Acts 10:31

KJV

And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} said {G5346}, Cornelius {G2883}, thy {G4675} prayer {G4335} is heard {G1522}, and {G2532} thine {G4675} alms {G1654} are had in remembrance {G3415} in the sight {G1799} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and said, ‘God has heard your prayer and remembered your acts of charity.

Berean Standard Bible

and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been remembered before God.

American Standard Version

and saith, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:31 records the angel's direct affirmation to Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, that his consistent prayers and generous acts of charity have been acknowledged and remembered by God. This divine declaration serves as a pivotal moment, signaling God's readiness to reveal more of His truth to Cornelius and, by extension, to the Gentile world, setting the stage for the groundbreaking inclusion of non-Jews into the early Christian community through the preaching of Peter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 10:31 is embedded within a transformative narrative that marks a major turning point in the Book of Acts. The preceding verses (Acts 10:1-8) introduce Cornelius as a "devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always." This establishes his character and spiritual posture before the angelic visitation. The angel's words in verse 31 directly follow Cornelius's account of the vision, which commanded him to send for Peter. This vision to Cornelius is strategically juxtaposed with Peter's own vision in [Joppa](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision in Joppa"), where God explicitly declares all foods clean, thereby challenging Peter's deeply ingrained Jewish dietary laws and, by extension, his understanding of who is "clean" or "unclean" in God's sight. The immediate narrative flow culminates in Peter's arrival, the preaching of the Gospel, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles in [Acts 10:44-48](/acts/10-44-48 "Acts 10:44-48 - The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles"), demonstrating God's radical inclusivity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Acts 10 unfold in Caesarea, a Roman administrative center in Judea, highlighting the intersection of Roman authority and Jewish religious life. Cornelius, as a Roman centurion, held a position of significant military and social standing, yet he was a "God-fearer" – a Gentile who reverenced the God of Israel, observed some Jewish practices (like prayer and almsgiving), but had not fully converted to Judaism (e.g., through circumcision). This group was common in the Roman Empire and served as a bridge between the Jewish and Gentile worlds. The prevailing Jewish understanding at the time was that salvation and full fellowship with God were primarily for the Jewish people, with Gentiles often considered "unclean" or outside the covenant. This cultural barrier, deeply rooted in centuries of tradition and interpretation of the Mosaic Law, made the inclusion of Gentiles a revolutionary concept for the early Jewish Christians, necessitating direct divine intervention as seen in both Cornelius's and Peter's visions.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 10:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Book of Acts and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **God's Impartiality and Inclusivity**, demonstrating that God is attentive to the sincere devotion of all people, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, foreshadowing the universal reach of the Gospel as proclaimed by Peter in [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality"). Secondly, it underscores the **Divine Initiative in Salvation**, showing that while human actions like prayer and almsgiving are valued by God, it is God who orchestrates the revelation of the Gospel and the means of salvation, actively drawing those who seek Him. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Value of Sincere Devotion and Deeds of Mercy**, affirming that acts of genuine piety and compassion are not forgotten by God but are "had in remembrance," ascending before Him as a pleasing offering, much like the sacrifices of old, as seen in [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense"). This prepares the way for the radical expansion of the church beyond its Jewish origins.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prayer (Greek, _proseuchḗ_):** (G4335) This term, derived from a verb meaning "to pray earnestly," signifies a direct and earnest communication with God, encompassing worship, supplication, and intercession. Cornelius's "prayer" was not a mere ritualistic exercise but a consistent, heartfelt seeking of God, indicative of genuine devotion.
* **Alms (Greek, _eleēmosýnē_):** (G1654) Rooted in the concept of "pity" or "mercy," this word refers specifically to acts of compassion and beneficence, particularly towards the poor and needy. It emphasizes practical expressions of love and care for others, demonstrating that Cornelius's faith was not merely internal but manifested in tangible acts of charity.
* **Had in remembrance (Greek, _mnáomai_):** (G3415) This verb, meaning "to bear in mind" or "recollect," carries the implication of divine recognition and approval. In this context, it suggests that Cornelius's actions ascended before God as a "memorial" or "offering," not forgotten but acknowledged and valued, prompting a divine response. It's more than just remembering; it's remembering with a view to action or reward.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard,"**: The angelic messenger directly addresses Cornelius by name, confirming the personal nature of God's attentiveness. The declaration that his "prayer is heard" signifies divine reception and acceptance. It implies that Cornelius's consistent communication with God has not gone unnoticed but has reached the divine ear, signaling an impending answer or further revelation.
* **"and thine alms are had in remembrance"**: This clause parallels the previous one, emphasizing that not only Cornelius's vertical devotion (prayer) but also his horizontal acts of compassion (alms) have been recognized by God. The phrase "are had in remembrance" conveys the idea that these deeds have ascended before God as a pleasing memorial, much like a sacrifice or offering, indicating divine approval and a basis for divine action.
* **"in the sight of God."**: This concluding phrase underscores the divine perspective and ultimate audience of Cornelius's actions. It confirms that his devotion and charity were not merely human efforts but were performed with an awareness of God's presence and were indeed observed and valued by Him. This emphasizes God's omniscience and His active engagement with human sincerity.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Intervention** is prominent, as an angel directly communicates God's message to Cornelius, highlighting the supernatural origin and authority of the revelation. The parallel structure of "thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance" exemplifies **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where two clauses express similar ideas in a balanced and reinforcing manner, emphasizing the dual nature of Cornelius's accepted devotion: both spiritual communion and practical compassion. Furthermore, the imagery of prayers and alms being "had in remembrance in the sight of God" functions as **Symbolism**, evoking the Old Testament concept of a "memorial offering" (e.g., the grain offering in Leviticus 2:2), where something ascends to God as a pleasing aroma or remembrance, prompting divine favor or action. This imagery elevates Cornelius's deeds beyond mere good works to a form of acceptable worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:31 powerfully illustrates God's active engagement with humanity, particularly His attentiveness to sincere devotion that transcends conventional religious boundaries. It reveals that God is not bound by human distinctions or prejudices, but rather looks upon the heart and the genuine expression of faith and compassion. Cornelius's story serves as a profound testament to God's initiative in drawing people to Himself, demonstrating that He prepares hearts and orchestrates circumstances to bring about salvation. His "prayers" and "alms" were not the *means* of his salvation, but rather the *evidence* of a heart genuinely seeking God, which God graciously acknowledged and responded to by sending the Gospel message through Peter. This narrative lays crucial groundwork for understanding the universal scope of the Gospel and the breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers in the early church.

