Acts 10:1-7
Last time we had a brief overview of Romans 11 and how Israel’s rejection of the Messiah, but only temporarily, enabled by God’s mercy the Gospel to go to the nations. So, I just want to flip the coin today and look at one of the first Gentiles recorded in Scripture, who becomes a believer in Jesus Christ and receives the Gospel. Now Cornelius was stationed in the Mediterranean port of Caesarea Maritima, which was traditionally where the Roman governors or rulers of Judea would reside. Although pilot that we read off in the Gospels prefer to be based in Jerusalem. Cornelius was part of the Italian Regiment so it is very likely he came from mainland Italy or even Rome itself. Many of those who served in the Roman armies were auxiliary soldiers drawn up or volunteering from lands that were under Roman occupation. We know that Cornelius and his family were referred to as God fearers. They were not people who had undergone conversion to Judaism in any formal way, but had come to a monotheistic belief in the God of Israel. This passage tells us that he prayed to God regularly and was very benevolent to those in need. Misha unpacks Acts 10:1-7
