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.
And {G1161} they said {G2036}, Cornelius {G2883} the centurion {G1543}, a just {G1342} man {G435}, and {G2532} one that feareth {G5399} God {G2316}, and {G5037} of good report {G3140} among {G5259} all {G3650} the nation {G1484} of the Jews {G2453}, was warned from God {G5537} by {G5259} an holy {G40} angel {G32} to send {G3343} for thee {G4571} into {G1519} his {G846} house {G3624}, and {G2532} to hear {G191} words {G4487} of {G3844} thee {G4675}.
They answered, “Cornelius. He’s a Roman army officer, an upright man and a God-fearer, a man highly regarded by the whole Jewish nation; and he was told by a holy angel to have you come to his house and listen to what you have to say.”
“Cornelius the centurion has sent us,” they said. “He is a righteous and God-fearing man with a good reputation among the whole Jewish nation. A holy angel instructed him to request your presence in his home so he could hear a message from you.”
And they said, Cornelius a centurion, a righteous man and one that feareth God, and well reported of by all the nation of the Jews, was warned of God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words from thee.
-
Acts 11:14
Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. -
Acts 10:2
[A] devout [man], and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. -
Hebrews 10:38
Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. -
John 13:20
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. -
John 5:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. -
Luke 7:4
And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: -
Luke 7:5
For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
Acts 10:22 introduces us to the messengers sent by Cornelius, a pivotal figure in the early church's expansion. This verse encapsulates their report to the Apostle Peter, highlighting Cornelius's sterling character and the divine intervention that led to Peter's summons.
Historical and Cultural Context
This verse is set in a crucial moment in the Book of Acts, marking the breakthrough of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Cornelius was a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea, a significant port city. As a Roman officer, he represented the Gentile world, yet he was described as "one that feareth God." This term, phoboumenon ton Theon in Greek, referred to Gentiles who, without fully converting to Judaism (e.g., circumcision for men), worshipped the God of Israel, observed some Jewish customs, and often attended synagogue. Such individuals were respected by Jews for their piety. For Peter, a devout Jew, entering a Gentile's house and sharing a meal was a significant barrier, a custom strictly forbidden by Jewish law (as seen in Acts 10:28). God's direct intervention was therefore necessary to bridge this cultural and religious divide.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "one that feareth God" (Greek: phoboumenon ton Theon) is significant. It designates a specific group of Gentiles in the Roman world who were attracted to monotheism and the moral standards of Judaism without fully converting. They were distinct from pagan idol worshippers and played a crucial role in bridging the gap between Judaism and the nascent Christian movement, often being the first receptive audience for the apostles' message in various cities.
Practical Application
Acts 10:22 reminds us that God sees and honors sincere seekers, regardless of their background or current understanding. Cornelius's good character and reputation, earned through his genuine piety and justice, prepared the way for the divine encounter. This encourages believers to live lives of integrity that can be a witness to others. Furthermore, it underscores God's universal love and His desire for all people to hear the Gospel, challenging us to overcome our own prejudices and extend the message of salvation to everyone, just as Peter was led to do.