God Came to Cornelius

Act 10:1-8 NIV - 1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!" 4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea." 7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

In a vision, Cornelius, a God-fearing Gentile is visited in a vision by God. Cornelius was a centurion of the Roman officer in charge of one hundred soldiers. He has an understanding of the chain of command. In his vision, he is complimented for his works and followed by instuctions to go and get Peter.

God found Cornelius praying. Will God find you praying? Will you follow the instructions that He has given to you? In the above eight verses, we see a Gentile giving help to those in need and praying. We are called to be people of prayer. Let us all pray, talking to God about the joys and beauty of our surroundings. Filling our thoughts of beautiful things around us should leave little room for the negative. Today I saw a squirrel running across the roof of the house outside my second-floor window. He appeared healthy and happy.

Next week, we will hear God talk to Peter.

Bibliography

Toussaint, Stanley D. “Acts.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, 349-432. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 1984.