Cornelius

Technical Profile

Name Meaning: Greek/Latin Kornēlios (“of the Cornelius clan”), marking Roman family identity
Period/Era: Early Church; Roman Imperial Context
Main References: Acts 10:1–48; Acts 11:1–18
Key Connections: Peter; Cornelius’s household; “Italian Cohort” at Caesarea

Who was Cornelius?

Cornelius was a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea.
He is described as devout and God-fearing, known for almsgiving and prayer.
In Acts, he becomes a central Gentile figure in the spread of the gospel.

Key Events & Achievements

Event 1: Receives an angelic vision instructing him to send for Simon Peter (Acts 10:3–8).
Event 2: Hears Peter’s message about Jesus’ death and resurrection in his home at Caesarea (Acts 10:34–43).
Event 3: His household receives the Holy Spirit and is baptized, prompting Peter’s report to the Jerusalem believers (Acts 10:44–48; 11:1–18).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Cornelius illustrates how the apostolic mission in the early church extended to Gentiles within the Roman world through Peter’s witness to Jesus.

Key Verse

"Truly I understand that God shows no partiality," — Acts 10:34, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. What was Cornelius’s role and location according to the account?

2. What did Cornelius receive that instructed him to send for Simon Peter?