Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. New Living Translation He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. English Standard Version a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. Berean Standard Bible He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly. Berean Literal Bible devout and fearing God with all his household, doing many alms to the people and praying to God continually. King James Bible A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. New King James Version a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. New American Standard Bible a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and made many charitable contributions to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually. NASB 1995 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually. NASB 1977 a devout man, and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people, and prayed to God continually. Legacy Standard Bible a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the people and prayed to God continually. Amplified Bible a devout man and one who, along with all his household, feared God. He made many charitable donations to the Jewish people, and prayed to God always. Christian Standard Bible He was a devout man and feared God along with his whole household. He did many charitable deeds for the Jewish people and always prayed to God. Holman Christian Standard Bible He was a devout man and feared God along with his whole household. He did many charitable deeds for the Jewish people and always prayed to God. American Standard Version a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. Contemporary English Version Cornelius was a very religious man. He worshiped God, and so did everyone else who lived in his house. He had given a lot of money to the poor and was always praying to God. English Revised Version a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. GOD'S WORD® Translation He and everyone in his home were devout and respected God. Cornelius gave many gifts to poor Jewish people and always prayed to God. Good News Translation He was a religious man; he and his whole family worshiped God. He also did much to help the Jewish poor people and was constantly praying to God. International Standard Version He was a devout man who feared God, as did everyone in his home. He gave many gifts to the poor among the people and always prayed to God. NET Bible He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was all his household; he did many acts of charity for the people and prayed to God regularly. New Heart English Bible a devout man, and one who feared God with all his house, who gave gifts for the needy generously to the people, and always prayed to God. Webster's Bible Translation A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. Weymouth New Testament He was religious and God-fearing--and so was every member of his household. He was also liberal in his charities to the people, and continually offered prayer to God. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly. World English Bible a devout man, and one who feared God with all his house, who gave gifts for the needy generously to the people, and always prayed to God. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionpious, and fearing God with all his house, also doing many kind acts to the people, and always imploring God; Berean Literal Bible devout and fearing God with all his household, doing many alms to the people and praying to God continually. Young's Literal Translation pious, and fearing God with all his house, doing also many kind acts to the people, and beseeching God always, Smith's Literal Translation Religious, and fearing God with all his house, and doing many alms to the people, and praying God always. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA religious man, and fearing God with all his house, giving much alms to the people, and always praying to God. Catholic Public Domain Version a devout man, fearing God with all his house, giving many alms to the people, and praying to God continually. New American Bible devout and God-fearing along with his whole household, who used to give alms generously to the Jewish people and pray to God constantly. New Revised Standard Version He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA righteous and God-fearing man as were all his household; which gave much alms to the people, and always sought after God. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And he was righteous and was a worshiper of God, he and his whole house, and he did great charitable work among the people and always prayed to God. NT Translations Anderson New Testamenta devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who did many acts of charity to the people, and prayed to God always. Godbey New Testament devout, and fearing God with all his house, and doing many alms to the people, and praying to God always; Haweis New Testament a man of piety, and who feared God with all his house, giving much alms to the people, and praying to God continually. Mace New Testament and was a proselyte, together with all his family: he gave much alms to the people, and was assiduous in his prayers to God. Weymouth New Testament He was religious and God-fearing--and so was every member of his household. He was also liberal in his charities to the people, and continually offered prayer to God. Worrell New Testament devout, and fearing God with all his house, giving many alms to the people, and praying to God continually— Worsley New Testament and one that feared God, with all his house; giving also much alms to the people, and praying to God continually. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Cornelius Sends for Peter1At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment. 2He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly. 3One day at about the ninth hour, he had a clear vision of an angel of God who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”… Cross References Luke 7:4-5 They came to Jesus and pleaded with Him earnestly, “This man is worthy to have You grant this, / for he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” Acts 8:2 God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. Acts 9:36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity. Acts 11:14 He will convey to you a message by which you and all your household will be saved.’ Acts 16:14-15 Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. / And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. Acts 18:8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his whole household believed in the Lord. And many of the Corinthians who heard the message believed and were baptized. Acts 22:12 There a man named Ananias, a devout observer of the law who was highly regarded by all the Jews living there, Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. Matthew 25:35-36 For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ Luke 1:6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord. Luke 2:25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. Luke 23:50 Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, Romans 2:7 To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him, Romans 12:12-13 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer. / Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality. Treasury of Scripture A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. devout. Acts 10:7,22 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; … Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Acts 8:2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. one. Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. Acts 13:16,26 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience… with. Acts 10:7 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; Acts 16:15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us. Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. which. Acts 10:4,22,31 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… Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. Psalm 41:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. and prayed. Acts 9:11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, Psalm 25:5,8,9 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day… Psalm 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. Jump to Previous Acts Alms Alway Always Beseeching Charities Constantly Continually Devout Family Feared Fearing Generously Gifts God-Fearing House Household Jewish Kind Liberal Member Money Needy Offered Pious Poor Prayed Prayer Religious Serious-Minded TimesJump to Next Acts Alms Alway Always Beseeching Charities Constantly Continually Devout Family Feared Fearing Generously Gifts God-Fearing House Household Jewish Kind Liberal Member Money Needy Offered Pious Poor Prayed Prayer Religious Serious-Minded TimesActs 10 1. Cornelius, a devout man, being commanded by an angel, sends for Peter,11. who by a vision is taught not to despise the Gentiles; 17. and is commanded by the Spirit to go with the messenger to Caesarea. 25. Cornelius shows the occasion of his sending for him. 34. As he preaches Christ to Cornelius and his company, 44. the Holy Spirit falls on them, and they are baptized. He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, is described as devout and God-fearing, indicating his reverence for the God of Israel despite being a Gentile. This term "God-fearing" was often used for Gentiles who worshiped the God of Israel but had not fully converted to Judaism. His entire household shared in this devotion, suggesting his influence and leadership in spiritual matters. This reflects the biblical principle of household faith seen in other scriptures, such as Joshua 24:15, where Joshua declares, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Cornelius's faith prefigures the inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian church, fulfilling prophecies like Isaiah 49:6, which speaks of salvation reaching the ends of the earth. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly. Persons / Places / Events 1. CorneliusA centurion in the Roman army stationed in Caesarea. He is described as a devout man who feared God, indicating his reverence and respect for the God of Israel, despite being a Gentile. 2. Caesarea A significant city in Judea, serving as a Roman administrative center. It was a place where Jews and Gentiles interacted, making it a fitting setting for the unfolding of God's plan to include Gentiles in the early church. 3. Cornelius' Household This includes his family and possibly servants or soldiers under his command. His influence extended to them, as they also feared God, showing the impact of his faith on those around him. 4. Almsgiving Cornelius' practice of giving alms generously to the people reflects his compassion and commitment to living out his faith through acts of charity. 5. Prayer Cornelius' continual prayer life demonstrates his devotion and reliance on God, setting a foundation for the divine encounter he is about to experience. Teaching Points Devotion Beyond Cultural BoundariesCornelius' faith challenges us to consider how we can live out our devotion to God, even when it goes against cultural norms or expectations. Influence of Faith in the Household His household's shared fear of God highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and influence within the family. Generosity as a Reflection of Faith Cornelius' almsgiving serves as a reminder that our faith should manifest in tangible acts of kindness and generosity towards others. The Power of Persistent Prayer His continual prayer life encourages believers to maintain a consistent and earnest prayer life, trusting in God's timing and purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 10:2?2. How can we emulate Cornelius' devotion and fear of God in our daily lives? 3. What does "giving generously to the people" teach us about Christian stewardship? 4. How does Cornelius' prayer life in Acts 10:2 inspire our own prayer habits? 5. Which other biblical figures exemplify similar devotion and fear of God as Cornelius? 6. How can Cornelius' example influence our family's spiritual practices and priorities? 7. How does Acts 10:2 challenge the exclusivity of salvation for Jews? 8. What does Acts 10:2 reveal about God's view on Gentiles? 9. How does Cornelius' character in Acts 10:2 influence Christian views on piety? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 10? 11. What defines being devout? 12. Who is searching for God? 13. Who was Cornelius in the Bible? 