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◄ Acts 10:4►

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

New Living Translation
Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!

English Standard Version
And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.

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.

Berean Literal Bible
And having looked intently on him, and having become afraid, he said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.

New American Standard Bible
And he looked at him intently and became terrified, and said, “What is it, lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and charitable gifts have ascended as a memorial offering before God.

NASB 1995
And fixing his gaze on him and being much alarmed, he said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God.

NASB 1977
And fixing his gaze upon him and being much alarmed, he said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God.

Legacy Standard Bible
And looking intently on him and becoming afraid, he said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God.

Amplified Bible
Cornelius was frightened and stared intently at him and said, “What is it, lord (sir)?” And the angel said to him, “Your prayers and gifts of charity have ascended as a memorial offering before God [an offering made in remembrance of His past blessings].

Christian Standard Bible
Staring at him in awe, he said, “What is it, Lord? ” The angel told him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have ascended as a memorial offering before God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Looking intently at him, he became afraid and said, “What is it, lord?” The angel told him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have come up 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.

Contemporary English Version
Cornelius was surprised and stared at the angel. Then he asked, "What is this all about?" The angel answered, "God has heard your prayers and knows about your gifts to the poor.

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He stared at the angel and was terrified. Cornelius asked the angel, "What do you want, sir?" The angel answered him, "God is aware of your prayers and your gifts to the poor, and he has remembered you.

Good News Translation
He stared at the angel in fear and said, "What is it, sir?" The angel answered, "God is pleased with your prayers and works of charity, and is ready to answer you.

International Standard Version
He stared at the angel in terror and asked, "What is it, Lord?" The angel answered him, "Your prayers and your gifts to the poor have arisen as a reminder to God.

NET Bible
Staring at him and becoming greatly afraid, Cornelius replied, "What is it, Lord?" The angel said to him, "Your prayers and your acts of charity have gone up as a memorial before God.

New Heart 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.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Thy prayers and thy alms are come up for a memorial before God.

Weymouth New Testament
Looking steadily at him, and being much alarmed, he said, "What do you want, Sir?" "Your prayers and charities," he replied, "have gone up and have been recorded before God.

Majority Text Translations

Majority 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.

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.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and he having looked earnestly on him, and becoming afraid, said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your kind acts came up for a memorial before God,

Berean Literal Bible
And having looked intently on him, and having become afraid, he said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.

Young's Literal Translation
and he having looked earnestly on him, and becoming afraid, said, 'What is it, Lord?' And he said to him, 'Thy prayers and thy kind acts came up for a memorial before God,

Smith's Literal Translation
And having looked at him intently, and being afraid, he said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Thy prayers and thine alms went up for remembrance before God.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he, gazing at him, was seized by fear, and he said, “What is it, lord?” And he said to him: “Your prayers and your almsgiving have ascended as a memorial in the sight of God.

New American Bible
He looked intently at him and, seized with fear, said, “What is it, sir?” He said to him, “Your prayers and almsgiving have ascended as a memorial offering before God.

New Revised Standard Version
He stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” He answered, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And he looked at the angel and was afraid, and he said, What is it, my LORD? And the angel said to him, Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he gazed at him and was afraid and said, “What, my lord?” And The Angel said to him, “Your prayer and your charity have gone up for a remembrance before God.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And having looked steadily on him, he was afraid, and said: "What is it, Lord? He said to him: Your prayers and your charitable deeds have come up for a memorial before God.

Godbey New Testament
And he looking upon him, and being afraid, said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Thy prayer and thine alms have come up for a memorial before God.

Haweis New Testament
Then looking stedfastly on him, and being terrified, he said, What means this, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

Mace New Testament
and when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, what is it, Lord? and he said to him, thy prayers and thine alms have been observ'd and approv'd by God.

Weymouth New Testament
Looking steadily at him, and being much alarmed, he said, "What do you want, Sir?" "Your prayers and charities," he replied, "have gone up and have been recorded before God.

Worrell New Testament
And he, looking intently on him, and becoming much afraid, said, "What is it, lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and alms went up for a memorial before God.

Worsley New Testament
and he looking earnestly at him, and being afraid, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up as a memorial before God.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Cornelius Sends for Peter
…3One day at about the ninth hour, he had a clear vision of an angel of God who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”4 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.5Now send men to Joppa to call for a man named Simon who is called Peter.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Revelation 8:4
And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel.

Psalm 141:2
May my prayer be set before You like incense; my uplifted hands, like the evening offering.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Matthew 6:6
But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Luke 1:13
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.

Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.

Daniel 10:12
“Do not be afraid, Daniel,” he said, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.

1 Peter 3:12
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Matthew 5:12
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

Isaiah 1:15
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.

1 John 3:22
and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.

Malachi 3:16
At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name.

Philippians 4:18
I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Treasury of Scripture

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Your prayers and your alms are come up for a memorial before God.

he was.

Daniel 10:11
And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

Luke 1:12,29
And when Zacharias sawhim, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him…

Luke 24:5
And as they were afraid, and bowed downtheir faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

What.

