An Unexpected Hero
Notes
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Setting
Christian Standard Bible Chapter 10
There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius
Acts takes place in three main places: Joppa, Jerusalem, and Ceasarea.
Ceasarea is 30 miles north of Joppa
Acts: An Introduction and Commentary b. The Conversion of Cornelius (10:1–11:18)
which had become the centre of government for the Roman administration of Judea
setting for the bulk of Acts
dominated by Gentiles
Joppa is 34 miles northwest of Jerusalem
Joppa is first mentioned in Jonah:
Christian Standard Bible (Chapter 1)
Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish from the LORD’s presence. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. He paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the LORD’s presence.
Christian Standard Bible Chapter 10
a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment
a centurion is a professional military officer
would have had to be 30 years old, at least
was an appointed position - due to virtue, bravery, loyalty, and prowess in battle
was expected to fight on the front lines
well paid position, held in high esteem - would have been the face of the occupation
Italian Regiment, was made up of Italians
a century was made up of approximately 100 men to several hundred, several centuries were in a cohort and several cohorts were in a legion (approximately 6,000 men)
Acts 10:2 “He was a devout man and feared God along with his whole household. He did many charitable deeds for the Jewish people and always prayed to God.”
Christian Standard Bible Chapter 10
He was a devout man and feared God along with his whole household
other versions say “devout and God-fearing” which is often used for gentiles who were interested in the God of Abraham, but who weren’t Jews (uncircumcised)
Would have been relegated to the fringes with limited privileges
Jews would have considered him still a pagan
Acts: An Introduction and Commentary b. The Conversion of Cornelius (10:1–11:18)
He was not a proselyte, i.e. a Gentile who had fully accepted the Jewish religion by undergoing circumcision, but merely a ‘God-fearer
we know this from Acts 11:3 “saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.””
The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary Proselyte
the term “proselyte” was used only in the context of Judaism
noted for his good reputation towards the Jewish people: charitable deeds
“gave generously to those in need”
“gave alms generously”
“always helping people in need.”
Acts 10:3 “About three in the afternoon he distinctly saw in a vision an angel of God who came in and said to him, “Cornelius.””
visions usually happen while a person is awake
this is the hour of prayer at the temple, Jews were expected to pray three times a day
Acts: An Introduction and Commentary b. The Conversion of Cornelius (10:1–11:18)
The angel addressed him by name
Acts 10: 4 “Staring at him in awe, he said, “What is it, Lord?” The angel told him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have ascended as a memorial offering before God.”
Acts: An Introduction and Commentary b. The Conversion of Cornelius (10:1–11:18)
natural reaction of human beings to the supernatural and is a constant feature in stories like the present one
Acts: An Introduction and Commentary b. The Conversion of Cornelius (10:1–11:18)
The language used is that of sacrifices whose smoke ascends to God, and Bruce (Book, p. 216) thinks that Cornelius’s prayers had a sacrificial efficacy before God