WHO WAS CORNELIUS, AND WHY IS HE IMPORTANT?

Newsletter 198 - June 19, 2010

Bob Mills

THE PURPOSE OF THE BOOK OF ACTS

Before we think about Cornelius, we need to consider the purpose of the book of Acts. A complete title could be, “Some of the acts of some of the apostles.” Though much of it centers on the Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, it is not his biography, this portion enters on Peter, but this is only a fragment of his life. It is not a biography.
It is historical, and is about the beginning of the church, its growth and expansion throughout the Roman world. The author, Luke, in the closing words of his Gospel, quotes Christ who said, “that repentance and the remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

There are today many which call them selves His church, but Christ said, “I will build my church” and at Pentecost, in Jerusalem, we read, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47) A better translation would be, “were being saved,” as we see in several newer translations. The time, place, founder, and name are all thus established. If he is the head, then, as his body, it will naturally bear his name. That is the beginning, but where is Cornelius involved.?

THE FIRST CONVERTS WERE JEWS FROM ALL OVER THE ROMAN WORLD

Since all these people were in Jerusalem for the Passover and Pentecost, Jewish festivals, we know that the first converts were either Jews or Jewish proselytes.

In Christ’s prayer recorded in John 17, he says “as thou hast sent me unto the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” (John 17:18), And also John 17:20 where he says, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe through their word.” The church is made up of people from all nations, every where.

BUT CORNELIUS WAS A GENTILE, A ROMAN CENTURION

He was open to hear and had already prayed to God. God heard him and answered through Peter, (Acts 10:5-8), though it took three special and personal visions to convince Peter that God loved Gentiles as well as Jews. (Acts 10:9-16)
As evidence of this fact, the same signs that had been shown at Pentecost, were repeated.

Acts 10:34-43 (King James Version)

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: (Matthew 3:2, Deuteronomy 10:17, 2Chronicles 19:7, Romans 2:11, Galatians 2:6, Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 3:25, 1 Peter 1:17)

35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Acts 10:28, Acts 10:2)

36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all, Acts 13:32, Luke 1:79, Luke 2:14, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:17, Matthew 28:18, Acts 2:36, Romans 10:12)

37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (Acts 2:22, Acts 4:26, Matthew 4:23, John 3:2)

39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: (Luke 24:48, Acts 10:41, Acts 5:30)

40 Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly; (Acts 2:24)

41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. (John 14:19, John 14:22, John 15:27, Luke 24:48, Acts 10:39, Luke 24:43, Acts 1:4)

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. (Acts 1:2, Luke 16:28, Luke 22:22, John 5:22, John 5:27, Acts 17:31, 2 Timothy 4:1, 1 Peter 4:5)

43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins (Acts 3:18, Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12)

GOD OPENED DOORS TO OTHERS AS WELL

God sent Phillip to meet and teach the Ethiopian from Africa, and Paul from Troas to Europe. Just a little supplementary reading will suggest others who went in every direction, and thus the church continues to grow even until today.
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RESOLVE TO READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2010
JUNE

20th. Sunday – 1 Kings 8, Acts 14, Psalm 76
21st. Monday – 1 Kings 9, 10. Acts 15:1-22, Proverbs 15:9-18
22nd. Tuesday – 1 Kings 11, Acts 15:23-41, Psalm 77:1-
23rd. Wednesday – 1 Kings 12, Acts 16:1-18, Psalm 77:10-20
24th. Thursday – 1 Kings 13, Acts 16:19-40, Psalm 78:1-8
25th. Friday - 1 Kings 14, 15, Acts 17, Proverbs 15:19-26
26th. Saturday – 1 Kings 16, 17, Acts 18, Psalm 78:9-20
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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether these things were so.”

Acts 17:11

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Questions and Answers

Why do politicians envy ventriloquists? Because they can lie without moving their lips. What do you call a politician who swears to tell the truth? A liar. If con is the opposite of pro then what is the opposite of progress? How can you tell when a politician is lying? His lips are moving.

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