Acts 10:2

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

εὐσεβὴς

G2152

A devout

well-reverent, i.e., pious

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

φοβούμενος

G5399

one that feared

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

σὺν

G4862

with

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

παντὶ

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἴκῳ

G3624

house

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

#10

αὐτοῦ

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#11

ποιῶν

G4160

gave

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#12

τε

G5037

which

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#13

ἐλεημοσύνας

G1654

alms

compassionateness, i.e., (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction

#14

πολλὰς

G4183

much

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#15

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

λαῷ

G2992

to the people

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

δεόμενος

G1189

prayed

to beg (as binding oneself), i.e., petition

#19

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

θεοῦ

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#21

διαπαντός

G1275

alway

through all time, i.e., (adverbially) constantly

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul