Cornelius was a Gentile, a non-Jew, but he believed in God. As a centurion, he was in charge of 100 men. Centurions were paid very well, so Cornelius was a man of position, wealth, and power. Does it matter that he was wealthy and powerful? Not really. Luke is simply giving us a background of the first gentile Christian. What mattered was his faith. God spoke to him and he listened. One's position in life doesn't matter, one's relationship with God does. Cornelius had it all according to the world's standards. He was a good man of money and social prominence. Yet God had more in store for him. It reminds me to stop and think of what is important in my life. Am I content with what the world gives me? Will money and power ever bring me contentment? No. I won't. What will bring me contentment is God. He offers so much more than the world ever could. He offers true love, joy, peace, understanding, acceptance.
Now Peter also has a vision, one that somewhat rocks his world. God tells him to kill and eat all kinds of animals. Peter refuses - he has never eaten anything unclean for that would mean breaking Jewish law found in Leviticus 11:2-47. The laws concerning cleanliness and uncleanliness made it virtually impossible for Jews to associate with Gentiles. Here God is telling Peter that things have changed. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is available to everyone, not just the Jews. Peter is to no longer to allow issues of cleanliness to separate him from Gentile believers. So, when Cornelius' men arrive, Peter invites them in and then travels to Caesarea to meet Cornelius and preach the Good News. What is the Good News? Christians use that term a lot. Simply put - the Good News is that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins. He rose again into eternal life, breaking the bondage of sin and death for you.
While Peter is preaching, the Holy Spirit falls on Cornelius and the others. This confirms to Peter, and the other Jewish believers that accompanied him, that even Gentiles are welcome in the Kingdom of Heaven. The Gentiles spoke in tongues - an outward sign of the Holy Spirits presence. Therefore, Peter baptized them. Baptism is also an outward sign. It is a proclamation that you have made a personal commitment to follow Christ. Neither tongues nor baptism is required for salvation. Salvation comes through simple faith that Jesus is who He says He is, that He died and rose again to forgive your sins, that He is the way and the truth. So, should you be baptized? Yes! If you believe, you need to share your faith with others. Think of it this way, if you found the cure for cancer would to tell others or would you keep it to yourself? Your faith is the same thing - so share it.
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