Bible Dictionary
Cornelius
Cornelius was a Roman centurion in Caesarea who feared God, prayed, and gave generously. Through Peter’s ministry he and his household believed in Christ, received the Holy Spirit, and were baptized as the firstfruits of Gentile believers.
Biblical Usage
Cornelius was the firstfruits of the Gentile world to Christ. His admission, without first becoming a Jewish proselyte, demonstrated that Gentiles could enter the Christian church through faith in Christ and the gift of the Spirit. The event became a precedent in the discussion of Jew-Gentile equality.
Scripture References