The Conversion of Cornelius

Derek Long

In the book of Acts chapter 10, we read of the conversion of Cornelius and his household. Many important truths can be learned by examining the account of his conversion. Let’s examine some of these lessons:

1. Being a good man is not enough to save someone. As we are introduced to Cornelius, we are given a description of his character. Acts 10:2 describes Cornelius as “a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.” If we ran into someone like Cornelius today, most people would assume he is saved. However, the angel tells Cornelius to send for Simon, who “will tell you what you must do” (Acts 10:6) or “who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved” (Acts 11:14). A good man like Cornelius still had things he needed to do in order to be saved.

2. We must hear words in order to be saved. In the previous point, we observed Cornelius was to send for Peter to tell him, “words by which you and all your household will be saved” (Acts 11:14). The method by which people learn what is necessary to salvation is through hearing the preaching of the gospel message. In Romans 1:16, we learn the gospel is the power of God to salvation. In 1 Corinthians 1:21, we read how “it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” People cannot call or believe on someone they have never heard about. Therefore, hearing is necessary to produce saving faith (Romans 10:14-17).

3. God requires the same thing of all people. It appears from scripture Cornelius would be the first Gentile (non-Jew) to become a Christian. Peter was given a vision to help him understand all people are proper candidates to hear the gospel preached. In Acts 10:9- 16, three times Peter sees an object like a sheet full of all types of animals and is told to rise, kill, and eat. Peter refuses to do so, citing that he had never eaten anything common or unclean. Yet a voice says, “What God has cleansed you must not call common” (Acts 10:15). The vision shows clearly God had removed the food laws of the Old Testament, and hence all animals are to be considered clean today. Based upon that premise, a necessary conclusion is drawn by Peter that Gentiles are no longer to be called common or unclean either (Acts 10:28). As Peter speaks to Cornelius and his household, he declares, “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” (Acts 10:34-35). Jews and Gentiles were now accountable to the same law and must meet the same requirements in order to be saved.

4. We learn a lesson about the position of the teacher. When Peter comes in, Cornelius responds by falling down and worshipping Peter (Acts 10:25). Peter responds by lifting him up and saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man” (Acts 10:26). Peter was an apostle of Jesus Christ. Peter was specifically selected to preach to Cornelius and his household by God. Peter had lived and been with Jesus during His life upon the earth. Yet Peter did not accept the worship of someone like Cornelius. Teachers of the gospel need to recognize they are not in a position to receive worship from others. Teachers of the gospel are simply servants of God, and God should receive the glory for what they accomplish (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). Teachers who would exalt themselves and feel they should be worshipped by others are not acting like the apostles did.

5. We learn about the necessity of water baptism. As was pointed out under the first point, Cornelius was what many today would consider a good man. As Peter is speaking, the Holy Spirit falls upon Cornelius and others, and they begin speaking with tongues (Acts 10:44-46). However, despite being what many would consider a good man and a man baptized with the Holy Spirit, he still was commanded to be baptized in water. Acts 10:47- 48 says, “‘Can anyone forbid water that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.” The necessity of water baptism is not removed by being a good, moral person. The necessity of water baptism is not removed because one is baptized by the Holy Spirit. The reason one needs to be baptized in water is the same reason those on the Day of Pentecost were told to be baptized “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Baptism in water is when one receives the remission of sins not before.

The Old Hickory Bulletin – 12-09-2018