CORNELIUS: A MAN GOD REMEMBERED

CORNELIUS: A MAN GOD REMEMBERED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 10:1-48

Supporting Texts: Acts 11:13-14; Hebrews 11:6; Proverbs 11:25; Psalm 112:1-6

INTRODUCTION:
The story of Cornelius stands out in the New Testament as a powerful example of divine visitation and the breaking of spiritual barriers. Cornelius was a Roman centurion — a Gentile — yet he experienced an extraordinary encounter with God. His story marks the turning point when the gospel was first preached to the Gentiles. This man, though not of Jewish lineage, was remembered by God because of his devotion, prayer, and generous heart.

God is not partial; He honours those who diligently seek Him. Cornelius was not just a religious man but a sincere seeker. His life teaches us that our acts of devotion — when done from a pure heart — ascend to heaven as a memorial before God. His example proves that no one is too far to be touched by God's grace, and that our faithfulness and hunger for truth will never be ignored by Heaven.

This expository sermon will explore the character, faith, actions, and divine reward of Cornelius, showing how God responds to sincere seekers with salvation, revelation, and supernatural encounters.

1. CORNELIUS WAS A GENTILE BUT GOD-FEARING MAN

a) A Roman by nationality, but reverent in character
Cornelius, though a Roman centurion, was devout and feared God (Acts 10:2). His nationality did not hinder his pursuit of God.

b) His fear of God affected his entire household
He taught and influenced his family to follow his example of devotion (Acts 10:2). Faithfulness should begin at home.

c) He had a good reputation among the Jews
The Jews respected him despite being a Gentile, which shows the power of consistent integrity (Acts 10:22).

d) He was morally upright and spiritually hungry
He constantly sought to do what was right and pleasing to God even without full revelation.

e) Biblical Example: The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-39)
Like Cornelius, he was a non-Jew who sought God sincerely and received divine revelation.

2. HE WAS CONSISTENT IN PRAYER AND GENEROSITY

a) He prayed regularly to God
His prayer life was disciplined and sincere (Acts 10:2). God answers consistent prayers.

b) He gave alms generously
His giving was not an occasional act but a lifestyle (Acts 10:2). Generosity reveals the condition of the heart.

c) His good works came up as a memorial before God
Heaven took note of his acts, showing that God sees and remembers (Acts 10:4).

d) He honoured God even when he lacked complete knowledge
Though not yet saved, he honoured the light he had, and God responded with more light.

Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8–16)
Her generous act during scarcity was remembered by God and brought her a miracle.

3. HE RECEIVED A DIVINE ENCOUNTER

a) God sent an angel to him personally
His devotion attracted heavenly attention (Acts 10:3–4). God rewards seekers with encounters.

b) He was given specific instructions for more revelation
The angel told him to send for Peter, God’s chosen vessel for further instruction (Acts 10:5-6).

c) He obeyed immediately without delay
Cornelius responded to God’s word quickly and without resistance (Acts 10:7-8).

d) God was preparing Peter simultaneously
While Cornelius obeyed, God was preparing Peter’s heart to break religious barriers (Acts 10:9-20).

Biblical Example: Saul’s encounter on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-6)
Both men had personal divine encounters that changed their lives forever.

4. HE EXPERIENCED SALVATION AND THE HOLY GHOST

a) He gathered people to hear the gospel
Cornelius was not selfish; he called family and friends to partake in the divine visitation (Acts 10:24).

b) He was humble before God’s messenger
He bowed before Peter, showing honour and reverence (Acts 10:25-26).

c) Peter preached Christ to him and his household
The truth of salvation through Jesus was delivered to him clearly (Acts 10:34-43).

d) The Holy Spirit fell on them while Peter was preaching
They received the Spirit even before water baptism, showing God’s approval (Acts 10:44-46).

Biblical Example: Lydia’s conversion in Philippi (Acts 16:13-15)
Another example of a sincere seeker receiving salvation through the gospel.

5. HIS STORY BROKE RELIGIOUS BARRIERS

a) He was the first Gentile to receive the gospel directly
Cornelius’ salvation marked the beginning of God’s move among the Gentiles (Acts 11:18).

b) His salvation shocked the early church
Peter had to explain his actions to the church leaders in Jerusalem (Acts 11:1-3).

c) God used him to reveal that He is no respecter of persons
God honours all who fear Him, regardless of background or race (Acts 10:34-35).

d) His faith opened the door for global evangelism
After Cornelius, the gospel began to spread intentionally beyond Jewish boundaries.

Biblical Example: The Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30)
She also broke through cultural barriers through faith and received her miracle.

CONCLUSION:
Cornelius' life is a testimony of how sincerity, prayer, and generosity can move Heaven. Though a Gentile, he received divine favour, salvation, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. His hunger for God was answered with supernatural visitation and the transformation of his entire household.

This story is a reminder that God sees, remembers, and rewards those who diligently seek Him — even when others may overlook them. Like Cornelius, when you seek God with all your heart, He will answer with salvation, revelation, and spiritual empowerment.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a heart that fears and honours You.
2. Father, let my prayers and offerings rise as a memorial before You.
3. O God, visit my household with salvation and divine encounters.
4. Lord, use me as a gateway for others to know You.
5. Help me to obey You without delay like Cornelius.
6. Let no religious barrier hinder my relationship with You.
7. Lord, prepare divine connections for my spiritual advancement.
8. Open the heavens over my life as I seek You daily.
9. Anoint me afresh to carry Your presence like Peter.
10. Father, make me a vessel that provokes divine remembrance.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall be remembered by Heaven for good!
2. Divine visitation is coming to your household!
3. Your prayers and sacrifices will provoke supernatural intervention!
4. You will receive answers that break barriers!
5. Your faith will attract divine attention and favour!
6. Salvation shall flow through your family like a river!
7. The Holy Spirit will rest mightily upon you!
8. You are stepping into divine connections and revelations!
9. No tradition or limitation shall stop your rising!
10. Like Cornelius, your life shall trigger a move of God among many!