Acts 10-11
Cornelius was a first century Roman centurion who was honored as the first Gentile convert to Christianity. In Acts 10-11 an angel instructed him to send for Simon Peter and showed him a vision that was pivotal in opening up the faith to non-Jews.
The references to Cornelius’ fast are nuanced. However, upon a depth of study, this is what I have interpreted it to mean. Cornelius’ fast is a complete one day fast from 3 pm to 3pm the next day. Scripture states that he fasted “about the 9th hour” (Acts 10:3). The Hebrews had three times of the day in which they dedicated to prayer which were the first hour, the second hour and the third hour. The second hour of prayer is held at the 9th hour of the day in Jewish time. It is the 9th hour from sunrise (6 AM), making it 3 pm. The Hebrew word is Minchah, meaning gift-offering, also known as the hour of confession.
The Roman time started from 12 midnight, not sunrise, making the Roman 9th hour, 9 AM. Cornelius was the Centurian for the Italian regiment and he was an uncircumcized Gentile. He was recognized and honored by God, “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). For the writer of Acts to make the connection to the 9th hour of Hebrew time, the hour dedicated to gift-offerings for a Gentile military officer shows the depth of his servitude.
There are no references to what he ate or drank. Often people interpret his fast as four days, however at the complete of the first full day of fasting, he was visited by a angel / had a vision. The second day Cornelius’ messangers went to Joppa to contact Simon-Peter. The third day, Peter began his journey to Caesarea. The fourth day he arrived at the home of Cornelius, the Centurion. When Cornelius begins talking with Simon-Peter, he says, “Four days ago I was fasting…” (Acts 10:30). Joppa is about 30 miles south of Caesarea. There is no reference to the Centurion continuing to fast after he is visited by the angel.