Cornelius--the God-fearing Italian

Cornelius--the "God-fearing" Roman centurian who was "respected by all the Jewish people," was the first non-Jew to receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit, along with his entire household.  As we read the story in Acts 10, it is amazing to observe how many times God spoke directly (through an angel) to Cornelius and to Peter (through the Spirit).  Peter had a vision, and then "the Spirit said to him, 'Simon, three men are looking for you.....'"

There is much to wonder at in this story, not the least of which is the obvious familiarity with which the Spirit speaks to Peter---and Peter does not blink at this kind of revelation from the Spirit.  He actually seems to take it for granted that the Spirit of God would speak to him.  He is more taken aback by what the Spirit is telling him to do than the fact that the Spirit is directing him.

Another amazing element of this story is the revelation of how directly the Spirit of God is orchestrating events for the spread of the Gospel of Jesus to the Gentile world.  Peter and the other apostles would not have dared venture into Gentile homes were they not prepared by God Himself through the Holy Spirit.  But the events recorded in Acts clearly turn the Jewish world "upside down," much to the dismay and confusion of the Jewish officials.

The experience of Cornelius and his household, who received the Gift of the Father just as did the Apostles, went a long way to eliminating the need for all converts to Christianity to be first converts to Judiasm.  While the early church could debate theology and philosophy, they could not debate the experience of Cornelius, who obviously had received the Holy Spirit---and that by the express plan and purpose of God.

Someone once said that the Acts of the Apostles should have been titled the Acts of the Holy Spirit, because it is clear that the Holy Spirit was directing the Apostles in everything they did.  Occasionally throughout history from that time forward, we clearly see similar "acts of the Holy Spirit" directing a group of believers with power and grace.  Always, these great movements from the Holy Spirit come to people who are praying---as happened to both Cornelius and to Peter. 

Maybe the lesson for all of us, as for the church in general, is that we need to pray and to seek the direction of God.  His plans and purposes can scarcely be guessed at until He reveals them to us through the Holy Spirit.