Cornelius [Cor'nē'lĭ ŭs] - the beam of the sun. A converted Roman centurion at Caesarea, a devout man (Acts 10). He was the first Gentile convert and through his conversion the door of faith was opened unto the Gentiles. Disgusted with the Gentile paganism of his day he turned to God but did not have a full understanding of the Gospel of Grace. Through Peter's ministry, Cornelius became a believer and was received into the fellowship of the Church. From this point there is no difference between Jew and Gentile. In Christ they become one (Eph. 2:18 ). Benevolence, prayerfulness, obedience and spiritual receptivity characterize this godly Roman centurion.