Cornelius: Minor Character, Major Impact Quiz

Answer: Caesarea

The correct answer is Caesarea. It is an ancient city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, about 60 miles northwest of Jerusalem. It was the Roman capital of Judea.

Answer: Centurion

The correct answer is centurion. Scripture states that he was a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. As the name implies, a centurion was in charge of 100 soldiers. Cornelius is one of several centurions mentioned in Acts.

Answer: He gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.

The correct answer is that he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. Scripture, however, does not elaborate on Cornelius' giving and praying.

Answer: An angel telling him to get the disciple Peter.

The correct response is that Cornelius saw an angel who told him to get the disciple Peter. Incidentally, verses 9 to 16 tell of Peter also having a vision at noon the following day.

Answer: Joppa

The correct answer is Joppa (Acts 10: 7-8). Joppa is today known as Jaffa and is on the Mediterranean Sea. It is part of Tel Aviv and is about 30 miles south of Caesarea.

Answer: Fell at Peter's feet in reverence.

The correct answer is that Cornelius fell at Peter's feet in reverence. Verse 26 states, "But Peter made him get up. 'Stand up,' he said, 'I am only a man myself'." Notes in the NIV Study Bible suggest Cornelius "was only intending to honor Peter as one having a rank higher than his own, since he was God's messenger." The NIV notes go on to say, "Peter allowed no chance for understanding -- he was not to be worshipped."

Answer: a large gathering of people

The correct answer is a large gathering of people. It's apparent that other Gentiles held a religious belief similar to that of Cornelius. Verse 24 states that he had called together his relatives and close friends, suggesting there may have been a number of other God-fearing Gentiles in Caesarea.

Answer: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right."

The correct answer is "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right." In other words, this was a major turning point in the early Christian church: the first acceptance of Gentiles as believers. Up to this point, the only non-Jewish believers were Samaritans, who were half Jewish. And, of course, there was the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, as recorded in Acts 8:26-40.

Answer: He ordered the people be baptized in the name of Jesus.

The correct response is that Peter ordered the people be baptized in the name of Jesus. In other words, he was absolutely convinced the teachings of Jesus should be preached to the Gentiles. In Acts 11: 1-18, Peter had to defend his actions before other church leaders in Jerusalem, but after hearing all the facts, they too became convinced the Gospel message should be preached to Gentiles.

Answer: The people asked Peter to stay a few days.

The correct answer is that Peter was asked by the people at Cornelius' house to say a few days. It's apparent that a bond of friendship had developed between the non-Jewish believers and Peter.