Today, let’s look at a refreshing and redemptive example: Cornelius.
A Father Who Feared God
Acts 10:1–2 introduces him this way:
“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.”
What a testimony!
He was a Roman centurion, not of Jewish descent, yet he was described as devout, God-fearing, generous, and prayerful. Even before he had received the fullness of salvation, Cornelius had already aligned his household with the fear of the Lord.
Come to think of it, Cornelius is one of those rare individuals in Scripture whose integrity and uprightness God testified about, even before he had heard the full gospel.
- He hadn’t been baptized in water.
- He hadn’t received the Holy Spirit.
- He wasn’t even Jewish.
And yet… he feared God, gave generously, prayed constantly to God and God remembered him. (Acts 10:4). He likely had heard of Yahweh from the jews around him and had recognised that He is the One True God. So he served Him faithfully with all his household. His spiritual hunger and sincerity rose up as a memorial before God.
Cornelius’s story shows us:
- God sees and honors true devotion, even when understanding is partial.
- Integrity and reverence are not wasted, they are remembered.
- You don’t have to have it all figured out before you start leading your home toward God.
- A man who fears God sincerely can draw God’s attention and change the eternal story of his family.
The Father’s Faith Sets the Pace
I’ve heard it said many times: When the father of a family faithfully serves God, the chances are higher that his children will serve God too.
It’s not an automatic ticket to salvation, but it’s certainly a godly influence that cannot be ignored.
God has vested the man with spiritual authority in his home. When a man rises up to seek the Lord sincerely, the ripple effect on his family is undeniable.
Cornelius didn’t just serve God quietly, he led his household in it. His devotion was visible, evident, and contagious.
Obedient Without Delay
When Cornelius received the vision instructing him to send for Peter, his response was, “What is it, Lord?” (Acts 10:4). This wasn’t the reaction of someone unfamiliar with divine encounters. He knew the voice of God. He recognized His presence.
And what did he do next?
“As soon as the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants… and sent them to Joppa.”
No delay. No arguments. No analysis-paralysis. Just swift obedience.
These are the kinds of fathers we love and honor: men who do not drag their feet with God. Men who say “yes” as soon as He speaks. Men who hear God, not just for themselves, but for their homes.
Reputation Even Among Outsiders
Even his servants had this to say about him (Acts 10:22):
“Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews…”
Now that’s remarkable! For Jewish people, who generally held Gentiles at arm’s length, to acknowledge a Roman officer as just, God-fearing, and honorable, says a lot.
And that testimony wasn’t rehearsed. It wasn’t forced. It was his genuine character speaking for him.
He Didn’t Want to Be Saved Alone
Here’s one of my favorite parts of this story:
“So when Peter came, Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.” (Acts 10:24)
This was not a man content with a personal encounter. He wanted his entire circle, his family, his people, to hear what God had to say. He made room for salvation to reach beyond his own heart.
Humble and Hungry
When Peter arrived, Cornelius “met him and fell down at his feet and worshipped him.” (Acts 10:25)
Though Peter corrected him, the act speaks volumes. Cornelius understood honor. He recognized that the one sent by God deserved reverence, not because Peter was divine, but because the message he carried was divine.
Cornelius was also a fasting man, a praying man, a spiritual man, and a giving man.
God didn’t just remember his prayers; He remembered his alms too (Acts 10:4).
He wasn’t folding his arms and barking spiritual orders. He was actively engaging God as the priest of his home.
He Became the Doorway for the Gentiles (He Helped Peter See the Bigger Picture)
Do you realize that Cornelius’ home became the place where the Holy Spirit was first poured out on Gentiles? Acts 10:44 says “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.”
Cornelius and his household were so hungry, their hearts were so thirsty for God, so ready for salvation, that while Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon everyone listening!
His family, his guests, everyone present, began to speak with tongues and magnify God! And were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Salvation came. The story changed.
This man, Cornelius, brought Peter to the realization that salvation was not just for the Jews, but for all men. That Jesus’ sacrifice was for everyone who fears God and works righteousness, regardless of tribe, tongue, or nation. In Acts 10:34-35 Peter said “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.”
It was the first time the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on Gentiles, and it happened in this man’s home. Cornelius’ story was not just about a personal encounter, it was a doorway to global redemption.
What Did His Children Learn Just By Watching Him?
Can you imagine what his children grew up observing?
- A father who prayed, fasted, and gave.
- A father who feared and honored God.
- A father who respected spiritual authority.
- A father who led the family into spiritual opportunities.
- A father who valued obedience over convenience.
- A father whose life attracted the presence of God.
They must have thought, “If my father could walk this closely with God, then I want that too.”
Dear Parent, Let Cornelius Inspire You
Serving God is never just about you.
Your consistency, your reverence, your humility, these are seeds.
And when you sow them, your children, and even generations after them, can reap a harvest of faith.
Let’s raise homes where God is welcomed and His Spirit is honored.
Cornelius found God and so did his family!
