The Conversion of Cornelius

Questions and Answers

Who was Cornelius?

A tanner in Joppa

A devout soldier

An angel sent by God

A centurion of the Italian Cohort (correct)

What did Cornelius do that demonstrated his devotion to God?

He built a temple

He performed miracles

He wrote religious texts

He prayed constantly and gave alms (correct)

What was Cornelius instructed to do in his vision?

Sacrifice a lamb

Travel to Jerusalem

Recruit more soldiers

Send for Peter (correct)

What animals did Peter see in his vision?

All kinds of four-footed creatures, reptiles, and birds Signup and view all the answers

What was Peter's initial reaction to the voice telling him to eat?

He refused based on dietary laws Signup and view all the answers

How many times did the voice tell Peter to eat?

Three times Signup and view all the answers

What did the voice say after Peter's refusal?

What God has made clean, you must not call profane Signup and view all the answers

What indication did Peter have that men were looking for him?

The Spirit informed him Signup and view all the answers

Who was the centurion mentioned in the story?

Cornelius Signup and view all the answers

What does Peter's order for baptism suggest?

Most of those in attendance believed Signup and view all the answers

What key theme is emphasized regarding evangelism in the story?

God is the primary Evangelist Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurred at Cornelius's conversion?

Speaking in unknown languages Signup and view all the answers

How many threes are significant in the story?

Four Signup and view all the answers

What was noted about the conversions of Muslims to Christianity?

Many experienced dreams and visions Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of God makes some Christians uncomfortable regarding evangelism?

God's use of extraordinary means Signup and view all the answers

What did Cornelius do after his angelic vision?

He sent three men to find Peter Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of intelligence does the content suggest may limit evangelism in the West?

Rationality and Enlightenment assumptions Signup and view all the answers

What reaction did people have during Cornelius's conversion?

They praised God in languages they knew Signup and view all the answers

Who directed Cornelius to send for Peter?

A holy angel Signup and view all the answers

What was Cornelius’s status among the Jewish people?

A devout God-fearer Signup and view all the answers

What realization did Peter come to regarding God's acceptance of people?

God shows no partiality. Signup and view all the answers

What did Cornelius do when he first met Peter?

Fell at his feet and worshiped him. Signup and view all the answers

What were Cornelius's prayers and alms considered by God?

A memorial. Signup and view all the answers

How did those accompanying Peter react to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit?

They were astounded. Signup and view all the answers

What key message did Peter deliver about Jesus?

Jesus is Lord of all. Signup and view all the answers

What was Peter commanded to do by God?

To preach to the Gentiles. Signup and view all the answers

How did Peter describe himself when Cornelius worshiped him?

As only a mortal. Signup and view all the answers

What does the story of Cornelius's conversion reveal about evangelism?

Non-believers may have a spiritual life prepared for the gospel. Signup and view all the answers

What should evangelists consider about non-Christians?

They should discover what they already believe. Signup and view all the answers

What did people witness regarding Jesus after his resurrection?

His eating and drinking with chosen witnesses. Signup and view all the answers

What was the aim of the discipleship according to the content?

To achieve holiness through the fruit of the Spirit. Signup and view all the answers

What did Peter order the people to do after they received the Holy Spirit?

To be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Canadians were categorized as ‘privately faithful’?

21% Signup and view all the answers

What is the doctrine of prevenient grace primarily associated with?

God's work in the lives of those who do not yet recognize him. Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is suggested for reaching out to those who are privately faithful or spiritually uncertain?

Offering a class on Christian meditation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of God in relation to evangelism as depicted in the story of Cornelius's conversion?

As the primary Evangelist actively drawing individuals to Himself. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant finding from Angus Reid opinion polls regarding Canadians' connection to faith communities?

Only 18% have any substantive connection to faith communities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is recommended before starting an evangelistic endeavor?

Taking time to pray. Signup and view all the answers

What is encouraged regarding how Christians view non-Christians they meet?

They might be spiritual beings already called by God. Signup and view all the answers

What did Cornelius experience that indicated God's prevenient grace?

Angelic messengers, dreams, and visions. Signup and view all the answers

How did the ancient church view the doctrine of prevenient grace?

It was recognized and expounded upon by various councils. Signup and view all the answers

Which action can help to initiate conversations with those not connected to church communities?

Learning about their spiritual experiences and beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What might be an example of an outreach activity suggested in the text?

Holding a live nativity play in a community park. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of prayers are suggested for evangelism efforts?

Specific prayers asking for guidance and openness. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state did a significant majority of privately faithful Canadians express?

They wished to have a closer relationship with God. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is highlighted as crucial for a successful evangelistic approach?

Making prayer the highest priority. Signup and view all the answers

Which group represents a significant portion of Canadians who express spiritual questions and longings?

Spiritually uncertain. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cornelius’s Conversion

Cornelius, a centurion in Caesarea, was a devout God-fearing man who prayed constantly and generously helped the poor.
He received a vision from an angel at 3 PM, instructing him to send for Peter in Joppa.
Following the angel's command, Cornelius sent two slaves and a devout soldier to find Peter.

Peter’s Vision

Peter experienced a trance while praying, seeing a vision of various unclean animals and receiving a divine command to eat.
He initially resisted but was told three times that what God made clean should not be considered profane.
This vision signified a change in attitude toward the Gentiles.

Meeting between Peter and Cornelius

Peter was told by the Spirit to go with the men sent by Cornelius, confirming a divine mission.
Upon arrival, Cornelius fell at Peter’s feet in reverence, but Peter insisted he was just a man.
Peter spoke about Jewish customs regarding Gentiles but revealed God’s instruction to not call anyone profane or unclean.

Message of Inclusivity

Peter shared that God shows no partiality, and that righteousness and reverence for God are what matter for all people.
He preached about Jesus, who preached peace and was raised from the dead, affirming Him as the judge of the living and the dead.

Holy Spirit's Outpouring

As Peter spoke, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard, astonishing the Jewish believers with him.
They witnessed the Gentiles speaking in tongues, indicating God's acceptance of them.

Baptism of the Gentiles

Peter recognized that they received the Holy Spirit as the Jewish believers had.
He ordered their baptism in Jesus' name, marking a significant moment for the early church regarding Gentile acceptance.

Evangelistic Insights

Cornelius's conversion challenges assumptions about evangelism; God was the initiator.
Many outside of faith have preexisting spiritual lives that can serve as a bridge for the gospel.
Understanding these spiritual backgrounds can assist in effective evangelism.

Prevenient Grace

The concept of prevenient grace highlights God's proactive role before an individual recognizes Him.
Divine interventions occurred through angelic messages and visions, illustrating God's pursuit of humanity.

Role of Prayer

Emphasizing prayer as foundational for evangelism, following Peter's example of seeking divine direction.

God as the Primary Evangelist

God alone orchestrates the work of evangelism, involving believers in His ongoing mission rather than leaving the success solely to human effort.

Mystical Phenomena in Evangelism

Dreams and visions used in Cornelius's story reflect a continued divine method in evangelism, evident in modern reports from missionaries.
Reports of dreams among Muslims seeking Christ highlight the relevance of divine revelation in salvation experiences today.

Conclusion: A New Perspective on Evangelism

Viewing evangelism as cooperative with God's work transforms the approach from duty to participation in His divine adventure.

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Description

Explore the narrative of Cornelius, a devout centurion in Caesarea, who experiences a divine vision. This quiz will test your knowledge on his character, his devotion, and the significance of his encounter with God. Dive deep into this biblical story and understand its broader implications in Christian teachings.