Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Cornelius the Centurian: 4 January 2013





Cornelius

Cornelius was a centurion, that is an officer in charge of 100 men. He was considered to be the first gentile convert to the church, an event of great importance, as to this point the church was all Jewish.

Cornelius was already a sympathizer with the Jewish faith, and through a dream was lead to send for St. Peter.  St. Peter, as well was guided by a vision that he should accompany the servant and travel to Cornelius’s house.  Peter was surprised to see that the Holy Spirit fell on the whole household, and suggested that since they were saved by faith, and had received the Holy Spirit, then the waters of baptism could not be denied to them.  Cornelius went on to be bishop of either Caesarea or Scepsis in Mysia, or possibly of both at different times. 

Collect:  Blessed Saviour, by dreams and visions you ensured that Cornelius the Centurion would be the first Christian of the Goyim.  Grant that your Spirit would continue to work in miraculous ways to invite all Jews and Goyim into the kingdom.  This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.


(Note:  The picture is anachronistic, Cornelius would have been baptised by immersion.



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