Character Study: Lessons from Cornelius

Introduction

Welcome to the month of October! In the first two weeks of the month, we will review lessons from Cornelius.

The story of Cornelius is found in Acts 10. He was a centurion in the Roman army and a Gentile (non-Jewish person), but he believed in God and sought to live a righteous life. The Bible describes him as a devout man who feared God.

The story of Cornelius inspires me so much because, oftentimes, society associates faith in God with people who are needy, low-class, uneducated, or lacking intelligence and seriousness. But to see a man of such caliber and social standing still devoted to God and to the things of God is worthy of emulation.

Below are some lessons we can glean from the life of Cornelius. You are welcome to add to the lessons discussed below as you explore his story in Acts 10.

Lesson 1: Humility

There is a parable in the Bible about a Pharisee and a tax collector who both went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee began his prayer by listing his accomplishments as a believer, but the tax collector would not even look up to heaven. Instead, he bowed his head and asked God to show him mercy.

The life of Cornelius exemplifies the humility of the tax collector. Despite his rank and the soldiers and servants under his authority, he still humbled himself before God, serving Him and obeying Him. Even when Peter came to his house, Cornelius showed him great honor by falling at his feet.

While our works testify of our faith, God still wants us to walk in humility of spirit, acknowledging that every good deed we are able to do is by His grace.

Lesson 2: The Fear of God

Cornelius maintained a consistent life of prayer and fasting. He had a designated time for prayer, demonstrating how important his relationship with God was to him. He fasted, gave alms, and did his best to live in a way that pleased God.

His life reminds me of Abraham. When God visited Abraham under the terebinth trees, Abraham did not waste the opportunity. He quickly prepared a meal for his visitors and stood by them as they ate, despite his old age.

There is something about the fear of God that causes a person to recognize and value divine encounters. Cornelius was attentive to God, and when God spoke to him to invite Peter, he responded promptly. As a result, he and his household received the gifts of salvation and the Holy Spirit.

Lesson 3: A Good Leader

Cornelius created an environment in which his household and those close to him were able to hear the Word of God. When Peter arrived at his house, Cornelius had gathered his relatives and close friends together to hear what God had commanded Peter to tell them.

One of the qualities of a godly leader is the ability to lead those within their sphere of influence toward God. A man who fears God should desire that his household also know and serve God.

As Scripture teaches, the head of every man is Christ, and within God’s design for the family, the husband is called to lead his household according to God's principles. When a man aligns himself with God and seeks His direction, he can provide godly leadership and direction for his family.

We see this quality in Cornelius. He did not keep what God was about to do to himself. He made his household and those close to him ready to hear the Word of God through Peter.

Lesson 4: He Maintained Relationships with the Right People

Cornelius had relationships with family members, friends, and people who were willing to gather together to hear the Word of God. When Peter arrived, they were all ready to listen.

Even before Peter finished speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon those who were listening to the message to the amazement of the Jewish believers who had accompanied Peter.

The willingness of Cornelius' friends to gather and listen demonstrates the openness of their hearts toward God and the things of God. They were receptive to the message, and God responded by pouring out His Spirit upon them.

This also reminds us of the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who are willing to seek God, listen to His Word, and respond to Him.

Conclusion

Cornelius' life challenges some of the assumptions people may have about those in positions of authority. As a military officer, he occupied a position that required discipline, strength, and leadership. Yet beneath his position and authority was a man who had a heart for God and the things of God.

Cornelius reminds us that our position, social status, occupation, or level of authority should never become a barrier to our relationship with God. No matter who we are or how important our position may be, we must remain humble before God, fear Him, seek Him, and be willing to obey His Word.