Cornelius

Cornelius, a centurion, was the first Gentile convert to Christianity through Peter's ministry.

Cornelius was a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea. He is described as a devout man who feared God, gave alms generously, and prayed regularly (Act 10:1-2). Despite his piety, Cornelius was not a convert to Judaism.

In a vision, an angel instructed Cornelius to send for Peter, who was staying in Joppa (Act 10:3-8). Meanwhile, Peter had a vision in which God revealed that he should not consider anything unclean that God had made clean, preparing him to accept Gentile believers (Act 10:9-16).

When Peter arrived at Cornelius' house, Cornelius gathered his relatives and close friends to hear Peter's message (Act 10:24-27). As Peter shared the gospel, the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentile listeners, confirming that God had accepted them (Act 10:44-46). This event marked a significant turning point in the early church, as it demonstrated that the gospel was for both Jews and Gentiles.

Peter then ordered that Cornelius and the other believing Gentiles be baptized (Act 10:47-48). The conversion of Cornelius and his household was a pivotal moment in the spread of Christianity, paving the way for the inclusion of Gentiles in the church.

A centurion whose history is narrated in Acts 10. He was a “devout man,” and like the centurion of Capernaum, believed in the God of Israel. His residence at Caesrea probably brought him into contact with Jews who communicated to him their expectations regarding the Messiah; and thus he was prepared to welcome the message Peter brought him. He became the first fruit of the Gentile world to Christ. He and his family were baptized and admitted into the Christian church (Acts 10:1, 44-48).