Acts 10:1 Meaning and Explanation
“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Luke introduces Cornelius, a Roman centurion stationed at Caesarea, the man whose household will open the way of faith to the nations.
What Does Acts 10:1 Mean?
Caesarea was the seat of Roman power in Judaea, a gleaming port city built by Herod the Great some thirty miles up the coast from Joppa. There Luke introduces Cornelius, an officer of the Italian band, a cohort of soldiers from Italy stationed far from home. Acts has followed the gospel from Jerusalem through Judaea and Samaria; now it stands at the edge of the Gentile world.
The chapter that throws open the door of faith to all nations begins with one man, named and located. God does not love humanity only in the abstract; he sees particular people in particular houses. A career soldier of the empire that crucified Jesus is about to become the firstfruits of the nations — proof that no uniform, no nation, no past places anyone beyond the reach of Christ.
Acts 10:1 in the Original Language
hekatontarches (ἑκατοντάρχης), 'centurion' -- a Roman officer commanding about a hundred soldiers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 10:1
What does Acts 10:1 mean?
Luke introduces Cornelius, a Roman centurion stationed at Caesarea, the man whose household will open the way of faith to the nations.