Acts 10:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when he looked {G816} on him {G846}, he was {G1096} afraid {G1719}, and {G2532} said {G2036}, What {G5101} is it {G2076}, Lord {G2962}? And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Thy {G4675} prayers {G4335} and {G2532} thine {G4675} alms {G1654} are come up {G305} for {G1519} a memorial {G3422} before {G1799} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Cornelius stared at the angel, terrified. “What is it, sir?” he asked. “Your prayers,” replied the angel, “and your acts of charity have gone up into God’s presence, so that he has you on his mind.

Berean Standard Bible

Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?” The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God.

American Standard Version

And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:4 captures the awe-struck reaction of Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, to a divine visitation and the angel's profound message. The angel reveals that Cornelius's consistent prayers and generous acts of charity have "come up for a memorial before God," signifying divine recognition and acceptance of his sincere devotion, setting the stage for a groundbreaking expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius"), which meticulously details God's initiative to extend salvation beyond the Jewish people to the Gentiles. Cornelius, introduced in [Acts 10:1-2](/acts/10-1-2 "Acts 10:1-2 - Cornelius's Character"), is portrayed 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." The angelic appearance in [Acts 10:3](/acts/10-3 "Acts 10:3 - Angelic Vision") is a direct divine response to this piety, leading to Cornelius's fear and inquiry in verse 4. This encounter directly precedes Peter's vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of the Sheet") and his subsequent journey to Cornelius's house, culminating in the Holy Spirit falling upon the Gentiles in [Acts 10:44-48](/acts/10-44-48 "Acts 10:44-48 - Holy Spirit Falls on Gentiles"), marking a radical shift in the early church's mission and theology.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Cornelius was a Roman centurion, a commander of approximately 100 soldiers, indicating his position of authority within the Roman occupation of Judea. He is described as a "God-fearer," a term used for Gentiles who, while not fully converting to Judaism (e.g., through circumcision), respected and worshipped the God of Israel, observed some Jewish customs, and often attended synagogue. This status placed them on the periphery of the Jewish community but distinguished them from pagan idolaters. The Jewish-Gentile divide was profound, marked by strict purity laws and social separation. For a Jew like Peter to enter a Gentile home or share a meal with Gentiles was considered defiling. Thus, God's direct intervention to bridge this gap, using a "God-fearer" as the first Gentile convert, was revolutionary, challenging deeply ingrained cultural and religious prejudices of the time.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 10:4 contributes to several major themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Attention to Piety and Sincerity**, demonstrating that God sees and responds to genuine human devotion, even from those outside the covenant community. Cornelius's prayers and alms are explicitly acknowledged as having "come up for a memorial before God," indicating divine acceptance and remembrance. Secondly, it highlights **God's Impartiality and Initiative in Salvation**. Despite the prevailing Jewish understanding that salvation was primarily for Israel, God proactively reaches out to a Gentile, demonstrating His desire for all people to come to Him, as Peter later declares in [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality"). Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Preparation for the Gospel**, showing how a life of seeking God, though not salvific in itself, can prepare a heart to receive the full message of Christ. Cornelius's piety was not the means of his salvation, but it positioned him to be receptive to the truth Peter would bring, illustrating that God often works through existing spiritual inclinations to reveal more of Himself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **afraid (Greek, _émphobos'_):** This term describes a state of being "in fear" or "alarmed," indicating Cornelius's natural human reaction to a supernatural encounter. It highlights the awe and reverence that often accompany divine manifestations, underscoring the profound and unsettling nature of the angelic visitation.
* **prayers (Greek, _proseuchḗ'_):** Referring to an act of worship or supplication, this word emphasizes Cornelius's consistent communication with God. It signifies a devout spiritual discipline, not merely casual requests but a dedicated practice of addressing the divine, demonstrating his ongoing relationship with the God of Israel.
* **alms (Greek, _eleēmosýnē'_):** This word denotes acts of "compassionateness" or "beneficence," specifically referring to charitable giving to the poor. It highlights Cornelius's practical expression of his faith through tangible acts of mercy and generosity towards others, demonstrating that his piety was not merely internal but manifested in outward, ethical conduct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord?":** This clause vividly portrays Cornelius's immediate, visceral reaction to the angelic presence. His fear is a natural human response to the sudden appearance of a heavenly messenger, signifying the profound awe and even terror that can accompany divine encounters. His question, "What is it, Lord?", demonstrates both his humility and his readiness to receive instruction, acknowledging the divine authority of the messenger and indicating an open heart prepared for revelation.
* **"And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.":** This is the angel's direct and crucial message, revealing the divine recognition of Cornelius's devout life. The angel confirms that his consistent "prayers" (his spiritual devotion and communication with God) and "alms" (his practical acts of charity and mercy towards others) have ascended to God. The phrase "are come up" (Greek, _anabaínō_) evokes the imagery of an offering rising to God, akin to the smoke of a sacrifice. They are "for a memorial" (Greek, _eis mnēmósynon_), meaning they serve as a pleasing remembrance or an acceptable offering in God's sight, indicating divine favor and attention. The concluding phrase "before God" (Greek, _enṓpion theós_) emphasizes the direct divine awareness and approval of his spiritual and benevolent actions, highlighting that his piety was not hidden but fully seen and acknowledged by the Almighty.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is present, as Cornelius, a devout "God-fearer," is unaware of the full scope of God's plan for his salvation through Christ, even as his piety is recognized. His earnest seeking is acknowledged, yet it is merely a prelude to the greater revelation of the Gospel. **Symbolism** is evident in the angel's declaration that Cornelius's "prayers and... alms are come up for a memorial before God." This language echoes Old Testament sacrificial imagery, where offerings ascended to God as a "pleasing aroma" or "memorial portion" (e.g., [Leviticus 2:2](/leviticus/2-2 "Leviticus 2:2 - Grain Offering Memorial")). Here, Cornelius's spiritual and ethical acts are portrayed as a spiritual sacrifice, acceptable and remembered by God. This **Foreshadowing** sets the stage for the radical inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community, demonstrating God's active preparation of hearts and circumstances for the expansion of His kingdom beyond traditional boundaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:4 powerfully illustrates that God is attentive to the sincere devotion of all people, regardless of their current understanding of His full redemptive plan. Cornelius's prayers and alms were not a means to earn salvation, which is always by grace through faith in Christ, but they were genuine expressions of a heart seeking God. The angel's message affirms that such acts of piety and compassion are seen and remembered by God, serving as a "memorial" that positions individuals to receive further divine revelation. This concept aligns with the broader biblical truth that God desires all people to seek Him and that He will respond to those who earnestly do so, preparing their hearts for the transformative message of the Gospel. It underscores the divine initiative in salvation, where God often draws people to Himself through their existing spiritual hunger and good deeds, leading them to the ultimate source of life in Christ.

