101 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
101 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment.
101 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort,
101 There was a man named Cornelius who lived in Caesarea, captain of the Italian Guard stationed there.
101 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,
101 In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 10:1
Commentary on Acts 10:1-8
(Read Acts 10:1-8)
Hitherto none had been baptized into the Christian church but Jews, Samaritans, and those converts who had been circumcised and observed the ceremonial law; but now the Gentiles were to be called to partake all the privileges of God's people, without first becoming Jews. Pure and undefiled religion is sometimes found where we least expect it. Wherever the fear of God rules in the heart, it will appear both in works of charity and of piety, neither will excuse from the other. Doubtless Cornelius had true faith in God's word, as far as he understood it, though not as yet clear faith in Christ. This was the work of the Spirit of God, through the mediation of Jesus, even before Cornelius knew him, as is the case with us all when we, who before were dead in sin, are made alive. Through Christ also his prayers and alms were accepted, which otherwise would have been rejected. Without dispute or delay Cornelius was obedient to the heavenly vision. In the affairs of our souls, let us not lose time.