10:1 man in Caesarea. It had been in Caesarea that Pontius Pilate had his palace, and also in Caesarea that Philip the evangelist had settled down. Cornelius undoubtedly was aware of Pilate’s role in the execution of Jesus. Whether he had met Philip or heard him preach is unknown. In any case, he was a worshipper of the true God and was open to Peter’s message when he came.

10:1 Cornelius. Cornelius was Roman by nationality, but had apparently become a believer in the true God of creation, as revealed in nature and in the Scriptures. It is very doubtful, however, that he was a full proselyte to the Jews’ religion. Peter’s call to witness to Cornelius may be regarded as the official divine extension of the blessings of Israel to the Gentiles.