Acts 10. The Conversion of Cornelius. This incident is parallel to the conversion of the Ethiopian by Philip; both show the extension of the Gospel beyond the Jews, and prepare for the story of the Pauline mission. On the opening vision cf. Acts 8:26, Acts 16:9; Galatians 2:2. See also p. 767.

Acts 10:1. The Italian Band has been much discussed. The points are stated by Schmiedel (EBi. 908). Mommsen considers that the Italian band cannot be identified. Cornelius is introduced as a Gentile adherent of the Jewish religion. Devout is to be taken in the Jewish sense; fearing the Lord, he reverenced the God of Judaism by attending the synagogue. Psalms 115:9 gives the threefold division of the congregation of the Temple; priests, Jewish members, Godfearers; in the synagogue the priests were wanting.

Acts 10:3. in a vision and openly contradict each other.

Acts 10:4. Cf. Sir_35:7. memorial before God: used of a particular sacrifice (Leviticus 2:2; Leviticus 2:9).

Acts 10:5. The distance is thirty miles.

Acts 10:7. devout soldier: cf. Matthew 8:9 and the whole account of the two centurions.

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