Conversion of a Soldier, Acts 10

This post records the conversion to Christ of a Roman soldier.

Conversion of a Soldier discusses the conversion of Cornelius, Acts 10:1. “At Caesarea there … a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what… known as the Italian Cohort…”

Cornelius must have had an interesting military history before he became a Christian. In earlier life, he joined the Roman army and spent years training. He must have done well, because he was promoted to a centurion and placed in charge of at least one-hundred other Roman soldiers.

Somewhere in his life he was taught and believed in God. Then, he began to worship with the Jews according to Moses’ law. His benevolence and kindness illustrated his kind heart although he was a soldier.

God sent an angel, Acts 10:3-5. “About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” And he stared at him in terror and said, “What… Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon …called Peter.”

Although terrified, Cornelius obeyed.

Peter instructed by God went to Cornelius, a Gentile. To Cornelius he explained a reluctance to visit Gentiles, Acts 10:28. “God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.”

So, Peter preached about Jesus as the Son of God and judge of everyone. While he preached, the Holy Spirit fell on the household of Cornelius exactly as the Holy Spirit fell on Pentecost in Acts 2 on the apostles.

Now, Peter, convinced he should extend the gospel to the Gentiles, did so, Acts 10:47. “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Thus, God accepted Gentiles into the group of the saved, the church. Note also that conversion of this soldier did not require him to lay down his arms or to give up his profession.

So, what did we learn?

1.A soldier received salvation.

2.Gentiles received salvation.

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