Acts 10:31
And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσευχὴ
prayer
G4335
προσευχὴ
prayer
Strong's:
G4335
Word #:
7 of 15
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλεημοσύναι
alms
G1654
ἐλεημοσύναι
alms
Strong's:
G1654
Word #:
10 of 15
compassionateness, i.e., (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction
ἐμνήσθησαν
are had in remembrance
G3415
ἐμνήσθησαν
are had in remembrance
Strong's:
G3415
Word #:
12 of 15
to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish
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.Luke 1:13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.Daniel 10:12Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.Daniel 9:23At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.Revelation 5:8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.Isaiah 38:5Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.Leviticus 5:12Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, even a memorial thereof, and burn it on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: it is a sin offering.Leviticus 2:2And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:Leviticus 2:9And the priest shall take from the meat offering a memorial thereof, and shall burn it upon the altar: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.Philippians 4:18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
Historical Context
Thy prayer is heard indicates God's attention to Gentile devotion outside formal Judaism. Alms in remembrance echoes sacrificial language (Leviticus 2:2), suggesting God viewed Cornelius's charity as pleasing offering. Reformed theology distinguishes works as evidence of genuine faith versus works as means of earning salvation. Cornelius's devotion, though praiseworthy, still required hearing gospel for actual salvation. This distinction, established around 40 CE, became crucial for understanding faith-works relationship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God notice sincere spiritual devotion even outside covenant community?
- What relationship exists between charitable works and saving faith?
- In what ways do good works demonstrate faith without earning salvation?
- How should believers understand God 'remembering' prayers and deeds?
- What does this passage teach about God's justice in salvation beyond ethnic boundaries?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. The angel's message affirms that God noticed Cornelius's spiritual devotion and charitable works, though these didn't earn salvation but demonstrated genuine faith.