* [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense")
* [Hebrews 13:16](/hebrews/13-16 "Hebrews 13:16 - Sharing as Sacrifice")
* [Romans 2:10-11](/romans/2-10-11 "Romans 2:10-11 - God's Impartiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Cornelius's encounter in Acts 10:4 offers profound encouragement and challenge for contemporary believers. It assures us that our consistent and heartfelt prayers, along with our genuine acts of compassion and charity, are not overlooked by God. They are seen, valued, and held in divine remembrance, serving as a "memorial" before Him. This should motivate us to cultivate a life of deep devotion and practical benevolence, knowing that such expressions of faith are pleasing to God and can open doors for further divine encounters and revelation. While good works do not earn salvation, they are the natural outflow of a heart seeking God and can prepare us, and those around us, for a deeper understanding and experience of His grace. Cornelius's story reminds us to remain open and responsive to God's voice, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or leads us into unfamiliar territory, trusting that His ultimate purpose is to draw all people into a saving relationship with Himself through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Cornelius's reaction to the angel challenge or affirm your understanding of divine encounters and human responses to them?**
* **In what ways do your "prayers and alms" currently serve as a "memorial before God," and how might you more intentionally offer them to Him?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to pursue a life of devotion and generosity, even before fully understanding God's complete plan for your life or for those around you?**

### FAQ
**Does Acts 10:4 teach that good works can earn salvation?**

Answer: No, Acts 10:4 does not teach that good works can earn salvation. While Cornelius's prayers and alms were acknowledged by God as a "memorial," this passage must be understood within the broader biblical context that salvation is a free gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by human merit or works (as clearly stated in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith") and [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Saved by Grace, Not Works")). Cornelius's piety positioned him to be receptive to the Gospel message that Peter would bring, demonstrating God's responsiveness to those who genuinely seek Him, but it was the hearing and believing of the Gospel that brought him salvation, marked by the Holy Spirit's descent (see [Acts 10:43-48](/acts/10-43-48 "Acts 10:43-48 - Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit")). His good deeds were an expression of his existing devotion and prepared his heart for the full revelation of Christ.

**What does "come up for a memorial before God" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "come up for a memorial before God" (Greek: _eis mnēmósynon enōpion tou Theou_) carries significant Old Testament connotations. In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), "memorial" ( _mnēmósynon_) often referred to the "memorial portion" of grain offerings or other sacrifices that were burned on the altar, ascending to God as a "pleasing aroma" or a "remembrance" (e.g., [Leviticus 2:2](/leviticus/2-2 "Leviticus 2:2 - Grain Offering Memorial")). It signified an offering that God accepted, remembered, and responded to favorably. Thus, for Cornelius's prayers and alms to "come up for a memorial before God" means that his acts of devotion and charity were not forgotten or ignored by God; rather, they were seen, acknowledged, and held in high regard by Him, indicating divine favor and setting the stage for His further intervention in Cornelius's life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:4, while highlighting Cornelius's sincere piety, ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of all acceptable offerings and the sole means of access to God. Cornelius's prayers and alms, though a "memorial" before God, were preparatory; they did not fully reconcile him to God. It was through Peter's proclamation of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection—that Cornelius and his household received salvation and the Holy Spirit ([Acts 10:43-48](/acts/10-43-48 "Acts 10:43-48 - Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit")). Christ Himself is the perfect "memorial" and acceptable sacrifice, whose blood cleanses us from all sin and grants us direct access to God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Our "spiritual sacrifices" of praise, prayer, and good deeds are now made acceptable to God only "through Jesus Christ" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices through Christ")). Thus, Cornelius's story beautifully illustrates that while God acknowledges human earnestness, all true and lasting reconciliation, and indeed all blessings, flow from the perfect work of the one who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). His seeking was met by God's sending of the Savior.

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

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Hebrews 6:10

For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Malachi 3:16

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

Acts 10:31

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

Revelation 8:4

And the smoke of the incense, [which came] with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

Psalms 141:2

Let my prayer be set forth before thee [as] incense; [and] the lifting up of my hands [as] the evening sacrifice.

Luke 1:12

And when Zacharias saw [him], he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.