Acts 10:4

“And 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.”

This verse is a part of the narrative in Acts that recounts the conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, through the ministry of Peter. Let’s break down the verse and explore its meaning in context.

“And when he looked on him, he was afraid…”: The “he” mentioned here is Cornelius, and the “him” refers to the angel of God who appeared to him. When Cornelius saw the angel, he was filled with fear. It is important to note that encounters with divine beings often evoke a sense of awe and reverence in humans throughout the Bible.

“…and said, What is it, Lord?”: Cornelius addresses the angel as “Lord” and expresses his readiness to listen and obey. This response demonstrates his humility and recognition of the angel’s authority.

“And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.”: The angel responds to Cornelius by commending his prayers and acts of charity. This indicates that God has taken notice of Cornelius’ devoutness and generosity. The phrase “come up for a memorial before God” implies that his prayers and deeds have ascended to heaven as a pleasing offering to God.

In the broader context of Acts 10, this verse highlights the importance of Cornelius’ piety and demonstrates God’s response to his seeking heart. Cornelius was a devout Gentile who sought after God and regularly prayed and gave alms to the poor. His genuine faith and righteous actions caught the attention of God, and He chose to send an angel to convey His message to Cornelius.

Acts 10:4 emphasizes the significance of prayer and acts of kindness in the eyes of God. It reveals that God not only hears our prayers but also takes note of our actions and intentions. It serves as a reminder that our devotion and deeds have the potential to impact and move the heart of God.

Overall, Acts 10:4 highlights the righteousness and favour of Cornelius before God due to his faith, prayer, and charitable acts, setting the stage for a significant event in the early Christian church: the inclusion of Gentiles into the Gospel message through the preaching of Peter.