Cornelius the Centurion

Everything we know about Cornelius comes from chapters 10 and 11 of the Acts of the Apostles. He is remembered as the first Gentile, along with his household, to be received into the Christian faith.

Cornelius was a centurion in the Roman army. A centurion normally commanded about one hundred soldiers and was responsible for their discipline and effectiveness, both in camp and on the battlefield. Centurions were career soldiers who were generally respected for their courage, leadership, and ability. Cornelius was also a man of deep faith. Acts describes him as devout and God-fearing, a man who prayed regularly and gave generously to those in need.

The conversion of Cornelius was a turning point in the life of the early Church. Luke gives considerable attention to the story because of its importance for the future spread of Christianity. Both Cornelius and Peter received divine guidance that brought them together. Peter was shown that God was breaking down the barriers that had separated Jews and Gentiles, and when he preached the Gospel to Cornelius and those gathered in his home, the Holy Spirit came upon them.

What happened in the house of Cornelius was so remarkable that it was compared to the experience of Pentecost. Peter could no longer deny baptism to those upon whom God had so clearly poured out the Holy Spirit. The conversion of Cornelius became an important precedent for the decision of the apostles in Jerusalem a few years later that Gentile believers were to be fully received into the Church alongside Jewish believers.

According to Christian tradition, Cornelius later became a missionary and eventually served as bishop of Caesarea. Cornelius and his household may have formed the beginning of the Christian community in that important city, where Philip the Evangelist had also preached and later made his home (Acts 8:40; 21:8).

The story of Cornelius reminds us that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was never intended for only one people or nation. In the home of a Roman centurion, the early Church saw clearly that God shows no partiality and that everyone who turns to him in faith is welcomed into the household of God.