Cornelius is introduced in Acts 10:1 as a centurion of the Italian Regiment, stationed in Caesarea. Though he was a Gentile, Cornelius is described as “a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.”
One day, around the ninth hour, Cornelius saw a vision of an angel who told him that his prayers and alms had come up as a memorial before God. He was instructed to send men to Joppa to bring Simon Peter, who would tell him what he must do (Acts 10:3–6).
Meanwhile, Peter also received a vision from God, in which a great sheet descended from heaven filled with unclean animals, and a voice said, “What God has cleansed you must not call common” (Acts 10:15). This prepared Peter to accept the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith without requiring them to become Jews.
When Peter arrived at Cornelius’ house, he found many gathered. Cornelius recounted his vision and expressed his readiness to hear all that God had commanded Peter to say. Peter then preached the Gospel, proclaiming peace through Jesus Christ and affirming that “whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43). While Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word, and they spoke in tongues and magnified God (Acts 10:44–46).
This astonished the Jewish believers who came with Peter. He then declared, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (Acts 10:47). Cornelius and his household were baptized, marking the first recorded instance of Gentile conversion apart from Jewish proselytism.
Cornelius’ story illustrates that God shows no partiality and that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all who believe. His faith, obedience, and openness to God’s word paved the way for the full inclusion of Gentiles into the body of Christ.
