We read about Cornelius in Acts 10-11. He was a Roman centurion who lived in Caesarea. God sent the apostle Peter to help him become a Christian. Many commentators say that Cornelius knew almost nothing about Jesus and the church before he became a Christian. They use him as an example for today, teaching that a person does not need to know very much at all about Christ and the church to become a Christian. Yet, the Scriptures do not support that conclusion.
Cornelius was a devout man. That means he was reverent and pious in his life toward God. He feared God with all his house. That means he respected God and recognized Him to be in charge of all things. Evidently, all his family members also feared God. As the head of his house, he had led them in worshipping God.
He was praying to God at 3 p.m. This was one of the standard times for Jews to pray. The Greek word for “prayed” is the word meaning “begging” or “entreating.” He was constantly asking God what he needed to do to please Him. Cornelius constantly desired to follow what God commanded. He was told to send for Peter so that the apostle could tell him what to do to be saved (11:14).
Cornelius actively did many benevolent works. This means he followed God’s directions to love all men. He was willing to share what he had with others according to God’s commandments.
Peter said in Acts 10:37-43 that Cornelius was knowledgeable of the Word. From the Word of God, one can know peace through Jesus Christ, the Lordship of Jesus, John’s baptism, Jesus the anointed One of God, Jesus full of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus performed many miracles and that Jesus was crucified and resurrected. Cornelius knew about these things.
From what is recorded, it would seem Cornelius and those with him knew a great deal about the Old Testament Scriptures and about Jesus’ life on earth, as well as His Deity.
Study your Bible. Learn all you can from it. Make sure that you are devout, benevolent and God-fearing. Make sure you are doing what is necessary to be saved. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
