Topical Bible: Prayer: Cornelius

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Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment, is a significant figure in the New Testament, particularly in the context of prayer and the early Christian Church. His account is primarily found in Acts 10, where his devout life and prayerful nature are highlighted as instrumental in the unfolding of God's plan to extend the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Background and Character

Cornelius is described as a God-fearing man, respected by the Jewish community, despite being a Gentile. Acts 10:2 states, "He and all his household were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly." This description underscores his piety and dedication to God, even before his full understanding of the Gospel. His regular prayers and almsgiving reflect a sincere heart seeking after God, which sets the stage for the divine encounter that follows.

The Vision and Divine Encounter

Cornelius's prayer life is pivotal in the narrative of Acts 10. While he is praying, he receives a vision from an angel of God. Acts 10:3-4 recounts, "About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God who came to him and said, 'Cornelius!' 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.'" This passage highlights the efficacy of Cornelius's prayers, which are acknowledged by God as a "memorial offering," indicating that his sincere devotion has reached the divine throne.

The Role of Prayer in the Conversion of Gentiles

Cornelius's prayerful life is instrumental in the broader narrative of the early Church's mission. His vision leads to the summoning of the Apostle Peter, who is simultaneously prepared by God through a vision of his own. When Peter arrives at Cornelius's house, he finds a gathering of people eager to hear the message of the Gospel. Acts 10:30-31 records Cornelius explaining to Peter, "Four days ago, I was in my house praying at this, the ninth hour. Suddenly a man in radiant clothing stood before me and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been remembered before God.'"

Peter's subsequent preaching results in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and his household, marking a significant moment in the early Church as the Gospel is officially extended to the Gentiles. This event underscores the power of prayer in breaking down barriers and advancing God's kingdom.

Cornelius's Legacy in Prayer

Cornelius's account is a testament to the power of prayer and its role in divine providence. His life exemplifies how God responds to sincere seekers, regardless of their background, and uses their prayers as a catalyst for greater purposes. Cornelius's devout prayer life not only brought him into a personal relationship with God through Christ but also played a crucial role in the early Church's mission to the Gentiles, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of a faithful prayer life.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 10:30
And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

'God is no Respecter of Persons'
... clothing, 31. And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are
had in remembrance in the sight of God.32. Send therefore ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/god is no respecter of.htm

The Ministration of the Spirit and Prayer
... outpouring of the Holy Spirit, in the house of Cornelius at Caesarea, we have another
testimony to the wondrous interdependence of the action of prayer and the ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ii the ministration of.htm

The Conversion of Cornelius.
... hours of prayer was the ninth hour, or three o'clock in the afternoon, when the
evening sacrifice was offered. At this time the piety of Cornelius was rewarded ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm

Peter and the Roman Officer
... Just four days ago, in the afternoon, I was praying in my house, when a man stood
before me in bright clothing, and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/peter and the roman officer.htm

Treatise iv. On the Lord's Prayer.
... and alms, is even in this life a merciful hearer of one who comes to Him in prayer
associated with good works. Thus, for instance, Cornelius the centurion ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise iv on the lords.htm

An Exposition of the Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles.
... Also * the account of Tabitha, the friend of widows, whom Peter raised from the
dead by means of prayer in Joppa. O. Of Cornelius, and what the angel said to ...
/.../pamphilus/the writings of pamphilus/an exposition of the chapters.htm

Epistle Lvi. To Cornelius in Exile, Concerning his Confession.
... Praises in Cornelius and His People Their Confession of the Name of Christ Even
to Banishment; And Exhorts Them to Constancy and to Mutual Prayer for One ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lvi to cornelius in.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... to Elizabeth, barren and past age as she was, in answer to the prayer of Zacharias. ...
The angel was sent to Cornelius, and the Gospel opened through him to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

Prayer and Devotion
... the very spirit of true worship, and is of the nature of the spirit of prayer. ... Cornelius
was "a devout man, one that feared God with all his house, which gave ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/iii prayer and devotion.htm

What God Hath Cleansed
... to the light and love of God, The vision appeared to Cornelius in the manner
corresponding to his spiritual susceptibility, and it came at the hour of prayer. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/what god hath cleansed.htm