Acts 10

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

What does Acts 10:31 mean?

Explanation

Acts 10:31 is part of the New Testament narrative describing the conversion of Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment.

This verse is a crucial moment where an angel of God speaks to Cornelius, acknowledging his devotions and charity.

It essentially conveys that Cornelius's consistent prayers and acts of charity have come before God as a memorial, indicating divine recognition of his piety and good deeds.

The deeper meaning here touches upon the themes of divine responsiveness to human actions, the value of persistently seeking God, and the inclusive reach of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, written by Luke the Evangelist, is a historical account of the early Christian Church.

During the time this verse was recorded, Christianity was largely considered a sect of Judaism, and the inclusion of non-Jews (Gentiles) into the Christian community was a significant theological and cultural challenge.

Cornelius, as a Gentile who worshiped God and performed deeds of charity, represented the expansion of the Gospel message beyond ethnic Israel.

His narrative underscores the early Christian understanding of God's acceptance of Gentiles.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Acts 10:31 can be understood in various ways:

Inclusivity of Salvation: It supports the notion that salvation and God's attention are not limited to the Jewish people but available to all who seek God sincerely.
Faith and Works: Emphasizing that faith, evident through prayer, and works, shown by giving alms, are both vital aspects of a believer's life.
Divine Omniscience and Compassion: This verse reinforces the belief in God's awareness of individual actions and intentions and His responsiveness to them.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse serves as an encouragement for individuals to persist in their spiritual endeavors, including prayer and charity.

It suggests that their efforts are not in vain and are recognized by God.

Furthermore, it calls for an inclusive approach towards others in matters of faith, recognizing that God's grace extends to all people irrespective of their cultural or religious backgrounds.

Cross-References

Proverbs 15:29: "The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous."
Hebrews 6:10: "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister."
James 1:27: "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Acts 10:31, the word translated as "prayer" is προσευχή (proseuchē), which denotes a prayer directed towards God.

The word translated as "alms" is ἐλεημοσύνη (eleēmosynē), signifying acts of compassion or charity, typically financial assistance to the needy.

"Had in remembrance" comes from ἐμνήσθη (emnēsthē), meaning "was remembered" or "was brought to mind," delineating a figurative memorial before God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of prayers and charitable deeds being a memorial before the divine is not unique to Christianity.

In various ancient cultures, offerings and prayers were seen as a means to appease or gain favor from the gods.

In Judaism, particularly, the giving of alms and prayer are important aspects of religious practice, suggesting a continuity and shared concept within the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might not directly connect to this verse, as it primarily deals with religious and spiritual concepts which are typically outside the scope of empirical science.

However, modern psychology and sociology might explore the effects of prayer and charitable actions on individual well-being and societal health, respectively.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries interpret Acts 10:31 in light of God's impartiality and Cornelius's exemplary model of piety:

Matthew Henry's Commentary: Suggests that Cornelius's prayer and alms were a spiritual sacrifice acceptable to God, emphasizing his devoutness despite being a Gentile.
John Gill's Exposition of the Bible: Notes that Cornelius's almsgiving and prayers were signs of true grace which ascended to heaven and brought about a gracious return.
Benson Commentary: Highlights the importance of Cornelius's reverence for God that led to his remarkable encounter with the angel, encouraging readers to earnestly engage in godly practices.

Acts 10

Acts 10

What does Acts 10:31 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 10:31 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?