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'Cornelius' (in Greek, 'Κορνήλιος') was a Roman Centurion who is considered by Christians to be the first Gentile to convert to the faith, as related in Acts of the Apostles.

Contents

Biblical account

Significance

Role in tradition

Cultural references

Notes and references

External links

Biblical account

Stationed in Caesarea, Cornelius is depicted in the New Testament as a man full of good works and deeds of alms. Cornelius receives a vision in which an angel of God tells him that his prayers have been heard. The angel then instructs Cornelius to send the men of his household to Joppa, where they will find Simon Peter, who is residing with a tanner by the name of Simon.
The conversion of Cornelius only comes after yet another vision given to Simon Peter () himself; in Simon Peter's vision, he sees all manner of four-footed beasts and birds of the air being lowed from Heaven in a sheet. A voice commands Simon Peter to eat. When he objects to eating those animals that are unclean to Mosaic Law, the voice tells him not to call unclean that which God has cleansed.
When Cornelius' men arrive, Simon Peter understands that the vision permits the conversion of the Gentiles. When Cornelius himself meets Simon Peter, Cornelius falls at his feet in adoration. Picking Cornelius up, Simon Peter welcomes him. After the two men share their visions, and Simon Peter tells of Jesus' ministry and the Resurrection, the Holy Spirit falls on everyone at the gathering. The Jews among the group are amazed that Cornelius and other uncircumcised should begin speaking in tongues, praising God. Thereupon Simon Peter orders that Cornelius and his followers be baptized.
The controversial aspect of Gentile conversion is taken up later at the Council of Jerusalem ().

Significance

The Catholic Encyclopedia summarizes the importance of Cornelius' baptism as follows:

Role in tradition

Certain traditions hold Cornelius as becoming either the first bishop of Caesarea or the bishop of Scepsis in Mysia. His feast day on the Roman calendar is 2 February.

Cultural references

★ Cornelius is a main character in several works of literature, including Sholem Asch's novel ''The Nazarene'' (1939).

★ Cornelius is also the title and subject of a song by the Christian Rock/Pop band Newsboys.

Notes and references

1. Cornelius the Centurion

External links

★ Catholic Encyclopedia: Cornelius