Cornelius, Saved Before Baptism?

      Many people read Acts 10 and conclude Cornelius is a clear example of salvation and forgiveness preceding baptism. Yet, a more thorough reading of this passage in the context of Acts tells us that is exactly what happened and it happened for a very special and exceptional reason.

      First, no matter what view we take on Acts 10, we have to admit it demonstrates an exception to everything else we read in Acts. The gift of the Holy Spirit talked about in Acts 2:38 most clearly comes at baptism in water. Thus, if we view the events of Acts 10 as parallel to that gift, we see an exception. Cornelius received the gift without being baptized. The passing on of the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit are demonstrated to be at the laying on of the apostles hands in Acts 8:14-25. Thus, if you believe the events of Acts 10 are parallel to those gifts, we still see an exception. Cornelius received the gifts without any apostles laying hands on him. The Holy Spirit fell on the apostles in Acts 2 and most people correctly make a parallel to this passage. However, those men waited in Jerusalem to receive what Jesus explained was coming for them. Thus, we still see an exception. Cornelius was not one of those Jesus had explained would receive this outpouring of the Holy Spirit. If he had been, then Peter wouldn’t have been shocked. Thus, no matter what we say, we see this is an exception to what is in the rest of the book of Acts.

      However, more importantly, Acts 11 clarifies some things for us. In Acts 11:4, the text says Peter began to tell in order what happened. Notice Acts 11:14. In that text, Peter explained that Cornelius had been told to listen to Peter’s message. That message would contain the means to save him. However, read Acts 11:15, in which Peter relates that as he began to speak his message, the Spirit fell on Cornelius. The Holy Spirit fell on him before he was able to hear the message that would save him. He wasn’t saved yet.

      Therefore, we see that this exception is a big one. God allowed the Holy Spirit to fall on a group of Gentiles who weren’t yet Christians. Why? The whole context of Acts 10-11 makes it clear. God had to take extraordinary measures for these Jews to know that the Gentiles could become Christians without first becoming Jews. This was an exceptional teaching that mandated exceptional actions.

      Cornelius was not saved before he was baptized because the Holy Spirit fell upon him. Rather, since the Holy Spirit fell on him, everyone knew he was allowed to obey the Gospel and be saved.

      If you wish to be saved, follow Peter’s command and be baptized in water for the remission of your sins (Acts 10:47-48).

Edwin L. Crozier