Acts 10:1
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
Original Language Analysis
ὀνόματι
called
G3686
ὀνόματι
called
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
7 of 14
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 14
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
σπείρης
the band
G4686
σπείρης
the band
Strong's:
G4686
Word #:
11 of 14
a coil (spira, "spire"), i.e., (figuratively) a mass of men (a roman military cohort; also (by analogy) a squad of levitical janitors)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 27:1And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.Matthew 27:27Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.Acts 8:40But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.Acts 27:43But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:Matthew 27:54Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
Historical Context
Caesarea was the Roman administrative capital of Judea. Centurions in the New Testament are consistently portrayed positively (Luke 7:1-10, Acts 27:43). Cornelius's conversion opened the door for Gentile mission.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Cornelius's military role teach about the gospel reaching every social position?
- How does this narrative prepare for the church's Gentile expansion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Cornelius, a Roman centurion of 'the Italian band,' represents the first clearly documented Gentile conversion. His military rank indicated significant responsibility - centurions commanded approximately 80 soldiers. The 'Italian band' suggests soldiers from Italy itself, a prestigious cohort.