Topical Encyclopedia Cornelius, a centurion in the Roman army, is a prominent figure in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Acts. His account is a testament to the virtue of liberality, which is characterized by generosity and open-handedness, especially in the context of giving to those in need and supporting the work of God.Biblical Account Cornelius is introduced in Acts 10:1-2 : "At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment. He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly." This passage highlights Cornelius's devout nature and his commitment to both prayer and acts of charity. His liberality is evident in his generous giving, which was a reflection of his deep faith and reverence for God. Divine Recognition Cornelius's acts of liberality did not go unnoticed by God. In Acts 10:3-4 , it is recorded that an angel of God appeared to him in a vision, saying, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God." This divine acknowledgment underscores the importance of liberality in the eyes of God. Cornelius's generosity was not merely a humanistic act but was seen as a spiritual offering, pleasing to the Lord. Impact on the Early Church Cornelius's liberality and faith played a crucial role in the early Christian church. His encounter with the Apostle Peter, as described in Acts 10:34-35 , led to a significant turning point: "Then Peter began to speak: 'I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.'" Cornelius's openness and generosity helped pave the way for the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith, demonstrating that liberality transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries. Legacy of Generosity The account of Cornelius serves as an enduring example of how liberality can be a powerful force for spiritual growth and community building. His willingness to give and his devotion to God exemplify the Christian ideal of using one's resources to bless others and further God's kingdom. Cornelius's life encourages believers to practice liberality, not only as an act of charity but as a reflection of a heart transformed by faith. In summary, Cornelius's liberality is a key aspect of his character and legacy. His account in the Book of Acts illustrates the profound impact that generous giving, coupled with sincere faith, can have on individuals and the broader community of believers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 16:2Which was well reported of by the brothers that were at Lystra and Iconium. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Conversion of Cornelius. The Promises of the Law and the Gospel Reconciled. From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch. The Church of Rome in the Third Century. Letter Lxxix. To Salvina. Peter's First Sermon The Ordinances of the New Testament. Elucidations. Index. Zwingli's Distinctive Doctrines. Resources Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Liberality in Antioch (Of Syria) Liberality: Araunah for Sacrifice Liberality: Barzillai and Others to David Liberality: Blessings Connected With Liberality: Characteristic of Saints Liberality: Christ Set an Example of Liberality: Elisha Toward Elijah Liberality: Exercise of, Provokes Others To Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Churches of Macedonia Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Israelites Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Poor Widow Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Israelites at the Erection of the Tabernacle Liberality: Israelites' offerings for the Temple Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Liberality: Joash and his People Liberality: King of Sodom to Abraham Liberality: Labour to be Enabled to Exercise Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Having Faith Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Loving God Liberality: Lack of Brings Many a Curse Liberality: People of Melita (Malta) to Paul Liberality: Pharaoh to Joseph's People Liberality: Queen of Sheba to Solomon Liberality: should be Exercised in Forwarding Missions Liberality: should be Exercised in Giving Alms Liberality: should be Exercised in Leading to Those in Want Liberality: should be Exercised in Relieving the Destitute Liberality: should be Exercised in Rendering Personal Services Liberality: should be Exercised in the Service of God Liberality: should be Exercised with Simplicity Liberality: should be Exercised without Ostentation Liberality: should be Exercised: Abundantly Liberality: should be Exercised: According to Ability Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward all Men Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Enemies Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Saints Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Servants Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Strangers Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward the Poor Liberality: should be Exercised: Willingly Liberality: The Good Samaritan Liberality: The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Liberality: Unprofitable, Without Love Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |
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