* [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith and Seeking God")
* [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God's Impartiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 10:31 offers profound encouragement and guidance for believers today. It reminds us that our consistent and heartfelt prayers are never unheard by God; they ascend before Him, even when we feel unseen or unheard. Similarly, our acts of compassion and generosity, especially towards the vulnerable, are not forgotten. God sees and remembers every deed done in love, valuing them as a pleasing offering. This should motivate us to cultivate a life of deep devotion (prayer) and active compassion (almsgiving), understanding that these practices are not merely obligations but expressions of a heart aligned with God's own. Furthermore, Cornelius's story challenges any lingering ethnocentric or exclusive views within the church, reminding us of God's universal love and His desire for all people to come to the knowledge of Him. It encourages us to be open to God's surprising ways of working and to participate in His mission to reach every corner of the earth, recognizing that sincere seekers are everywhere, and God is actively drawing them to Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I consistently express my devotion to God through prayer and practical acts of compassion?**
* **How does the assurance that my prayers and alms are "had in remembrance in the sight of God" motivate me in my daily life?**
* **Am I open to God working in unexpected ways, breaking down my preconceived notions about who God seeks and saves?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is more attentive to God's voice and more responsive to the needs of others?**

### FAQ

**What does "had in remembrance" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "had in remembrance" (Greek, _mnáomai_, G3415) signifies more than just a passive recollection. It carries the connotation of being recognized, acknowledged, and valued by God as a pleasing memorial or offering. In the Old Testament, certain sacrifices were described as a "memorial" (e.g., [Leviticus 2:2](/leviticus/2-2 "Leviticus 2:2 - Grain Offering as a Memorial")), ascending to God as a pleasing aroma and prompting His favorable attention. Thus, Cornelius's prayers and alms were not forgotten but were registered in God's divine memory as something worthy of a divine response, leading to the sending of Peter and the preaching of the Gospel. It indicates divine approval and a readiness to act on God's part.

**Was Cornelius saved by his good deeds (prayer and alms)?**

Answer: No, Cornelius was not saved by his good deeds. The Bible consistently teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Cornelius's prayers and alms demonstrated a genuine, sincere heart that was seeking God, and God, in His grace, responded to that seeking by sending Peter to preach the Gospel to him. These actions prepared his heart and positioned him to receive the message of salvation, but they were not the *means* of his salvation. His salvation came when he heard Peter's message about Jesus and believed, receiving the Holy Spirit ([Acts 10:43-44](/acts/10-43-44 "Acts 10:43-44 - Salvation Through Faith in Jesus")).

**Why did God send an angel to Cornelius instead of just revealing the Gospel directly?**

Answer: God's decision to send an angel to Cornelius, instructing him to send for Peter, served multiple crucial purposes beyond simply delivering information. Firstly, it validated Cornelius's sincere seeking and prepared him to receive the Gospel through a human messenger, emphasizing the role of human proclamation in God's plan of salvation ([Romans 10:14-15](/romans/10-14-15 "Romans 10:14-15 - How Shall They Hear?")). Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, this divine orchestration was necessary to overcome Peter's own deeply ingrained Jewish prejudices and reluctance to associate with Gentiles. Peter's concurrent vision ([Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision")) and the subsequent events at Cornelius's house were instrumental in convincing Peter, and later the broader Jewish Christian community ([Acts 11:1-18](/acts/11-1-18 "Acts 11:1-18 - Peter Reports to the Apostles")), that God intended for the Gospel to be extended to Gentiles without requiring them to first become Jews. The angel's role was to initiate this complex divine strategy for Gentile inclusion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:31, while focusing on Cornelius's sincere devotion, ultimately points to the indispensable role of Jesus Christ in God's redemptive plan. Cornelius's prayers and alms, though pleasing to God, did not save him; they merely prepared his heart for the true source of salvation. The angel's message was not the Gospel itself, but a directive to seek Peter, who would then preach "the good news of peace through Jesus Christ" ([Acts 10:36](/acts/10-36 "Acts 10:36 - Peter Preaches Christ")). It is through Christ that the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile is broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), making it possible for people from every nation to draw near to God. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius and his household, immediately following Peter's proclamation of Christ, demonstrates that Jesus is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and offers forgiveness of sins to everyone who believes in Him ([Acts 10:44-48](/acts/10-44-48 "Acts 10:44-48 - The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles"); [Acts 2:38-39](/acts/2-38-39 "Acts 2:38-39 - Peter's Call to Repentance")). Thus, Cornelius's story, initiated by God's remembrance of his devotion, culminates in the glorious revelation of Christ as the universal Savior, fulfilling God's ancient promises of blessing for all nations through Abraham's seed ([Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "Galatians 3:8 - The Gospel Preached to Abraham")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Luke 1:13

But 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 9:23

At 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.

Daniel 10:12

Then 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.

Revelation 5:8

And 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 38:5

Go, 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.

Revelation 8:3

And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.