The Character of Cornelius
By
Shelby G. Floyd
One of the most interesting characters in the book of Acts is
Cornelius the centurion, on occupation in
The men who were sent down to invite Peter back to his house further
described Cornelius as “a just man, one
who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews” (Acts
If you were to ask people today if that man were saved, they would
probably reply yes. But that is not what the Bible teaches. Even though
Cornelius was a good man and highly respected among the people, he still needed
to hear words whereby he and his family could be saved. The angel of the Lord
gave Cornelius this command: “Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon
whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by
the sea. He will tell you what you must do” (Acts 10:5-6, NKJV).
After having presented the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus
Christ, Peter commanded Cornelius and those present, to be baptized in the name
of the Lord: "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They
have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." So he ordered that they be
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts