“The Conversion of Cornelius” Acts 10:1-48 09/10/2006 Dr. Dane Boyles

The Conversion of Cornelius 1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” (Acts 10:1-3)

The Conversion of Cornelius 4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” (Acts 10:4-6)

The Conversion of Cornelius 7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa. (Acts 10:7-8)

The Conversion of Cornelius The Man Cornelius He was a religious man: ‘a devout man’ (v. 2). He acknowledged and feared God (v. 2): 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)

The Conversion of Cornelius He was a benevolent man: ‘gave generously to the poor’. He was an influential man: ‘a centurion’. He is said to be ‘ respected by all the Jewish people’.

The Conversion of Cornelius What Was Lacking In His Life? He had to hear the message of Christ. 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:13-14)

The Conversion of Cornelius 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” 16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:15-17)

The Conversion of Cornelius The message of Christ that he had to hear was the Gospel! 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Cor 15:3-4)

The Conversion of Cornelius 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42)

The Conversion of Cornelius Peter didn’t speak with him concerning social issues of the day. He didn’t give him a list of do’s and don’ts.

The Conversion of Cornelius He had to believe the message and obey the gospel (2 Thess 1:8). 43 ... everyone who believes in him... (Acts 10:43) No matter how good he may have appeared to men, or how many godly things he may have done, he was still lost without Christ.

The Conversion of Cornelius 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Tit 3:5)

The Conversion of Cornelius What Did He Receive (vs. 43-48)? 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” 46 …Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” (Acts 10:43, 46, 47)

The Conversion of Cornelius 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. (Acts 10:48) He received remission of sins.

The Conversion of Cornelius He was obedient to the Lord’s command to be baptized. 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 6:4)

The Conversion of Cornelius Conclusion: Cornelius’ example is one of an ideal conversion. He heard the Word, received the Word, and obeyed the Word.

“The Conversion of Cornelius” Acts 10:1-48 09/10/2006 Dr. Dane Boyles