There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. Acts 10:1-2

God is at work, revealing Himself to people. All kinds of people. Even people we might think are the least likely to believe. Cornelius (and his household) are prime examples of this truth.

Remember that the first believers were virtually all Jewish. That is not a big surprise. Jesus is the King of the Jews, Jesus did “come to His own,” (John 1:11) namely, Jewish people. But even when the young church was primarily Jewish, God was at work saving Gentiles as well. Again, Cornelius (and his household) are prime examples of this truth.

That Cornelius was a devout man who feared God (religiously and reverently inclined), and that he was charitable and prayed always—these do not mean that he was saved. The world is filled with zealous religious people who do not know Christ. So is Hell, for that matter. But these people may be ripe to receive Christ.

When people’s lives seem to exhibit these kinds of inclinations, let us pray that the Lord will reveal Christ and the gospel to them. Let us ask the Lord to use us to reveal Himself to them. And let us seek to engage these dear ones in conversation about Christ and the gospel. One of two things will happen:

Sadly, some will steel themselves in their faith in their religious activities, and may even pridefully reject Christ and the gospel because they are sure their religion is enough.

But praise God, others will respond as Cornelius did.