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 10:4KJV
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Acts 10:4 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:4 mean?

Acts 10:4 describes how Cornelius, a Roman centurion, is visited by an angel who tells him that his prayers and acts of charity have been noticed by God as a lasting reminder. The verse shows that God is aware of and values sincere prayer and generosity, even from someone outside the Jewish community.

Cornelius is startled and afraid when he sees the angel, asking what the message means. The angel reassures him, explaining that both Cornelius’s prayers and his giving to the poor have come up before God as a "memorial," meaning they have been remembered and honored. This moment sets the stage for God’s message to reach people beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel.

The Greek behind Acts 10:4

  • "Memorial" (μνημόσυνον, mnēmosynon): This word means something that brings to mind or serves as a reminder. In this context, it suggests that Cornelius’s prayers and alms are not forgotten but are like an offering that continually stands before God.
  • "Alms" (ἐλεημοσύναι, eleēmosynai): This word refers to acts of charity or giving to those in need. The use of this term highlights that Cornelius’s generosity is significant in God’s eyes, not just his prayers.

Why Acts 10:4 matters

  • Acts 10:4 shows that God pays attention to the hearts and actions of people from every nation, not just Israel, which is a major turning point in the story of the early church.
  • The verse clarifies that both prayer and practical kindness are meaningful to God, not just religious rituals.
  • This encounter prepares the way for Peter’s later realization that the message of Jesus is for all people, breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles.

Where else these words appear

“memorial” Greek G3422 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 26:13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
  • Mark 14:9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

“afraid” Greek G1719 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 24:5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
  • Luke 24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
  • Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

“looked” Greek G816 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
  • Acts 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
  • Acts 13:9 Then Saul,(who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

“alms” Greek G1654 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
  • Acts 3:10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.