June 16, 2002

CORNELIUS A CENTURIAN

Acts 10:1-48

 

   As we are introduced to Cornelius we find him to be a remarkable man, a commanding officer in Caesar's army occupying the land of Israel . In this present "tour of duty" Cornelius had been greatly influenced by his captive Israelites for he was "a devout man, one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people (Jews), and prayed to God alway." He was no ordinary Gentile, for his spiritual condition excelled many Israelites, so much so that "he saw a vision...an angel of God coming to him" who said, "Thy prayers and alms are come up for a memorial before God" (Acts 10:2, 4)!

   We must think of Cornelius' spiritual condition. Was he spiritually alive or dead; was he saved or lost? Something in all of us wants to believe that he is alive because of the clear statements about his prayers and alms. Not only that, when Peter spoke to the household of Cornelius, he said, "Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons; But in every nation he that feareth Him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him." Who could Peter have been referring to except Cornelius? Furthermore, he continued, "The word God sent to the children of Israel , preaching peace by Jesus Christ; (He is Lord of all:) That word, I say, you know..." (10:34-37). These words clearly indicate he was a believer. But let us look a bit further.

   When Peter retold the story to the "apostles and brethren," he related how Cornelius "had seen an angel in his house," and that Peter would "tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved" (11:14). If Peter must tell him words so he would be saved, many suggest this proves Cornelius was lost. But let us consider the many other Bible verses which use the word "saved" to mean bringing needed truth to believers saving them from ignorance, from error, and from fruitlessness in their lives. We must always ask, "Saved from what?" and clearly Cornelius was in no danger of the lake of fire. Peter's message was a great addition to the light he already had. And Peter did go on to tell of "remission of sins" through faith in the risen Lord. What a blessed addition of truth for such a sincere saint of God! See also 1 Cor. 15:2, 2 Thess. 2:13, 1 Tim. 4:16, and James 2:14.

 

Ivan L. Burgener