Cornelius: A God-fearing Father
Text: Acts 10:1, 2 IBCSWS June 21, 2026
Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
In this troubled world, many people question the existence of God, and they embrace and believe theories of men that are not in line with the Holy Scriptures. The spiritual deterioration of mankind is alarming, and for such reason, this changing world really needs the unchanging Word of God.
Without the Word of God, it’s hard for a man to know who God really is. In Psalm 14:1-2, it is written, The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. (KJV) Every truth-seeking person will surely be blessed by God in a very significant way.
Cornelius was a Gentile and a military man, but he was a religious man who feared God with all his house. God remembered him and made a way to reach him with the Good News. God used Peter to tell him the simple way of salvation, and through hearing the Word of God, he was led to trust the Lord Jesus Christ and got saved with all his household. Cornelius was a godly father and was used as a channel of spiritual blessing to his family and loved ones.
(I) With God-fearing Family Members Acts 10:1, 2
During the Bible times, it was unusual for a man of authority to live a religious life and pray to God consistently especially among the Gentiles. In Acts 10:1-2, it is written, There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. (KJV) These verses show us a glimpse of Cornelius’ life as a God-fearing father before he got saved.
We count it a great blessing to have God-fearing fathers in this spiritually deteriorated world. They are truly inspiring to truth-seeking people. We really need to pray for more fathers to be saved so they may lead their families in the way of truth. God-fearing fathers are worthy to be appreciated for their unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
-Well-pleasing to God Acts 10:3, 4
God remembers those who are mindful of Him and they will be guided in the way of truth. Although Cornelius was still in his lost condition, he had a humble attitude toward God, became pleasing to Him, and was given an opportunity to be saved through faith in Christ. Truly, God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. (See James 4:6)
The Bible says in Acts 10:3-4, He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. (KJV) The prayers of a godly man will never be forgotten by God. Cornelius was acceptable to God and was assured that all his good deeds were noted in heaven.
Obeyed the instructions of God Acts 10:5-8
A God-fearing man obeys heavenly instructions that will lead him in the center of God’s will. In Acts 10:5-8, it is written, And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. 7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. (KJV) God uses His servants to reach the lost with the Gospel of Christ.
Live by the instructions of God and you will never falter in the course of life. David said in Psalm 37:23, The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. (KJV) Live by the Word of God and let the Lord bless the works of your hands. In James 1:25, it is written, But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (KJV)
Saved by grace through faith in Christ Acts 11:13, 14
Cornelius’ testimony on how the Lord worked miraculously in his life was delightful to those who heard it. The Bible says in Acts 11:13-14, And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. (KJV) These verses tell how Cornelius and his whole household got saved. By their unquestionable faith in Christ, they were saved and enjoyed the gift of eternal life.
It’s only proper for a person to do good works; however his good deeds can never bring him to heaven. There is only one way to reach heaven and that is by grace through faith in Christ. The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8-9, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. (KJV) We cannot imagine people in heaven boasting of their good works as entrance to eternal habitation.
Jesus is the only way to heaven as written in John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV) (See also Acts 4:12)
God was glorified Acts 11:18
The Lord Jesus said in Luke 15:7, I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. (KJV) Every time we lead people to Christ, heaven rejoices and God is glorified.
The conversion of Cornelius and his whole household led the people to give glory to God. Acts 11:18 says, When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. (KJV) Praise God because His saving grace and great salvation through faith in Christ is now being enjoyed by the Jews and the Gentiles alike.
Spiritual insights to live by:
Praise God for giving us godly fathers in our homes, in our churches and in this sin-darkened world. Earthly fathers are not perfect, but their reliance to God is something to be noted and appreciated while they are with us.
Above all, we must give praises to our Heavenly Father who cares so much for us, and for giving His only begotten Son to die at the Cross so we may be saved through faith in Him. In James 1:17, it is written, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (KJV)