Acts 9:5,6
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks…

Acts 22:10
And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

1 Samuel 3:10
And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

thy.

Acts 10:31
And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

2 Chronicles 6:33
Then hear thou from the heavens,even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, asdoth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.

2 Chronicles 32:24
In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign.

thine.

Isaiah 45:19
I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

Philippians 4:18
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the thingswhich were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Hebrews 6:10
For Godis 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.

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Afraid Alarmed Alms Angel Ascended Charities Cornelius Eyes Fastening Fear Fixing Frightened Gaze Gifts Kept Lord Memorial Mind Needy Offering Offerings Prayers Recorded Sir Stared Steadily Terror Want

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Acts 10

1.Cornelius, a devout man, being commanded by an angel, sends for Peter,
11.who by a vision is taught not to despise the Gentiles;
17.and is commanded by the Spirit to go with the messenger to Caesarea.
25.Cornelius shows the occasion of his sending for him.
34.As he preaches Christ to Cornelius and his company,
44.the Holy Spirit falls on them, and they are baptized.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Cornelius stared at him in fear
Cornelius, a Roman centurion, is depicted as a devout man who feared God, which was unusual for a Gentile. His fear upon seeing the angel reflects the common biblical reaction to angelic appearances, indicating the awe and reverence associated with divine encounters. This fear underscores the holiness and authority of the angelic messenger, aligning with similar reactions inDaniel 10:7 andLuke 1:12.

and asked, “What is it, Lord?”
Cornelius's address of the angel as "Lord" shows his recognition of the angel's authority and possibly divine origin. This term is often used in the New Testament to denote respect and acknowledgment of a higher power, as seen inActs 9:5 when Saul addresses Jesus. Cornelius's question indicates his readiness to receive divine instruction, reflecting his openness to God's will.

The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor
The angel acknowledges Cornelius's prayers and almsgiving, highlighting the importance of both personal piety and social justice in the eyes of God. This reflects the Jewish understanding of righteousness, which includes acts of charity, as seen inProverbs 19:17. Cornelius's actions demonstrate his sincere faith and align with the teachings of Jesus inMatthew 6:1-4 about giving to the needy.

have ascended as a memorial offering before God.
The imagery of prayers and alms ascending as a memorial offering draws from Old Testament sacrificial language, where offerings were made to God as a pleasing aroma (Leviticus 2:2). This suggests that Cornelius's deeds are not only noticed by God but are also pleasing to Him, akin to the sacrifices of the faithful in the Old Testament. This concept is echoed inRevelation 8:4, where the prayers of the saints rise before God. Cornelius's actions serve as a precursor to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Church, fulfilling the prophecy ofIsaiah 56:7 about God's house being a house of prayer for all nations.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Cornelius
A centurion in the Roman army, stationed in Caesarea. He is described as a devout man who feared God, gave generously to those in need, and prayed regularly.

2.Angel of God
A divine messenger sent to Cornelius to deliver a message from God. The angel's appearance signifies the importance of the message and God's direct intervention.

3.Caesarea
A significant city in the Roman Empire, serving as a hub of political and military activity. It was also a place where diverse cultures and religions intersected.

4.Prayers and Gifts to the Poor
Cornelius's spiritual practices, which are highlighted as being pleasing to God. These acts are described as a "memorial offering," indicating their significance in God's sight.

5.Memorial Offering
A term that connects Cornelius's actions to the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, where offerings were made to honor and remember God.

Teaching Points

The Power of Prayer and Almsgiving
Cornelius's life demonstrates that sincere prayer and acts of charity are powerful and noticed by God. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a life of prayer and generosity.

God's Recognition of Faithfulness
God sees and values the faithfulness of His people, even when others may not. Cornelius's example shows that God honors those who earnestly seek Him.

Inclusivity of the Gospel
Cornelius, a Gentile, is chosen by God to receive a divine message, highlighting the inclusivity of the Gospel. This challenges believers to embrace all people with the love of Christ.

Divine Intervention in Everyday Life
The appearance of the angel to Cornelius illustrates that God can intervene in our daily lives in unexpected ways. Believers should remain open to God's guidance.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Acts 10:4?

2.How can we ensure our prayers and alms are a "memorial offering before God"?

3.What does Acts 10:4 teach about God's awareness of our actions and prayers?

4.How does Cornelius' example in Acts 10:4 connect with Matthew 6:1-4?

5.In what ways can we cultivate a prayer life that pleases God like Cornelius?

6.How does Acts 10:4 encourage us to live out our faith daily?

7.What does Acts 10:4 reveal about God's response to prayer and almsgiving?

8.How does Acts 10:4 challenge the belief in salvation by faith alone?

9.Why is Cornelius's vision in Acts 10:4 significant for understanding divine intervention?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 10?

11.Can an unbeliever genuinely engage in prayer?

12.What does the Bible say about household salvation?

13.What are Dulia, Hyperdulia, and Latria?

14.Acts 10:3 - How can we verify Cornelius's angelic vision when there is no external historical or scientific evidence for such events?

