Acts 10:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
εἶδεν
He saw
G1492
εἶδεν
He saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὁράματι
a vision
G3705
ὁράματι
a vision
Strong's:
G3705
Word #:
3 of 19
something gazed at, i.e., a spectacle (especially supernatural)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρας
of the day
G2250
ἡμέρας
of the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
9 of 19
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἄγγελον
an angel
G32
ἄγγελον
an angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
10 of 19
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
14 of 19
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 19
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The ninth hour was the time of evening sacrifice and prayer. Cornelius's regular prayer habits positioned him for divine visitation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's response to Cornelius's prayers encourage persistent seeking?
- What does being called by name reveal about God's personal knowledge of individuals?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The angel appearing at 'the ninth hour' (3 PM) during prayer indicates God responds to seeking hearts. 'Cornelius' - the angel called him by name, showing personal divine knowledge. God's particular attention to this Gentile signaled the coming expansion of salvation's scope.