Acts 10:1

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

{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,

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

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

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

Acts 10:1 introduces us to a pivotal figure in the early Christian church: Cornelius. This verse sets the stage for one of the most significant moments in the Book of Acts—the expansion of the Gospel beyond its Jewish origins to the Gentiles.

Context and Significance

The narrative shifts to Caesarea, a major Roman administrative and military center on the coast of Judea. Unlike Jerusalem, Caesarea was predominantly Gentile, making it an ideal location for God to demonstrate the universal reach of His salvation. Cornelius is identified as a "centurion of the band called the Italian [band]." A centurion was a Roman military officer commanding approximately 100 men, a position of considerable authority and respect within the Roman army. The specific mention of the "Italian band" (Cohors II Italica civium Romanorum) highlights his strong Roman identity and military background, underscoring that the Gospel is about to break through significant cultural and religious barriers.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Orchestration: This verse immediately signals God's active involvement in directing the spread of the Gospel. Cornelius is not just any Gentile; he is chosen by God to be the first prominent Gentile convert, setting a precedent for the inclusion of all nations.
  • Breaking Barriers: The introduction of a Roman centurion as a central figure directly challenges the deeply ingrained Jewish perception that salvation was exclusively for them. This event, along with Peter's subsequent realization that God shows no partiality, marks a monumental shift in the early church's understanding and mission.
  • Preparation for Expansion: Acts 10:1 begins the narrative of God preparing both Cornelius (through a vision, as seen in Acts 10:3-6) and Peter (through his own vision, detailed in Acts 10:9-16) for this unprecedented encounter, demonstrating God's meticulous planning for the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

Linguistic Insights

The term "centurion" comes from the Latin centurio (Greek: kenturion), literally meaning "commander of a hundred." This title immediately conveys his military authority and position. The "Italian band" refers to a specific Roman military unit, indicating a cohort primarily composed of Roman citizens, further emphasizing Cornelius's Gentile, non-Jewish background.

Practical Application

Acts 10:1 reminds us that God's love and salvation are not limited by ethnicity, social status, or background. Just as God reached out to a Roman centurion, He continues to call people from all walks of life into His family. This verse encourages believers to look beyond traditional boundaries and preconceptions, recognizing that God is at work in unexpected places and through unexpected people. It challenges us to embrace the unity and diversity within the body of Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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