A.E. Emmons, Jr.
Cornelius is by no means the greatest character mentioned in the New Testament, but he is no doubt one of the most interesting. He was a man of unusual ability and character, as well as the first Gentile to become a Christian. According to Acts 10:1 he held a responsible position as Captain of the Italian Band under the Roman government. At the time Cornelius is first introduced to Bible readers he is not a Christian, but his traits of character are enough to put most of us to shame. Acts 10:2 mentions four of his outstanding traits:
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“A devout man.” Cornelius was filled with devotion to God. I know this is true because the Bible says so, and the Bible does not pass out compliments promiscuously or carelessly. Devotion implies ultimate faith in God, and a willingness to obey all of His commandments. There are only a few who can meet this standard of Cornelius.
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“One that feared God with all his house.” It is one thing to fear God, but it is entirely another thing to be able to influence all others about you to do likewise. In this respect, Cornelius reminds us of Noah who was able to save his own family from destruction in the flood. There are many who fear God, but have not the influence or ability to lead others to fear Him.
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“That gave much alms to the poor.” The word much should be emphasized in this passage and put in contrast with our own loose, casual, and haphazard way of giving alms today. This certainly implies that he had a big, sympathetic heart for his fellows.
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“And prayed to God always.” This is said of Cornelius several years before Paul recorded the commandment to “pray without ceasing.” A man like Cornelius does not need such a commandment. It is part of his nature to pray to God.
Indeed these are wonderful attributes for the Holy Spirit to ascribe to one man. Where is the man today about whom the Holy Spirit could say as much? According to human ideals and standards, the search for a perfect man would stop at the house of Cornelius. But, as is frequently the case, inspiration, judging by the Divine standard, tells a different story.
The reader of this story should not lose sight of the fact that, with all these fine traits of character, Cornelius was not a Christian, and hence was not a saved man. We know this is true because God took the trouble to send an angel who told Cornelius to contact a gospel preacher. Cornelius must have realized this too, because when Peter came and inquired why Cornelius sent for him, Cornelius said the angel told him to send for Peter “Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved” (Acts 11:13-14). From this part of the story we get the profound lesson that devotion and goodness alone will not save a man. Even Cornelius realized that something else was necessary.
When Peter arrived, after making the journey from Joppa, he found Cornelius had gathered an audience consisting of his kinsmen and near friends to hear him (Acts 10:24). Here’s another fine characteristic of this great man. Cornelius was about to receive something of great value, and he wanted his kinsmen and friends to share it with him. How anxious we ought to be that our friends and relatives have ample opportunity to hear the gospel preached.
Cornelius condemns many people today because he wanted to hear the right thing. In Acts 10:33 he said, “Now, therefore, we are all here present in the sight of God, to hear all things that have been commanded thee of the Lord.” If he had been like some I have met in my lifetime, here’s about what would have taken place:
He would have taken Peter off to one side and said, “Now brother Peter, we are glad to have you come, and we are expecting a good meeting. But there’s one thing I want to warn you about. I have invited my relatives and close friends to come to the meeting, and they are here, and they are all of a different religious persuasion from yours. Now this community is full of prejudice, and I think it is best to stay off too much doctrinal sermons lest you offend them.”
Somehow I wish that such had been done there. I would like to read the verbal barrage which the tempestuous Peter would doubtless have loosed against such a spineless suggestion. How different from the actual picture! Without hesitation, he declares himself ready to hear all—no restrictions, no limitations.
As Peter began to speak all things commanded of the Lord, the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius and the other Gentiles as He had on the apostles in the beginning (on Pentecost). True to the purpose for which he had been sent, and seeing that God had also chosen the Gentiles to receive the gospel of Christ, Peter commanded them to be baptized in “the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 10:48). Nothing is said about Cornelius arguing that baptism wasn’t necessary to his salvation. Herein he condemns many today who say they want to do the Lord’s will but object to baptism as a command of the Lord. Cornelius was baptized without doubting the Lord’s words.
The Bible reveals nothing more of Cornelius. We have no record of him as a Christian. But I am sure that if he carried these fine traits of character which he possessed into the church he was a great and mighty power for God. May God hasten the day when this world will have more men with the character, conviction, honesty and readiness to hear the word of God like Cornelius.
