Acts 10:22
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
Acts 10:22 (KJV)
Context
Acts 10 records the story of Cornelius, a centurion in Caesarea, and Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus. The narrative introduces Cornelius as a devout Gentile who feared God and lived a righteous life. Though not a Jew by birth, he is described as a “just man” and a God-fearing Gentile who enjoyed a good reputation among the Jewish people.
Cornelius is portrayed as a man of integrity and reverent fear of God. The passage highlights his “good report among all the nation of the Jews,” indicating that his conduct earned respect across cultural lines. His devotion is further underscored by the angelic message that calls him a “just man” and affirms his fear of God.
Meaning
Divine intervention is central to this account. An angel of God appears to Cornelius and warns him, instructing him to send for Peter. This heavenly messenger also tells the men sent from Cornelius’ household to inform Peter that the angel has directed Cornelius to invite him. The angelic warning emphasizes God’s active involvement in bringing Cornelius and Peter together for a specific purpose.
The Greek term translated “warned” (echrematisthē) conveys a divine communication or instruction, emphasizing that this was a direct revelation from God. Cornelius’s actions were initiated by God, not by human impulse. The purpose of sending for Peter was for Cornelius to hear “words of thee,” that is, to receive the message Peter would deliver.
Biblical connections
Through this encounter God reveals a broader plan. Up to this point the gospel had been proclaimed primarily to the Jews, but the angel’s instruction signals the extension of salvation to the Gentiles. This event marks a pivotal turning point in the early church’s understanding of the inclusion of all peoples in God’s redemptive purpose.
Application
Both Cornelius and Peter demonstrate obedience and faith. Upon receiving the angel’s message, Cornelius immediately sends for Peter, showing his willingness to follow God’s direction. Peter, despite cultural and religious barriers, responds to the men’s request and travels to Cornelius’ house, stepping outside his comfort zone. Their actions together illustrate a faithful response to divine leading and the breaking down of ethnic boundaries in the spread of the gospel.
Reflection
Cornelius’s character—just, God-fearing, and well respected—shows that God was at work in a Gentile’s heart before the full inclusion of Gentiles into the church. His eagerness to gather his relatives and close friends to hear Peter’s message reflects the grace of God in him and reminds believers to share the gospel with those around them.