14. Who are the other sheep not of this fold? What Does Acts 10:2 Mean He and all his householdCornelius’s faith permeated his home: “He and all his household were devout and God-fearing” (Acts 10:2). • Scripture consistently underscores the influence of a believing leader on the entire family—“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). • Later in Acts, the Philippian jailer’s whole household believes and is baptized (Acts 16:31-34), showing that household faith is neither isolated nor exceptional. • This shared devotion points forward to New-Covenant promises that God will pour His Spirit “on your sons and your daughters” (Acts 2:17; cf. Isaiah 44:3-4). Were devout The word “devout” highlights sincere, consistent reverence. • Simeon is called “righteous and devout” as he waits for Messiah (Luke 2:25), illustrating that devoutness keeps hope alive. • The crowd at Pentecost is described the same way—“devout Jews from every nation” (Acts 2:5)—showing that true devotion cuts across cultural lines. • Paul later urges Timothy to “train yourself for godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7-8), confirming that devotion involves deliberate pursuit of God. God-fearing Though a Gentile, Cornelius fears Israel’s God, placing him among those Gentiles who honored the LORD before full gospel inclusion. • “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7); Cornelius has begun well and is about to receive fuller revelation. • Psalm 128:1 promises blessing to “everyone who fears the LORD.” Cornelius’s forthcoming vision and salvation demonstrate that blessing. • Paul addresses “you who fear God” in a synagogue (Acts 13:26), showing that such God-fearers were already gathering with Jews in worship, primed for the gospel. He gave generously to the people Cornelius’s charity is concrete evidence of living faith. • “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD” (Proverbs 19:17); his generosity became a memorial before God (Acts 10:4). • Jesus taught, “When you give to the needy…your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:3-4); Cornelius receives that reward in gospel opportunity. • New-Testament believers are likewise urged to “excel in this grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7; 9:6-8), echoing Cornelius’s example. Prayed to God regularly Persistent prayer fuels Cornelius’s relationship with God and sets the stage for divine intervention. • David testifies, “Evening, morning, and noon, I cry out” (Psalm 55:17); regular rhythms of prayer are time-honored. • Daniel knelt three times a day despite imperial threats (Daniel 6:10), showing that steadfast prayer transcends circumstance. • The church is commanded to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to “always pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1), patterns Cornelius already lives out. summary Acts 10:2 paints Cornelius as a model Gentile seeker: a household leader who cultivates family faith, demonstrates sincere devotion, lives in reverent awe of God, practices tangible generosity, and maintains disciplined prayer. God responds by opening the door of salvation to him and to all Gentiles through the gospel of Jesus Christ, proving that wholehearted seekers find Him and that authentic faith expresses itself in both righteousness and compassion. (2) A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house.--The word for "devout" is not the same as that used in Acts 2:5; Acts 8:2, and Luke 2:25, and appears to be used by St. Luke, as again in Acts 10:7, for the special type of devotion that belonged to Gentile converts to Judaism. The phrase "those that feared God" is employed distinctly for this class in Acts 10:22; Acts 10:35, and again in Acts 13:16; Acts 13:26. There is a special significance in the addition "with all his house." The centurion was not satisfied with having found a higher truth for himself, but sought to impart it to the soldiers and slaves, possibly to those nearer and dearer to him, who came under his influence (Comp. Acts 10:7.) . . . Verse 2. - Who for which, A.V. A devout man (εὐσεβής); and in ver. 7. It is an interesting question as to what was the precise religions status of Cornelius, whether he was a proselyte in any technical sense. But the whole narrative, in which he is spoken of simply as a Gentile and uncircumcised, seems to indicate that, though he had learnt from the Jews to worship the true God, and from the Jewish Scriptures read or heard in the synagogue to practice those virtues which went up for a memorial before God, yet he was in no sense a proselyte. It is pleasant to think that there may have been many such in the different countries where the Jews were dispersed (comp. Acts 13:16, and probably Acts 11:20).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek [He and]σὺν (syn) Preposition Strong's 4862: With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together. all παντὶ (panti) Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. household οἴκῳ (oikō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3624: A dwelling; by implication, a family. [were] devout εὐσεβὴς (eusebēs) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2152: Pious, God-fearing, devout. From eu and sebomai; well-reverent, i.e. Pious. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. God-fearing. φοβούμενος (phoboumenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5399: From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere. He gave generously ποιῶν (poiōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. to the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. people λαῷ (laō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. prayed δεόμενος (deomenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1189: To want for myself; I want, need; I beg, request, beseech, pray. Middle voice of deo; to beg, i.e. Petition. to τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. regularly. διὰ (dia) Preposition Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. Links Acts 10:2 NIVActs 10:2 NLT Acts 10:2 ESV Acts 10:2 NASB Acts 10:2 KJV Acts 10:2 BibleApps.com Acts 10:2 Biblia Paralela Acts 10:2 Chinese Bible Acts 10:2 French Bible Acts 10:2 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 10:2 A devout man and one who feared (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |