Even before Cornelius obeyed the gospel of Christ, he was a good man.  While he is a classic example of how goodness alone does not save, his goodness was still impressive and worth imitating.

Acts 10:1-2 (ESV)
¹  At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, ²  a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.

Cornelius was a man of authority, commanding (as his title suggests) around a hundred men.  More importantly, he was a man of God.  Luke lists some of the good qualities that he possessed, qualities that should describe us as well.

Cornelius was a devout man.  The Greek word for devout is eusebēs and points to being godly.  This is impressive for a Roman man who had probably grown up under the influence of idolatry.  Someone with knowledge of the true and living God had the opportunity to teach Cornelius, and he accepted the truth.

Godliness denotes “piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him” (Vines Expository Dictionary).  When one has a Godward attitude, he consistently strives to do His will, and this is the description that Luke gives of Cornelius.  Shouldn’t we have the same mentality, that is, a Godward attitude that leads us to want to always please God?  Whatever station we achieve in life, we should be devout.  Cornelius is a great example of this.

Being so devout, it does not surprise us to hear that Cornelius feared God.  Notice, Luke said he feared God “with all his household.”  Whatever his household consisted of (wife, grown children, servants, etc.), he led them to fear God.  All you husbands and fathers reading this blog tonight should strive to imitate Cornelius and lead your families to have proper fear and reverence for God.  Being a strong spiritual leader is the greatest thing you can do for your family.

Cornelius was also a benevolent man.  He was kind enough and loved people enough, to help those who were in need.  He gave alms generously, Luke said.  Did he learn from the Law of Moses to love his neighbor as himself (Leviticus 19-18-19)?  We can’t be sure, but when or however he learned this quality, it was certainly pleasing to God.  Love is something we must all possess (1 Corinthians 13:1-8), and a good way to demonstrate it is by being benevolent toward our fellowman like Cornelius.

Finally, as a sign of his close relationship with God, Cornelius prayed continually.  He lived his life depending on God and relying on His help and providential care.  What a good way to live life.  Cornelius was certainly a great example to all.  Perhaps, the greatest example that he gave was His willingness to obey the gospel when He learned the truth.  He did not resist by saying he didn’t need to be baptized because he was already living a good life.  He was baptized into Christ and became a child of God (Acts 10:48), leading his household to do the same.,    If you have not already done so, why not follow the example of Cornelius before it is too late?

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.