The mention of circumcision serves to highlight the fact that Cornelius is included in God’s church without any need for circumcision (only baptism).1 It draws attention to the contrast between him, coming from a Gentile background, and the men from Joppa, who come from an old covenant, Jewish background.
45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.