 11:00, 11 November 2025
Cornelius (Greek: Κορνήλιος)[1] was a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea, Judea. Although he was not a Jew, he continually prayed to God and did his best to help the Jewish people.[2] Because of his sincere faith and devotion, he became the first Gentile to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Historical Background
After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, preached the gospel boldly. As a result, the number of believers in Jerusalem increased daily.[3] However, the Jewish leaders, filled with jealousy, falsely accused Stephen, one of the seven deacons of the early Church, and brought him before the Sanhedrin,[4] where he was stoned to death.[5] After Stephen’s martyrdom, severe persecution broke out against the Church in Jerusalem. The believers were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria to escape persecution, preaching the gospel wherever they went. Thus, the gospel that had once been confined to Jerusalem began to spread widely.[6] Meanwhile, Paul, who had been persecuting the saints, was chosen by God to preach the gospel to the Gentiles and to kings. Through his conversion and acceptance of Christ, the door for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles was opened wide.[7]
Baptism of Cornelius the Gentile
Angel’s Revelation
One day, God revealed a vision to Cornelius, a Gentile centurion. In the vision, an angel instructed him to send men to Joppa to invite Peter to his house. When Cornelius awoke from the vision, he immediately called two servants and a devout soldier who feared God, and sent them to Joppa.[8] The next day, while Peter was praying in Joppa, he too saw a vision: A large sheet was lowered from heaven, containing all kinds of animals. A voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”[9] Through this vision, God made it known that the Gentiles—symbolized by the unclean animals—had been made clean by God and were also to receive the opportunity to hear the gospel of the kingdom.
Just then, Cornelius’ men arrived in Joppa and delivered their master’s message, saying, “Our master has invited you to his house.” Peter welcomed them as his guests, and the next day, he set out for Caesarea, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa.[10]
Baptized in the Name of Jesus
When Peter arrived in Caesarea, Cornelius had already gathered his relatives and close friends at his house to wait for him. As soon as Cornelius saw Peter, he fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter lifted him up, saying that he too was only a man, and entered the house with him.[11] There, Peter preached about Jesus Christ, the Savior, to everyone who had gathered.[12] As Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and all who heard the message. Cornelius and his family and friends began to speak in tongues and praise God.[13]
Peter and the brothers who had come with him were astonished to see that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. Realizing that this was God’s will—to grant salvation to the Gentiles as well—Peter then baptized them in the name of Jesus Christ.
Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”
When the apostles and believers in Judea heard that the Gentiles had received baptism, they criticized Peter for associating with them. However, Peter explained everything from the beginning—how he had seen the vision, how Cornelius had received the angel’s message, and how the Holy Spirit had come upon the Gentiles just as it had upon them at the beginning.[14] Hearing his testimony, the saints glorified God, saying that God had granted the way of life even to the Gentiles.[15] This event marked a turning point in the history of the early Church, as the gospel began to be actively preached to the Gentiles, opening the way to the kingdom of heaven for all people—both Jew and Gentile alike.
Lesson
During the Apostolic Age, the Roman Empire was the greatest power in the world, and it was said, “All roads lead to Rome.” As a centurion, Cornelius was a commander responsible for one hundred soldiers and held significant authority. Yet, he did not let his position or pride hinder his obedience to God’s word. With a humble and sincere heart, he fell before Peter, seeking God’s grace, and led his family and friends to faith. In the end, Cornelius received the blessing of salvation, becoming the first among the Gentiles to be saved. God continues to give salvation to those who, like Cornelius, possess a humble and godly heart.
“When people are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then he will save the downcast.”