Cornelius

c. AD 40· In the text

Placed by the story. The date is a rough guide. How the dates are worked out

a Roman family name — possibly from cornu, "horn" · Latin

Roman centurion in Caesarea described as devout and God-fearing, who gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly. An angel appeared to him and directed him to send for Peter. Peter simultaneously had a vision showing that no person is unclean. Cornelius and his household became the first Gentiles to receive the Holy Spirit — a pivotal moment in the early church establishing that salvation was for all people.