What if Cornelius mentioned in the Gospels is the same Cornelius in Acts? Remember Cornelius? He was a centurion who came to Jesus and asked for his servant be healed. Cornelius, the centurion (commander of 100 Roman soldiers), said he was a man who followed commands and that if Jesus would just give the command, his servant would be healed. Jesus was amazed at his faith, saying he'd seen nothing like it anywhere.
What if Cornelius was stationed in Jerusalem and under the command of Pilate?
What if his 100 soldiers were in charge of locking up the thieves and Jesus? What if he overheard their jailhouse conversations? What if he watched the whole thing--the crown of thorns, the beating, and everything else?
What if he grabbed Peter and asked, "Weren't you one of his followers?" And Peter said, "No! I don't know him!" BUT their eyes locked, then Peter quickly looked away--because Cornelius had seen Peter when he sought out Jesus to heal his servant.
What if Cornelius was just a soldier doing his job? Executing a rebel and catching a fisherman lying through his teeth. A centurion follows orders.
What if he was at Golgotha and watched it all, then said out loud, "Surely, this is the Son of God"?
What if he became sick of the whole mess and retired to Macedonia to try to forget it all? How he betrayed and crucified the Son of God--the very man whom he trusted to hire his servant.
What if Cornelius prayed and prayed to God to be delivered from his pain and guilt. What if he asked God to forgive him and send him a sign?
What if one morning there's a knock at the door and who should it be but the lying fisherman!
What if they stood and stared in disbelief? Both knowing the other's story.
What if they wept together? Two men needing to confess to someone who could understand.
What if Peter sat with Cornelius and explained his "unclean food" dream, how terrible he felt about his own betrayal, and the saving grace of Jesus?
What if Peter and Cornelius became brothers forever?
What if?