What Does Acts 10:4 Mean

Cornelius stared at him in fear

• A Roman centurion, trained for battle, is nevertheless overwhelmed when heaven breaks in. Like Daniel who “trembled” at Gabriel’s appearance (Daniel 10:7) and the shepherds “greatly afraid” when the angel stood before them (Luke 2:9), Cornelius reacts with holy dread.

• Scripture presents this fear as right and reasonable whenever fallen humanity meets the holy realm (Revelation 1:17). It reminds us that the supernatural realm is real and that God’s messengers are not quaint symbols but literal beings who serve Him (Hebrews 1:14).

and asked, “What is it, Lord?”

• Cornelius immediately shifts from fear to humble inquiry. Like Saul on the Damascus road—“Who are You, Lord?” (Acts 9:5)—he wants to obey whatever God reveals.

• The title “Lord” is a respectful acknowledgment that the voice carries divine authority, echoing Samuel’s response: “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9).

• Reverent questions are welcomed by God; they show readiness to act on the light received (Psalm 25:9).

The angel answered

• Heaven never teases; God sends His messengers to give clear direction. Throughout Acts angels bring practical help: delivering apostles from prison (Acts 5:19), guiding Philip to the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26), assuring Paul in a storm (Acts 27:23-24).

• This angel’s answer demonstrates that God sees and responds to specific people in real time, not in vague generalities (Psalm 34:15).

“Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God.”

• Prayer and generosity rise together like the incense in the tabernacle (Psalm 141:2;Revelation 8:4). Both are tangible evidence of a heart turned God-ward and neighbor-ward (James 2:17).

• “Memorial offering” recallsLeviticus 2:2, where a portion of grain is burned “as a memorial portion…an aroma pleasing to the LORD.” Cornelius’s compassion becomes a sweet-smelling reality before God’s throne.

• God notices the unseen “acts of righteousness” (Matthew 6:4-6).Proverbs 19:17 promises, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD.” The angel confirms that promise—heaven keeps the account books.

• The statement also underscores that salvation is by grace, not merit. Cornelius’s deeds did not earn redemption; they drew divine attention so that he could hear the gospel Peter would soon preach (Acts 11:14).

Summary

Cornelius meets a literal angel, is rightly fearful, humbly asks for guidance, and hears that his consistent prayers and charity have reached God’s presence like fragrant incense. The scene teaches that God attentively watches devout seekers, values compassionate action, and moves heaven and earth to bring the message of Christ to any heart prepared to receive Him.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(4)Are come up for a memorial before God.--The word so used was emphatically sacrificial and liturgical, as,e.g.,inLeviticus 2:2;Leviticus 2:9;Leviticus 2:16;Leviticus 5:12;Leviticus 6:15;Ecclesiasticus 45:16; and elsewhere. The words implied, therefore, that the "prayers and alms" were accepted as a true sacrifice, more acceptable than the blood of bulls and goats. If we ask, in the technical language of a later theology, how they could be accepted when they were offered prior to a clear faith in Christ, and therefore before justification, the answer is that the good works were wrought by the power of God's grace already working in him. He was believing in the Light that lighteth every man, though as yet he did not identify that Light with its manifestation in Jesus as the Christ (John 1:9). He had the faith which from the beginning of the world has justified--the belief that God is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4.- He, fastening his eyes upon forwhen he looked on, A.V. (ἀτενίσας, asActs 3:4, etc.);and being affrighted forhe was afraid and, A.V.;gone forcome, A.V.For a memorial;i.e. thy prayers and thine alms are set is the sight of God, and are the cause of his now remembering thee and sending this message to thee. Cornelius's good works were the fruit of his faith in God as revealed in the Old Testament.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

[Cornelius] stared
ἀτενίσας(atenisas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 816:To direct my gaze, look steadily. From a compound of a and teino; to gaze intently.

at him
αὐτῷ(autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

in fear
ἔμφοβος(emphobos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1719:Full of fear, terrified. From en and phobos; in fear, i.e. Alarmed.

and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

asked,
εἶπεν(eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“What
Τί(Ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

is it,
ἐστιν(estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

Lord?”
Κύριε(Kyrie)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

[The angel] answered,
Εἶπεν(Eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Your
σου(sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

prayers
προσευχαί(proseuchai)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4335:From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.

and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

gifts to the poor
ἐλεημοσύναι(eleēmosynai)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1654:Abstr: alms-giving, charity; concr: alms, charity. From eleos; compassionateness, i.e. beneficence, or a benefaction.

have ascended
ἀνέβησαν(anebēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 305:To go up, mount, ascend; of things: I rise, spring up, come up. From ana and the base of basis; to go up.

as
εἰς(eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

a memorial [ offering ]
μνημόσυνον(mnēmosynon)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3422:Reminder, memorial; a remembrance offering. From mnemoneuo; a reminder, i.e. Record.

before
ἔμπροσθεν(emprosthen)
Preposition
Strong's 1715:From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time).

God.
Θεοῦ(Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

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NT Apostles: Acts 10:4 He fastening his eyes on him (Acts of the Apostles Ac)