“There was a certain man in Cesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,”
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment.—Cornelius, a Roman military officer stationed at the Mediterranean port of Caesarea, represents both political power and the Gentile world. The 'Italian Regiment' (speira Italike) was an auxiliary cohort composed of Italian volunteers. His position makes him simultaneously powerful and, from Jewish perspective, constitutionally unclean—a pagan overseer of pagan soldiers. His narrative prominence signals the gospel's next great boundary-crossing.
Church Fathers on Acts 10:1
This man is not a Jew, nor of those under the Law, but he had already forestalled our manner of life. Observe, thus far, two persons, both of high rank, receiving the faith, the eunuch at Gaza and this man; and the pains taken on behalf of these men. But do not imagine that this was because of their high rank: God forbid! It was because of their piety. For that the Scripture mentions their dignified stations, is to show the greatness of their piety; since it is more wonderful…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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