Acts 10:7

And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

And {G1161} when {G5613} the angel {G32} which {G3588} spake {G2980} unto Cornelius {G2883} was departed {G565}, he called {G5455} two {G1417} of his {G846} household servants {G3610}, and {G2532} a devout {G2152} soldier {G4757} of them that waited on {G4342} him {G846} continually {G4342};

As the angel that had spoken to him went away, Cornelius called two of his household slaves and one of his military aides, who was a godly man;

When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants.

And when the angel that spake unto him was departed, he called two of his household-servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

Commentary

Acts 10:7 KJV: "And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;"

Context

This verse immediately follows the angelic visitation to Cornelius, a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea. The angel had just delivered a specific message, instructing Cornelius to send men to Joppa to find Simon Peter. Cornelius is described in the preceding verses as a devout man, one who feared God with all his household, gave generously to the poor, and prayed regularly.

Key Themes

  • Immediate Obedience: Cornelius's swift response to the divine message highlights the importance of acting promptly when God gives direction. He doesn't delay but begins to carry out the instructions at once.
  • Reliability of Divine Communication: Cornelius's action shows his faith in the angel's message and the God who sent it. He trusts the instructions implicitly.
  • God Uses People Around Us: Cornelius involves members of his own household and military unit – trusted servants and a soldier – in fulfilling God's command. This demonstrates that God often uses the people within our immediate circle to accomplish His purposes.
  • Character Matters: The detail that one of the soldiers was "devout" suggests Cornelius surrounded himself with people of good character, which facilitated his ability to carry out this important task.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "devout" is eusebēs, indicating piety and reverence towards God, a term also used to describe Cornelius himself (Acts 10:2). The phrase "waited on him continually" comes from proskartereō, which means to attend constantly, to be steadfast or persistent in one's duty, highlighting the loyalty and reliability of those Cornelius chose for this mission.

Practical Application

This verse serves as an example of faithful response to God's call. When we sense God leading, swift obedience is key. It also reminds us that God often works through the resources and relationships He has placed around us. The character and trustworthiness of those we rely on can significantly impact our ability to follow through on divine promptings.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 3:14 (3 votes)

    And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse [any] falsely; and be content with your wages.

  • Philemon 1:16 (3 votes)

    Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

  • Matthew 8:9 (3 votes)

    For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this [man], Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it].

  • Matthew 8:10 (3 votes)

    When Jesus heard [it], he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

  • 1 Samuel 14:6 (3 votes)

    And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for [there is] no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

  • 1 Samuel 14:7 (3 votes)

    And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that [is] in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I [am] with thee according to thy heart.

  • Judges 7:10 (3 votes)

    But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host: