Acts 10:22 kjv
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
Acts 10:22 nkjv
And they said, "Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you."
Acts 10:22 niv
The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say."
Acts 10:22 esv
And they said, "Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say."
Acts 10:22 nlt
They said, "We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message."
Acts 10 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 10:2 | Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian regiment, | Devout & Fearful |
| Acts 10:4 | "Your prayers and your arms have come up for a memorial before God." | Accepted Prayers |
| Acts 10:35 | "Indeed I do perceive that God shows no partiality, | Impartial God |
| Luke 11:9 | "So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. | Seeking God |
| Matthew 7:7 | "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. | God Hears |
| Psalm 34:15 | The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry. | God's Attention |
| Psalm 145:18 | The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. | God's Proximity |
| Proverbs 15:8 | The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayers of the upright please him. | Upright Prayers |
| Daniel 10:12 | Then he said to me, "Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard... | Daniel's Prayer |
| Romans 2:11 | For God shows no partiality. | No Partiality |
| Colossians 3:25 | For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. | Divine Justice |
| 1 Peter 1:17 | And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially,each according to what he has done, conduct yourselves in the fear of him throughout the time of your exile. | Fear of God |
| Genesis 22:18 | and through your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice." | Blessing Nations |
| Isaiah 56:7 | even them I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples." | House of Prayer |
| Mark 11:17 | And as he taught them he said, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." | House of Prayer |
| Luke 18:10 | "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a collector of taxes. | Parable of Prayer |
| Acts 11:14 | who will speak to you words by which you and all your household will be saved.'" | Salvation Words |
| Philippians 3:9 | and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— | Righteousness |
| Hebrews 4:16 | Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. | Approach Grace |
| 1 John 3:22 | and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. | Obedience Pleases God |
| Acts 10:30 | Cornelius said, "Four days ago, about this time, I was keeping the ninth hour of prayer in my house, when behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing | Cornelius' Prayer |
Acts 10 verses
Acts 10 22 Meaning
The word "rightly" (Greek: ὀρθῶς - orthos) indicates that Cornelius' actions and prayers were upright, correct, and acceptable to God. He was a devout man who feared God and demonstrated this fear through his charitable giving and consistent prayer life.
Acts 10 22 Context
This verse is situated within the pivotal account in Acts chapter 10, which describes Peter's vision and his subsequent journey to Caesarea to visit Cornelius, a Roman centurion. This event marks a significant turning point in the early church's history, signifying the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith without requiring them to become Jewish proselytes. Cornelius, though a Gentile, was described as devout, fearing God, giving generously to the poor, and praying constantly. The angel's statement confirms the genuineness of Cornelius' faith and practice, setting the stage for Peter's gospel proclamation and the conversion of Cornelius' household.
Acts 10 22 Word Analysis
- Cornelius (Κορνήλιος - Kornēlios): The name of a Roman family, suggesting his Roman citizenship. He was a centurion, a military officer, indicating leadership and responsibility.
- a centurion (ἑκατοντάρχης - hekatontarchēs): An officer in command of a century, roughly 100 soldiers.
- of the Italian band (ἐκ τῆς σπείρης τῆς καλουμένης Ἰταλικῆς - ek tēs speirēs tēs kaloumenēs Italikes): The Italian cohort, a military unit from Italy stationed in Judea.
- devout (εὐσεβής - eusebēs): God-fearing, religious. This term denotes someone who reveres God, respects His commands, and lives a life that honors Him, even within a pagan society. It implies a life of piety and godliness.
- and one who feared God (καὶ φοβούμενος τὸν Θεόν - kai phoboumenos ton Theon): Reinforces his reverence and respect for the Almighty. This "fear" is not terror but a reverential awe and submission.
- with all his household (σὺν ἅπαντι τῷ οἴκῳ αὐτοῦ - syn apanti tō oikō autou): Implies that his devotion extended to his entire family or dependents.
- who gave alms liberally (διδοὺς ἐλεημοσύνας - didous eleēmosynas): Regularly and generously contributing to the poor and needy. This was a practical demonstration of his faith and compassion.
- and prayed to God always (καὶ προσευχόμενος τὸν Θεὸν διὰ παντὸς - kai proseuchomenos ton Theon dia pantos): Persistent and constant prayer. It highlights a continuous relationship with God.
- "Rightly" (ὀρθῶς - orthos): This adverb, stemming from the adjective "orthos" (straight, right, correct), signifies that Cornelius' actions were in accordance with God's will and character. His piety and prayers were pleasing to God.
Acts 10 22 Bonus Section
The commendation of Cornelius is significant because it bridges the gap between the Old Testament concept of the "devout proselyte" who adhered to Jewish practices, and the New Testament reality of a Gentile being accepted by faith in Christ alone. While Cornelius did not yet know Christ, his fear of God and adherence to righteous living positioned him to readily receive the Gospel message from Peter. This highlights that God's grace anticipates genuine spiritual seeking. The phrase "prayed to God always" signifies a devotion that extended beyond formal rituals to a constant disposition of seeking God. This reflects a lifestyle of prayer, a theme reiterated throughout Scripture, urging believers to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Acts 10 22 Commentary
The verse establishes Cornelius as an exemplary Gentile believer before the official extension of the gospel to the Gentiles. His piety, marked by fear of God, consistent prayer, and charitable giving, demonstrated a heart open to divine influence. The angelic confirmation highlights that genuine faith, expressed through obedience and devotion, is recognized and honored by God. This sets the precedent for God's impartial reception of all who fear Him and seek righteousness, regardless of their ethnic background, underscoring a core message of the Gospel that salvation is for "whosoever believes" (John 3:16). His fear of God led him to practices that were in line with what God desired from any worshipper.