When was Cornelius "saved"?

[Zxcv Bnm]

1. Acts 10:1-5a records that Cornelius and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God; and the angel affirmed that his "prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God."

Normally, when the Bible speaks such words about somebody, I think of that person as being positionally righteous before God (or "saved"). For example, several of the kings in 1 & 2 Kings "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD." This compared to those kings who "did evil in the eyes of the LORD." I have taken this to indicate the persons righteousness not just before the people, but before the LORD.

Although the Bible does not specifically state that Cornelius was "saved" at that time, his actions appear to be the result of love and trust for the true God--fruits of the Spirit, if you will (Matthew 7:16-20).

"...if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (1 John 4:12)

In other words, Cornelius appears to have all the symptoms of a true child of God.

2. In Acts 10:7-8, Corneilus sends two of his servants and a devout soldier to Joppa to bring back Peter, just as the angel commanded.

If by faith Abraham obeyed God (Hebrews 11:8, 11:17, James 2:21), then was it not by faith Cornelius obeyed God when he sent his men to bring back Peter? Is this a reasonable parallel? If by faith he obeyed God, then his faith would be considered righteousness by God. Can somebody who's not "saved" yet be considered righteous before God?

3. Acts 10:44 & particularly Acts 11:14 indicate that Cornelius and his family's salvation occurred after they heard about Jesus.

In Acts 11:14, Peter quotes Cornelius as quoting the Angel as saying "He [Peter] will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved." This particular quote from the angel is not recorded in Acts 10:5-6 where the Angel is speaking with Cornelius, nor in Acts 10:30-33 when Cornelius tells Peter of what the angel says; but I don't think Peter would intentionally alter the story.

"...if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

[Jaltus]

1. Acts 10:1-5a records that Cornelius and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God; and the angel affirmed that his "prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God."

Normally, when the Bible speaks such words about somebody, I think of that person as being positionally righteous before God (or "saved"). For example, several of the kings in 1 & 2 Kings "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD." This compared to those kings who "did evil in the eyes of the LORD." I have taken this to indicate the persons righteousness not just before the people, but before the LORD.

Although the Bible does not specifically state that Cornelius was "saved" at that time, his actions appear to be the result of love and trust for the true God--fruits of the Spirit, if you will (Matthew 7:16-20).

The issue here is that "god-fearing" in reference to a Gentile means that the person is almost converted to Judaism, but they have yet to have their family circumcised. Thus, "God-fearing" shows how close they are to becoming a Jew, which at this point in time was no longer enough to ensure salvation because the awaited Messiah had already come.

"...if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (1 John 4:12)

In other words, Cornelius appears to have all the symptoms of a true child of God.

Except faith, which is what matters.

2. In Acts 10:7-8, Corneilus sends two of his servants and a devout soldier to Joppa to bring back Peter, just as the angel commanded.

If by faith Abraham obeyed God (Hebrews 11:8, 11:17, James 2:21), then was it not by faith Cornelius obeyed God when he sent his men to bring back Peter? Is this a reasonable parallel? If by faith he obeyed God, then his faith would be considered righteousness by God. Can somebody who's not "saved" yet be considered righteous before God?

It could also be curiosity or some other issue. Acts does not tell us his motivation.

3. Acts 10:44 & particularly Acts 11:14 indicate that Cornelius and his family's salvation occurred after they heard about Jesus.

In Acts 11:14, Peter quotes Cornelius as quoting the Angel as saying "He [Peter] will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved." This particular quote from the angel is not recorded in Acts 10:5-6 where the Angel is speaking with Cornelius, nor in Acts 10:30-33 when Cornelius tells Peter of what the angel says; but I don't think Peter would intentionally alter the story.

"...if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

Part of the problem is that the "transitional time" (i.e. the time from Jesus' birth until after all living from before His death passed away) is difficult to understand theologically. However, it is very clear that once Jesus has died, only He can save and tthat salvation come through faith in Him. Thus, what used to be the case (belief in a future Messiah = salvation) is replaced by what will always be the case (faith ine the Messiah who came and died).

