Hidden Insights into God’s Word: Cornelius the Gentile

by David Chadwick

Today is our fifth and final hidden insight into God’s Word. Acts 10 recounts the story of a man named Cornelius. In his story, you will find a very special hidden insight into God’s Word.

While not often referenced as a commonly known key biblical figure, Cornelius might be one of the most important biblical characters in Scripture.

Cornelius was a Gentile - a Roman centurion and devout follower of the Jewish God. When Peter was struggling with whether the gospel was for Gentiles, or only for Jews, he visited Cornelius.

Think about the significance of this for a moment. Peter must have trusted Cornelius so much to be willing to enter into such a tender and necessary discussion at that time.

On Cornelius’s rooftop, Peter received a vision. Previously thought of as unclean food, the vision showed Peter he could now break kosher laws! At that moment, he clearly knew that the gospel was both for Jews and Gentiles.

This was the first time that the church officially opened its doors to Gentiles, marking a pivotal moment and a marking time in the church’s life and history.

Here’s the insight. Because Cornelius opened his home to Peter, and was a safe place for Peter to process with, Peter was able to hear from the Lord and receive a vision to open the doors for all Gentiles for all times to receive the gospel of Jesus.

Maybe you, too, will choose to open your door one day for someone that will end up leading to the salvation of many others. There is no greater joy than to play a role in leading others into a relationship with Jesus Christ!

Cornelius is evidence of that truth for us all.