Person · Bible dictionary

Cornelius

A Roman centurion whose conversion opened the door of the gospel to the Gentiles.

A devout, God-fearing officer, Cornelius was told by an angel to send for Peter, while God prepared Peter through a vision to accept Gentiles.

When the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius’s household, the church recognized that salvation was for all peoples, not Jews alone.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Acts 10:34 “Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,” Acts 10:4 “Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?” The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God.”
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Original BibleDawn entry. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.