10:1-48 What was significant about Cornelius' conversion?

Cornelius was selected of God to become the first Gentile convert to Christianity. His conversion marked the beginning of the church's missionary activity among the Gentiles. Prior to this the gospel had only been preached to the Jews - it was not yet the Gentile's time (CP Mt 10:5-6; 15:22-24; Ac 11:19).

But God foreknew that the Jews would reject the gospel and now He wanted to take it to the Gentiles (CP Isa 65:1-5; Hos 2:23; Ac 13:44-49; Ro 9:22-26). We should note here that even though Cornelius was a moral man who feared God, was generous to the poor and faithful in prayer, he was not saved before his conversion to Christ (CP Ac 11:13-14).

There is a lesson for the church here. It teaches that while someone may be externally religious it does not necessarily mean that they are completely surrendered to the authority of Christ, and have put their trust in Him for their salvation.

They may need to be shown what Acts 10 teaches. It should also be noted here that God has not already determined who will and who will not be saved, as many in the church believe (CP V34-43).

These verses clearly teach that everyone who wants to be saved can be, simply by choosing to obey Jesus.

Acts: