Acts 10:2
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φοβούμενος
one that feared
G5399
φοβούμενος
one that feared
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
3 of 21
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
6 of 21
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἴκῳ
house
G3624
οἴκῳ
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
9 of 21
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 21
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
ποιῶν
gave
G4160
ποιῶν
gave
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
11 of 21
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἐλεημοσύνας
alms
G1654
ἐλεημοσύνας
alms
Strong's:
G1654
Word #:
13 of 21
compassionateness, i.e., (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction
πολλὰς
much
G4183
πολλὰς
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
14 of 21
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαῷ
to the people
G2992
λαῷ
to the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
16 of 21
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 10:4And 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 10:22And 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.Acts 10:35But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.Acts 13:16Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.Acts 10:7And 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 8:2And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.Revelation 15:4Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.Acts 13:26Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.Acts 18:8And 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.Daniel 6:16Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.
Historical Context
God-fearers were Gentiles who attended synagogues, kept basic Jewish ethics, but didn't undergo circumcision. They formed a receptive audience for the gospel throughout Paul's missionary journeys.
Questions for Reflection
- Why couldn't Cornelius's evident piety save him without the gospel?
- What does this teach about the relationship between morality and salvation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Cornelius was 'devout' and 'feared God with all his house' - a God-fearer, attracted to Judaism without full conversion. His 'alms to the people' and continual prayer showed genuine piety. Yet this moral excellence couldn't save him apart from Christ (Acts 11:14).