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.
Acts 10:4 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from Acts 10:4, we see a significant moment in the life of Cornelius, a devout and God-fearing Roman centurion. When Cornelius encounters an angel of God, he is filled with fear and awe. The angel reassures him by acknowledging his prayers and acts of charity, telling him that they have been noticed by God and have come up as a memorial before Him.
This verse serves as a reminder that God sees and hears our prayers and deeds of kindness. It emphasizes the importance of sincerity and faithfulness in our relationship with God. Cornelius' prayers and alms were not in vain; they were recognized and honored by God. This encourages believers to continue in prayer and in doing good, knowing that their efforts are not overlooked but are cherished by God.
Furthermore, this verse highlights the power of prayer and generosity. It shows how these acts can have a lasting impact and leave a memorial before God. It challenges us to reflect on our own prayers and deeds, urging us to strive for a deeper connection with God and a life of righteousness and compassion.
Theological Overview
Within the theological interpretation of Acts 10:4, we see a significant moment in the conversion of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. In this verse, Cornelius experiences fear and reverence upon seeing an angel of God. This reaction highlights the awe and respect people often feel in the presence of divine beings. The word "Lord" here signifies Cornelius' acknowledgment of a higher authority and power. The use of the term "memorial before God" implies that Cornelius' prayers and charitable actions have been noticed and remembered by God, emphasizing the importance of both prayer and good deeds in the Christian faith. This verse serves as a reminder of God's omniscience and attentiveness to the actions and intentions of individuals, reinforcing the idea that our faith and actions do not go unnoticed by the Almighty.
Acts 10:4 in other translations
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.
World English Bible
He, fastening his eyes on him, and being frightened, said, “What is it, Lord?” He said to him, “Your prayers and your gifts to the needy have gone up for a memorial before God.
Douay-Rheims
And he, beholding him. being seized with fear, said: What is it, Lord? And he said to him: Thy prayers and thy alms are ascended for a memorial in the sight of God.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But when hee looked on him, hee was afrayd, and sayd, What is it, Lord? and he sayd vnto him, Thy prayers and thine almes are come vp into remembrance before God.