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Chad Macdonald | PentecostalTheology.com
Chad Macdonald [06/30/2015 9:47 PM]
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Practical application of Pentecostal theology in politics, economy and social issues
The Centurion Cornelius
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?
Varnel Watson
Brody Pope Unarguably the only thing you need to preach the gospel – not mandatory education… http://www.pentecostaltheology.com/mandatory-college-degree-for-all-pentecostal-ministers/
Brody Pope
Amen!
Mike Stidham
After 30 hours of seminary, I’ve concluded that the best schooling can do is to help you harness the raw potential of whatever anointing you have, and to help in areas where you may not be as anointed (like a lot of pastoral ministry out of the pulpit).