The answer is: Cornelius

Acts 10 - God reveals to Peter in a vision that the Gentiles are no longer 'unclean', and Cornelius is considered as the first-fruits of the Gentiles.

Ah, Cornelius—the groundbreaking figure in the early church! It’s fascinating to think about the impact of his conversion. Acts 10 is pivotal; not only do we see Cornelius, a Roman centurion, embracing the faith but also Peter experiencing a dramatic revelation. Picture this: a humble fisherman accustomed to a Jewish way of life is then shown a vision of various unclean animals. The message? God doesn’t play favorites; all people are welcomed into the fold!

This moment is rich in implications—not just for Peter, but for the trajectory of Christianity as it begins to spread far beyond its Jewish roots. Cornelius is often heralded as a symbol of inclusivity; he shows us how faith can transcend cultural divides. Christian history often points out that the early church gradually traveled from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, transforming and growing along the way.

Did you know Cornelius was a man of prayer and devotion? This paints a clear picture: gentle yet firm, seeing the divine in his routine of kindness. Plus, he was part of the Italian Regiment, representing the Roman era, which provides a fascinating backdrop as Christianity spread through the very heart of the empire where power and plurality collided.

And speaking of first-fruits, that terminology isn’t random! It echoes the Jewish idea of offering the first yields of the harvest. Cornelius’s conversion signals the beginnings of a rich harvest among the nations. Isn’t it amazing to see how spirituality and culture weaved together from that moment on?