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Ministry of Peter
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that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the
people, and prayed to God alway.” Though Cornelius was a Roman,
he had become acquainted with the true God and had renounced
idolatry. He was obedient to the will of God and worshiped Him
with a true heart. He had not connected himself with the Jews, but
was acquainted with, and obedient to, the moral law. He had not
been circumcised, nor did he take part in the sacrificial offerings;
he was therefore accounted by the Jews as unclean. He, however,
sustained the Jewish cause by liberal donations, and was known far
and near for his deeds of charity and benevolence. His righteous life
made him of good repute among both Jews and Gentiles.
Cornelius had not an understanding faith in Christ, although
he believed the prophecies and was looking for Messiah to come.
Through his love and obedience to God, he was brought nigh unto
Him, and was prepared to receive the Saviour when He should be
revealed to him. Condemnation comes by rejecting the light given.
The centurion was a man of noble family and held a position of
high trust and honor; but these circumstances had not tended to
subvert the noble attributes of his character. True goodness and
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greatness united to make him a man of moral worth. His influence
was beneficial to all with whom he was brought in contact.
He believed in the one God, the Creator of heaven and earth. He
revered Him, acknowledged His authority, and sought counsel of
Him in all the business of his life. He was faithful in his home duties
as well as in his official responsibilities, and had erected the altar
of God in his family. He dared not venture to carry out his plans,
and bear the burden of his weighty responsibilities, without the help
of God; therefore he prayed much and earnestly for that help. Faith
marked all his works, and God regarded him for the purity of his
actions, and his liberalities, and came near to him in word and Spirit.
The Angel Visits Cornelius
While Cornelius was praying, God sent a celestial messenger to
him, who addressed him by name. The centurion was afraid, yet
knew that the angel was sent of God to instruct him, and said, “What
is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are
come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa,