The Character of the Godly

UV458/10,000 The character of the godly Act 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always Cornelius was not a Jew. He was a Roman soldier who held in his hands the authority of the empire and power over a hundred men. Yet, he was devout and his sense of devotion and dedication won the favour and attention of God. His example had even inspired his family as well as the men under his charge to similarly fear God. It even led some of them to move to the next level- to be devout or to serve God with a spirit of love and gratitude. It manifested in practical acts of service and charity to the needy. Cornelius prayed to God always. It was not a ritual prayer of religious practice or something taught to him. He feared God- his fear of God and his faith in Him led him to always pray. It did not mean that he was always on his knees and neglected the affairs of state or his soldierly duties as a captain of many men. It meant that he was always in an attitude of prayer, knowing the limitations of his own power and abilities and the infinite power and goodness of God. Scripture goes on to testify that Cornelius was a just man. He never abused his authority or power to ill treat his subordinates or to exploit the people. He had a good reputation among all the subject people- the Jews. The Lord showed by his act of sending a messenger from heaven, an angel to Cornelius that he is not a respector of persons or of races or of religious background. He did so that Cornelius could now move to the next level of spiritual maturity by learning the truth about Jesus from the apostle Peter. Once we are found to be faithful, the Lord will move us to the next level of spiritual knowledge and maturity. The example of Cornelius proves that one can equally be a faithful servant of God and at the same time, an effective Government servant or police officer or army officer or judge or legislator. Cornelius highest allegiance was not to the state but to God, his obedience was not only to the rules and laws of the state but to the Word of God. He obeyed the vision and direction of the angel in sending his servants to find Peter in Joppa. Prateep V Philip