Acts 10:1

KJV

¶ There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian [band],

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} There was {G2258} a certain {G5100} man {G435} in {G1722} Caesarea {G2542} called {G3686} Cornelius {G2883}, a centurion {G1543} of {G1537} the band {G4686} called {G2564} the Italian {G2483} band,

Complete Jewish Bible

There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a Roman army officer in what was called the Italian Regiment.

Berean Standard Bible

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment.

American Standard Version

Nowthere wasa certain man in Cæsarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:1 introduces Cornelius, a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea, as a pivotal figure in the unfolding narrative of the early church. This verse meticulously sets the scene for a monumental shift in the Gospel's trajectory, signaling God's intentional inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community, thereby breaking down long-standing ethnic and religious barriers and demonstrating the universal scope of salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 10:1 marks a significant transition in the Book of Acts. Chapters 1-9 primarily detail the spread of the Gospel within Jewish communities, starting from Jerusalem and extending to Judea and Samaria, as outlined in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission's Scope"). While there have been hints of Gentile interest (e.g., the Ethiopian eunuch in [Acts 8:26-40](/acts/8-26-40 "Acts 8:26-40 - Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch")), Cornelius's conversion is the first major, explicit, and divinely orchestrated breakthrough into the Gentile world. This chapter initiates a crucial theological discussion within the early church regarding the terms of Gentile inclusion, a debate that culminates in the Jerusalem Council in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"). The introduction of Cornelius directly follows Peter's healing ministry in Lydda and Joppa ([Acts 9:32-43](/acts/9-32-43 "Acts 9:32-43 - Peter's Ministry in Lydda and Joppa")), preparing Peter for the divine encounter that will challenge his preconceptions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Caesarea Maritima, where Cornelius resided, was a major port city and the administrative capital of Roman Judea. Unlike Jerusalem, which was predominantly Jewish, Caesarea was largely Gentile, populated by Romans, Greeks, and other non-Jewish peoples. This cosmopolitan setting made it an ideal location for God to demonstrate the universality of the Gospel. A "centurion" was a highly respected Roman military officer, typically commanding 80-100 men. These individuals were often known for their discipline, loyalty, and sometimes, their piety, even towards foreign deities. The "Italian band" (Latin: *Cohors II Italica civium Romanorum*) was a specific Roman auxiliary cohort, likely composed of Roman citizens or those with strong ties to Italy, further emphasizing Cornelius's Roman identity and status, distinct from the local Jewish population. His position highlights the significant social and religious barriers that the Gospel was about to transcend.
* **Key Themes:** This verse immediately introduces several key themes that will dominate the subsequent narrative. First, it underscores **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, as God actively prepares both Cornelius and Peter for their encounter, demonstrating His meticulous plan for the Gospel's expansion beyond ethnic boundaries. Second, it highlights the **Breaking of Barriers**, particularly the deeply ingrained Jewish perception that salvation was exclusively for Israel. Cornelius's introduction directly challenges this ethnocentric view, paving the way for the radical realization that God shows no partiality ([Acts 10:34](/acts/10-34 "Acts 10:34 - God Shows No Partiality")). Third, it foreshadows the **Universal Scope of the Gospel**, aligning with Jesus' Great Commission to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")) and the prophetic vision of God's salvation extending to the ends of the earth ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cornelius (Greek, _Kornḗlios'_):** From Latin origin, Cornelius was a common Roman family name. In this context, it signifies a specific individual of Roman identity, emphasizing his Gentile background and setting him apart from the Jewish believers who had previously dominated the narrative of Acts. His name immediately signals the breaking of ethnic barriers.
* **centurion (Greek, _hekatontárchēs'_):** Derived from *hekaton* (one hundred) and *archo* (to rule), this term denotes a Roman military officer commanding approximately 100 men. This position carried significant authority, respect, and often, a reputation for integrity within the Roman system. The mention of his rank underscores his social standing and the remarkable nature of his conversion, as it represents the Gospel's penetration into the highest echelons of Roman society.
* **band (Greek, _speîra'_):** This term refers to a Roman military cohort, typically comprising 480-600 men. The specific mention of the "Italian band" (Greek, _Italikós'_) indicates a cohort primarily composed of Roman citizens, distinguishing it from auxiliary units made up of non-citizens. This detail further solidifies Cornelius's Roman identity and highlights the profound cultural and religious chasm that God was about to bridge by bringing the Gospel to such a figure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the setting and introduces the central figure. Caesarea, as a major Roman city, is strategically chosen by Luke to emphasize the Gentile context. The indefinite "a certain man" gives way to the specific name "Cornelius," underscoring his individual importance in God's plan.
* **"a centurion of the band called the Italian [band],"**: This phrase provides crucial details about Cornelius's identity and status. His military rank as a centurion signifies his authority and respect within Roman society. The identification of his unit as the "Italian band" (or "Italian Cohort") further emphasizes his Roman citizenship or strong Roman ties, highlighting his distinct non-Jewish background and setting the stage for the dramatic inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian community.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in [Acts 10:1](/acts/10-1 "Acts 10:1 - Introduction of Cornelius") to effectively introduce Cornelius and set the stage for the narrative's pivotal shift. **Character Introduction** is paramount, as Cornelius is presented with specific details—his name, location, rank, and military unit—that immediately establish his identity as a prominent Gentile. This detailed introduction signals his significance beyond a mere background character. The mention of "Caesarea" functions as **Setting**, strategically placing the narrative in a predominantly Gentile city, contrasting with the Jewish focus of earlier chapters and foreshadowing the Gospel's expansion. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Foreshadowing** by introducing a Roman centurion, a figure of authority and Gentile identity, hinting at the imminent breakthrough of the Gospel across ethnic and cultural boundaries, a theme that will be fully explored in the subsequent narrative concerning Peter's vision and visit to Cornelius's house.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:1 serves as a theological linchpin, initiating the profound revelation that God's salvation is not confined to any single ethnic group but is universally available to all who believe. The introduction of Cornelius, a devout Gentile, signals God's proactive move to dismantle the spiritual and social barriers that had historically separated Jews and Gentiles. This divine initiative underscores the impartiality of God, who looks beyond external distinctions to the heart, demonstrating that His grace extends to every nation, tribe, people, and language. It highlights the sovereign plan of God to fulfill His ancient promises to Abraham, that through his seed, all the families of the earth would be blessed.

* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:11-18](/ephesians/2-11-18 "Ephesians 2:11-18 - Christ Our Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The introduction of Cornelius in [Acts 10:1](/acts/10-1 "Acts 10:1 - Introduction of Cornelius") is a powerful reminder that God's redemptive plan transcends all human-made boundaries—ethnic, social, economic, or cultural. Just as God reached out to a Roman centurion, a figure from the very empire that oppressed Israel, He continues to pursue individuals from every walk of life, challenging our preconceived notions of who is "worthy" or "ready" for the Gospel. This verse calls us to examine our own biases and prejudices, urging us to embrace the radical inclusivity of Christ's kingdom. It compels us to recognize that God is at work in unexpected places and through unexpected people, often preparing hearts we might overlook. Our mission, therefore, is not to select but to share, trusting in God's sovereign orchestration to bring people from all backgrounds into His family, fostering a truly diverse and unified body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What preconceived notions or biases might I hold that limit my understanding of God's inclusive love?**
* **How does the story of Cornelius challenge me to step outside my comfort zone in sharing the Gospel with those who are culturally or socially different from me?**
* **In what ways can my church community better reflect the radical diversity and unity exemplified by the inclusion of Gentiles in the early church?**

### FAQ

**Why is Cornelius's specific background as a "centurion of the Italian band" emphasized?**

Answer: Luke's meticulous detail in [Acts 10:1](/acts/10-1 "Acts 10:1 - Introduction of Cornelius") regarding Cornelius's background serves several crucial purposes. First, it highlights his Roman identity and high social standing, making his conversion all the more significant. He was not a marginal figure but a respected officer of the occupying power. Second, the "Italian band" (or *Cohors II Italica civium Romanorum*) was a specific military unit likely composed of Roman citizens, distinguishing him from local auxiliaries. This detail underscores that God was explicitly reaching out to a "pure" Gentile, a non-Jew without any prior connection to Jewish law or custom, thereby emphasizing the groundbreaking nature of his inclusion into the early Christian community. It sets the stage for the theological debate and resolution that God's salvation is truly for all peoples, not just for Jews or Jewish proselytes.

**What was the significance of Caesarea as the setting for this event?**

Answer: Caesarea Maritima was a strategic choice for this pivotal event. As the Roman administrative capital of Judea, it was a predominantly Gentile city, unlike Jerusalem. This setting immediately signals a shift in the geographical and ethnic focus of the Gospel's spread, moving beyond its Jewish origins. By orchestrating the first major Gentile conversion in such a prominent Roman city, God visibly demonstrated that His message was intended for the entire world, not just a select group. It provided a neutral ground, away from the intense Jewish religious scrutiny of Jerusalem, for the initial breakthrough of the Gospel into the Gentile world, establishing a precedent for the universal mission of the church as outlined in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission's Scope").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:1, by introducing Cornelius, a Roman centurion, stands as a powerful testament to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for all humanity. The inclusion of this prominent Gentile directly reflects the universal scope of salvation achieved through Jesus Christ. Before Christ, a "dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - The Dividing Wall Broken Down")) separated Jews and Gentiles, marked by the Law and cultural distinctions. However, Jesus, through His sacrificial death on the cross, "abolished the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, thus making peace" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - One New Humanity")). Cornelius's story is a living embodiment of this truth, demonstrating that in Christ, there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). The divine initiative to reach Cornelius, culminating in Peter's visit and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Gentiles ([Acts 10:44-48](/acts/10-44-48 "Acts 10:44-48 - The Holy Spirit Falls on Gentiles")), directly fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah who would be "a light for the Gentiles" ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles")) and through whom "all the families of the earth will be blessed" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Thus, Cornelius's introduction in [Acts 10:1](/acts/10-1 "Acts 10:1 - Introduction of Cornelius") is not merely a historical detail but a profound theological statement on the universal efficacy of Christ's atoning work and the boundless reach of His kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 27:1

¶ And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto [one] named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

Matthew 27:27

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band [of soldiers].

Acts 8:40

But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Matthew 8:5

¶ And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

Matthew 8:13

And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, [so] be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Acts 27:43

But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from [their] purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast [themselves] first [into the sea], and get to land:

Acts 25:1

¶ Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.