10:1,2
We now meet Cornelius, excluding the Ethiopian eunuch, the first gentile convert. An Italian cohort or regiment was one tenth of a legion, or about 600 men. Roman soldiers tended to serve for periods of about twenty years, and during that period they were technically not allowed to marry. It was also common for them to stay in the same place. While they were not supposed to marry, they often took a local woman as a partner and officials would look the other way. After their tour of duty was over the relationship would be recognised as a marriage. “All his household” is a term that as well as including relations could also encompass servants. Cornelius was a God fearing man, and one who gave generously to the poor. He also prayed frequently.
10:3,4
The “ninth hour” was one of the regular prayer times, coinciding with the time of the evening offering in the temple, so further emphasising the piety of Cornelius. During this time an angel appeared to him. The angel tells him that his prayers and alms have ascended before God. So we see here another example of a “good man” being commended in the Bible. Good character and good behaviour is commended in the Bible, and it makes a difference to our relationship with God.
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