Note: The first part of today’s message is admittedly filled with some personal reflections. The Scripture exposition begins about halfway through.

Message summary: I contend that the variety of people groups that God has created in the ethnic and racial types are purposeful and a pleasure to Him, even as a variety of flower types in a garden or a particular breed of dogs are to us (colors, sizes, fragrance, etc.). Today we consider the Italians!

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“At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment” (Acts 10:1). "The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends" (Acts 10:24). "Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people" (Acts 10:27b).

We contend that the variety of people groups that God has created in the ethnic and racial types are purposeful and a pleasure to Him, even as a variety of flower types in a garden or a particular breed of dogs are to us (colors, sizes, fragrance, traits, characteristics, etc.).

We do well to see a blessing in the variety among us. Sadly, due to sin, our differences has all too often become a heartache and source of division or conflict. This is seen from the Bible days up to the present time.

I have a German heritage so I fit right into our region that is largely populated with Pennsylvania Dutch. Brooksyne has a mixture of ethnic backgrounds, including Cherokee Indian. Our daughter, Ester, is of Mayan Indian descent.

But through life we have been blessed greatly by spending time and forming friendships with people from many ethnic and racial backgrounds, constituents of the many "from every tribe and nation" that will make up heaven.

But today we want to consider our many Italian associations, several who are among our very best friends.

Mike Matangelo attended the very first service we held when we started a church in upstate Pennsylvania in 1977. We first met Mike and Kathy and their children 48 years ago soon after we got married. They were an active part of our church and remain active in service for the Lord holding a weekly mentoring program in a state prison in North Carolina. What a joy that their children, who grew up in our church, are also walking with the Lord! Of course that is true of the many families in the churches we pastored whose children continue to walk in the ways of the Lord.

In New England we met Rick Masciantonio, his wife Liz from Costa Rica and their three boys. Rick was a devoted Sunday School teacher in our church. He now pastors a church on the Cape and continues to be a tremendous student of the Scriptures.

We have also had many Italian pastor friends through the years. My former District Superintendent, Philip Bongiorno, periodically shared a deep-felt testimony regarding his life before turning to Christ. He, along with we many Italians we know, is very expressive often whirling his arms about, as he put his whole self into his sermons. It's been said that Italians could not speak if their hands were bound!

Our many Italian friends have sure added some colorful memories to our lives, which brings to mind the first named Italian convert who is often considered the first Gentile convert, Cornelius the centurion.* 

The story is told by Luke in the book of Acts.  Cornelius was a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment.  A centurion, who was in command of 80 to 100 soldiers, was chosen for his size, strength and dexterity and for his skill in the use of his sword and shield; in short for his expertness in all the exercises. He was vigilant, temperate, active and executed the orders he received; strict in the exercise regimen of his infantry and keeping up proper discipline among his soldiers.

Today’s Scripture records the remarkable account of his conversion, the first recorded Gentile convert.  He was obviously a man of position and influence as the commander.  However the Scripture informs us that, “He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly” (Acts 10:2). He sought after God and God answered him in the form of a vision.

A meeting was scheduled with Peter so he sent for him as the angel directed. But this Italian had no desire for a private meeting with Peter since Scripture tells us he "called together his relatives and close friends" (v. 24).* Peter walked into Cornelius’ house “and found a large gathering of people” eager to hear what Peter had to say (every preacher’s dream).

Cornelius sets a great example to all of us. God used him to assemble that crowd together and later, after Peter preached the Word, they had a mighty spiritual awakening. What kind of influence do you have upon your relatives and friends?  Do they know of your stand for Christ?  Is your zeal and commitment evident to all with whom you associate?

Later in his first letter Peter would write to the many he had ministered to (perhaps including Cornelius, his family and friends) with this command: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15a).  Are you prepared to give the reason for your hope and are you faithfully proclaiming it to others?

Be encouraged today!  Hebrews 3:13