Simon and Cornelius

Introduction to Cornelius

Roman centurion

Religious

Generous

Religious

he was a proselyte; a Roman who had converted to the religion of the Jews

he was devout; he feared God and led his household in worship

he was diligent; he prayed continually to God

Generous

he gave alms generously to the people; alms are charitable giving

here was a man who was sent to be the military leader over a band of soldiers who were garrisoned in Caesarea in occupied territory

his role was not to be benevolent or charitable

but he had a heart for people and was a kind man; this may be due to his conversion, or perhaps he was already converted before given this assignment

Respected

he was well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation (v. 22)

because of his devotion to God and generosity to the people, he was well-liked and respected, which gave him a certain acceptance among his subjects

Despite these qualities, he still needed to know the Lord Jesus.

God recognized his qualities and sent an evangelist to him by way of Peter. Peter tells him that God is pleased by all men of all nations who fear Him and seek to please Him, and does not show partiality to any man (preference based on status or ability). Other versions may say “God shows no partiality,” but here the meaning is quite clear, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.”

Peter reached this conclusion because of the vision he had received of the animals in the sheet. While the Israelites had been raised up to be separate and isolated, God has shown Peter what he showed Philip, Paul, and others: the redemption of man is made available to Jew and Gentile alike.

Just as Cornelius’ devotion and generosity did not give him privilege, his bloodline did not exclude him. He truly is the first and best example that God is no respecter of persons. He was a mixed bag.