In Acts 10 it states:
1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. (NIV)
My understanding is that Roman soldiers of this period (Augustus through to Septimus Severus [193-211 CE]) were prohibited from marrying [“The men serving in the army, since they could not legally have wives, were granted the privileges of married men.” Cassius Dio 60.24.3]
This raises the question who are the οἴκῳ of verse 2? Are these an illicit family, thus raising questions of “devout and God-fearing;” or are they merely servants and retainers? If the former does indicate that since such non-married living and family arrangements were unofficially sanctioned by Rome, that Cornelius’ situation was an application of Acts 17:30 being in play, that his ignorance was overlooked until his repentance?
Anonymous
Jamie Brown Brett Dobbs Philip Williams this is thy Keener speaking…
Anonymous
Troy Day who is this critic?
Anonymous
Philip Williams he doesnt say but calls them multiple critics As news of the Spirit’s outpouring at Asbury University has spread, so have criticisms. Although coverage has been mostly positive, it is important to offer some answers to criticisms based on misinformation, which Keener attempts to do here
Anonymous
I suppose one of them sorry critics Philip Williams could be our cog friend Peter Vandever who has suggested all schools having revivals were liberal I take it the only school he did not see liberal was MBrown in the FL revivals or BETHEL school that teaches students how to do grave suckling WOULDNT revival start among liberals though Isnt this what we have been praying for with William DeArteaga Wasnt JESUS sent as a doctor to the sick? Why is ol Peter acting like an old Pharisee judging revival he never attended ?
Anonymous
Troy Day CBC wasnt
Anonymous
Troy Day this Asbury revival is led by the Holy Spirit.
Anonymous
John Mushenhouse Brett Dobbs asbury cited lack of parking and ppl crowding campus
lee citing security issues until Sunday ? – what exactly is going on?
Anonymous
I have no idea
Anonymous
is Asbury is a genuine revival or not? It would certainly be unusual to have a revival without revival preaching. But don’t take any of my comments as criticism of young people gathering together for nothing more than prayer and worship.
Anonymous
Troy Day Usually, when it happens in any Pentecostal Churches, no one will bother. As it happened that the University was established by the Methodist Church, we have to believe it, and in this way, God wants to draw some more youngsters to the Body of Christ. A Brother-in-Christ from Tamil Nādu of India who is studying at the University and heard his testimony. Amen!
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