Acts 10:2 Meaning and Explanation
“A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Cornelius is a devout man who reveres God along with his whole household, gives generously to the poor, and prays continually.
What Does Acts 10:2 Mean?
Among the Gentiles were men and women drawn to the God of Israel — revering him, attending synagogue worship, keeping hours of prayer — without becoming full converts. Cornelius is such a man, and his faith is not private: his whole house fears God with him, his money flows to the needy, and his prayers never cease.
Before Cornelius has ever heard the name of Jesus, he is reaching toward God with both hands — devotion above, generosity beside, prayer always. And God is already reaching back. The verse is a portrait of the seeking heart, and the rest of the chapter is heaven's answer to it: to those who seek him with the light they have, God sends more light, until it leads them to Christ.
Acts 10:2 in the Original Language
eusebes (εὐσεβής), 'devout' -- reverent, godly; careful and sincere in worship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 10:2
What does Acts 10:2 mean?
Cornelius is a devout man who reveres God along with his whole household, gives generously to the poor, and prays continually.