Cornelius

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). (See CENTURION.)

(of a horn), a Roman centurion of the Italian cohort stationed in Caesarea, (Acts 10:1) etc., a man full of good works and alms-deeds. With his household he was baptized by St. Peter, and thus Cornelius became the firstfruits of the Gentile world to Christ.

CORNE'LIUS, a Roman centurion of the Italian cohort stationed at Caesarea, and the first heathen convert to Christianity. He was a Gentile by birth, but a God-fearing man, a half proselyte i.e. leaning to the Jewish religion, yet uncircumcised, and hence considered unclean. Acts 10:1. His prayers, being offered in the faith of a promised Messiah, were heard, and God sent Peter to make known to him the plan of salvation through a crucified and risen Redeemer. Thus the door of faith was opened to the Gentiles. Cornelius and his family were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 10 and Rev 1:11.

of a horn

CORNE'LIUS, a Roman centurion of the Italian cohort stationed at Caesarea, and the first heathen convert to Christianity. He was a Gentile by birth, but a God-fearing man, a half proselyte i.e. leaning to the Jewish religion, yet uncircumcised, and hence considered unclean. Acts 10:1. His prayers, being offered in the faith of a promised Messiah, were heard, and God sent Peter to make known to him the plan of salvation through a crucified and risen Redeemer. Thus the door of faith was opened to the Gentiles. Cornelius and his family were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 10 and Rev 1:11.