"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always." (v.1-2)
Cornelius was a first-century Roman military official. He was assigned the task of maintaining order in the turbulent area of Judea. Most Romans of that time believed in many gods but, not Cornelius. He feared the one true God, gave generously to the needy, and prayed regularly (v.2). Even though the Jewish people didn't accept him as one of their own, God recognized him as one of His.
Because of Cornelius' faith, God chose him for a special assignment and sent an angel to tell him what to do. The angel didn't explain why, and he didn't say what the outcome would be, but Cornelius followed the instructions. Because he obeyed, he and his household became the first Gentile believers to receive the Holy Spirit (v.45).
The example of Cornelius shows us that God has no partiality (v.34), He is not just the God of the Jews, but of the gentiles as well. His promises of salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit are for all who believe.
He truly is “The LORD of all.” (v.36)
The Truth: “Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:12-13)
