"After the days of King Herod, the city of Caesarea went on to have important biblical and church historical significance. The book of Acts attests that the two foremost apostles, Peter and Paul, both spent time there. One of the city's military leaders, a centurion named Cornelius from the Italian Regiment, gave generously to the poor and worshiped the true God. When he received a Devine vision, he sent a messenger to Peter, who came to his house and shared the good news of Jesus.                                                                    

"I perceive that God shows no partiality," the apostle announced to the centurion's household. "But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him" (Acts 10:34-35).  To back up this bold claim of a universal gospel, the Holy Spirit came down upon the new Gentile believers. Thus Cornelius became the first non-Jewish convert to the Christian faith."

Harod & Mary by best selling author Kathy Lee Gifford