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THE VISION

Act 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called
the Italian band,

Cornelius was a leader among the Roman armies. Since he was from Caesarea, he was probably
part of the general’s staff. He is called a “certain man” and will become a major key to the
revival and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles.

Act 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.

Although Cornelius is sincere open (verses 22, 35, 37), he is an unbeliever (11:14; 15:7-8).
However, he has a genuine desire to know the Lord, and out of his heart he cries to God to
know Him. Cornelius wants someone to bring him the message of righteousness and is an
example of someone consciously wanting to know the Lord.

Because of his heart’s cry, God is under obligation to send someone to Cornelius. God will give
the assignment to Peter. The motivation behind Cornelius’ prayers and giving to the Lord was a
heart of love.

Act 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in
to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

Three o’clock in the afternoon is the Jewish time of prayer. It is amazing that a Gentile, a
Roman, would observe this tradition. It shows that Cornelius had probably researched
salvation as much as possible by looking into Jewish traditions.

Act 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said

unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

Memorial represents intent. This word “memorial” is also used in Mark 14:9 and Matthew
26:13 when Mary of Bethany broke the ointment over Jesus’ head. Jesus had called it a
memorial of His burial and resurrection. In this passage, Cornelius’s memorial is prayer and
giving with an attitude of devotion and worship.

10:4 Compassion for the Poor, SERVING HUMAN NEED. Cornelius earnestly desired to

know God. Not only did he pray, but also he put his faith into action through giving alms
(gifts) to the poor. Cornelius was similar to other godly men and women throughout
history who have been “full of good works and charitable deeds”(9:36). When we have a
right relationship with God we have compassion for the poor that motivates us to give

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