[Mickey]

There is something that might be considered in regard to the word "saved" in the gospels and the Acts narrative.

Perhaps this is the reference to "saved" that can be applied to Cornelius and his family:

"That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies"(Lk.1:71-74).

The word translated "saved" can mean "deliverance,preservation,safety,salvation:deliverance from the molestation of enemies"(Thayer's Greek English Lexicon).

I think that Cornelius was already "born again" and eternally saved--"But in every nation he that feareth Him,and worketh righteousness,is accepted with Him"(Acts10:35).

In Christ,

Mickey

[Ormly]

The issue here is that "god-fearing" in reference to a Gentile means that the person is almost converted to Judaism, but they have yet to have their family circumcised. Thus, "God-fearing" shows how close they are to becoming a Jew, which at this point in time was no longer enough to ensure salvation because the awaited Messiah had already come.




I keep referring to my Siberian Yak shepherd when thinking of a God fearing person that God justifies because of his own way of believing that causes him to live righteously. In your mind, is their a place for him in salvation since he has never heard the gospel of God or Christ from anyone yet is convicted there is a God who sees him in his daily life who he fears? I see him as saved because of the Blood of Christ.

[Zxcv Bnm]

The issue here is that "god-fearing" in reference to a Gentile means that the person is almost converted to Judaism, but they have yet to have their family circumcised. Thus, "God-fearing" shows how close they are to becoming a Jew, which at this point in time was no longer enough to ensure salvation because the awaited Messiah had already come.Certainly becoming a Jew was never enough to ensure salvation....Cornelius appears to have all the symptoms of a true child of GodExcept faith, which is what matters."Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.... And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:1-2,6)

All indications are he had faith, and that his faith was well placed in the true God.Thus, what used to be the case (belief in a future Messiah = salvation) is replaced by what will always be the case (faith ine the Messiah who came and died).This is why the life and resurrection of Jesus is considered to be the climax of history for Chritians. All saints, old testament and new, look to the promised Messiah for salvation. And overarching it all is that we believe God. I think Cornelius believed God, even before he knew of the resurrection of Jesus.
There is something that might be considered in regard to the word "saved" in the gospels and the Acts narrative.

Perhaps this is the reference to "saved" that can be applied to Cornelius and his family:

"That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies"(Lk.1:71-74).

The word translated "saved" can mean "deliverance,preservation,safety,salvation:deliverance from the molestation of enemies"(Thayer's Greek English Lexicon).

I think that Cornelius was already "born again" and eternally saved--"But in every nation he that feareth Him,and worketh righteousness,is accepted with Him"(Acts10:35).And the rest of verse 74 is "...and to enable us to serve him without fear"

While Peter spoke to Cornelius and his household, the Holy Spirit came on those who heard...

Do you think God was helping Cornelius and his household to grow in faith, and perhaps to prepare them to be witnesses to other Gentiles?
I keep referring to my Siberian Yak shepherd when thinking of a God fearing person that God justifies because of his own way of believing that causes him to live righteously. In your mind, is their a place for him in salvation since he has never heard the gospel of God or Christ from anyone yet is convicted there is a God who sees him in his daily life who he fears? I see him as saved because of the Blood of Christ.Now I'm curious about your Siberian Yak shepherd analogy. I think you ask a valid question. I also think that Able (Genesis 4:4) was saved by the blood of Christ; I wonder if he knew of the resurrection of Jesus. What do you think?

[Mickey]

Do you think God was helping Cornelius and his household to grow in faith, and perhaps to prepare them to be witnesses to other Gentiles?
Of course receiving the "gift of the Holy Spirit" for power was in regard to "confirming the word with signs following"(Mk.16:20).

They were also being given "the knowledge of salvation (deliverance)" by the remission of their sins (Lk.1:77).

In Christ,

Mickey