Meaning of the Name Cornelius
Cornelius is a Latin name used in the Roman world as a family name. Its earliest etymology is not certain; some explanations connect it with the semantic field of "horn," but that point is debated. The safest statement is therefore that it is clearly a Roman name.
Origin
The name Cornelius is of Latin origin.
Who is Cornelius in the Bible?
Cornelius is introduced in Acts 10 as a centurion living in Caesarea. Peter's visit to him and his reception of the gospel form a turning point for the inclusion of Gentiles in the believing community. He thus becomes one of the emblematic names of the opening of that door to the nations.
The story of Cornelius in the Bible
Cornelius is introduced in Acts 10 as a centurion of the Italian Cohort living in Caesarea, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave generously to the people and prayed constantly. One afternoon he saw an angel of God in a vision; the angel told him that his prayers and alms had risen as a memorial before God and instructed him to send for Peter in Joppa. Cornelius dispatched his men at once. Meanwhile Peter, through a vision of his own, learned that he should call no person common or unclean, so he answered the summons and traveled to Caesarea, where Cornelius was waiting with his relatives and close friends. Peter began by saying he now understood that God shows no partiality, but accepts from every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right. While he was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening, and Cornelius and his household were baptized. The encounter is told as the turning point that opened the gospel to the nations.
Is Cornelius mentioned in the Quran?
The name Cornelius does not appear in the Quran; in the New Testament book of Acts he is the Roman centurion remembered as one of the first Gentiles to receive the gospel.
Verses where Cornelius appears
- Acts 10:1 —
Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,
- Acts 10:34 —
Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism;
- Acts 10:44 —
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word.