Nougat 18

Have you ever had an experience that seemed more unlikely for others to believe? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“ “Now in Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Cohort. He was a devout man, revering God with all his household. He gave tzadakah [alms] generously to the people and prayed to God continually.” Acts‬ ‭10:1-2‬ ‭TLV‬‬

For many of us, there’s nothing questionable about the facts presented. However, critics argue that the Italian Cohort, or at least a group carrying that official title, did NOT appear in historical records until Two Decades after this event had occurred. Some further argue that the Cohort was so named for the place they were based and the nationality of the regiment. This becomes problematic for those seeking to solidify the integrity and veracity of the biblical text. Because, if this is incorrect, one could easily assume that, by extension, the Bible is false.

Aside from the fact that the biblical narrative’s potency rests in our Faith (ie our willingness to take God seriously without ‘tangible’ proof); it seems a bit hasty to throw out the baby with the bath water. Moreover, amidst Luke’s recounting of the Cornelius experience, this is probably the most verifiable aspect. Hence, we have to read with God’s Spirit and not just by what makes for good logic.

Nevertheless, Radoslaw A Gawroński argues, based upon intense research, that Cornelius could logically have been a member of the ‘Sebasteni’, a group of ruthless Samaritan units intended to keep the Jews from revolting. In his article, ‘The Italian Cohort from Cesarea’, Gawroński further postulates that the Cohort actually existed prior to AD 67. He bases this on archeological evidence derived from two tombstones: located in present day Austria and at Mainz.

For me, the improbability lies not in the veracity of his vocation; for I am wont to presume he belonged to a special ops team (or its Pax Romana equivalent). Rather, I’m challenged to reconcile Cornelius the soldier with godly devotion. That seems a little unlikely!

Yet, Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10 both speak to the faith of a centurion. And lest we forget, Matthew 27:54 notes Jesus’ impact even on the Roman citizenry at His crucifixion. The same centurion?

Does it really matter?

What seems certain is that IN Christ, the impossible does seem to happen; and the same could hold true for you and me.

So if, rather, WHEN we experience God’s Grace outside of our natural explanation or beyond logic, let’s opt to forego disbelief and choose to praise and ponder the goodness of God.

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May all we seek be found in Christ