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;

ACTS 10:7KJV
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Acts 10:7 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:7 mean?

Acts 10:7 describes how, after the angel finished speaking to Cornelius and left, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier who regularly served him. This verse shows Cornelius immediately acting on the angel’s instructions by gathering trusted people from his household.

Cornelius, a Roman centurion living in Caesarea, has just experienced a vision where an angel spoke to him. The verse highlights his prompt obedience and the trust he places in his close circle—two household servants and a soldier described as "devout," meaning religiously committed. This sets the stage for the next part of the story, where Cornelius sends these men to find Peter, as the angel directed.

The Greek behind Acts 10:7

  • The word for "devout" is εὐσεβῆ (eusebē), which means someone who is reverent or deeply religious. This tells us that Cornelius chose a soldier who shared his respect for God, not just any subordinate.
  • The phrase "waited on him continually" comes from προσκαρτερούντων (proskarterountōn), which means to be devoted to or to attend constantly. This suggests these men were not just casual acquaintances but were regularly and faithfully serving Cornelius.

Why Acts 10:7 matters

  • Acts 10:7 shows Cornelius’s immediate and practical response to a divine message, emphasizing his faith and readiness to act.
  • The verse highlights that Cornelius surrounded himself with people who shared his devotion, which helps explain why God chose to work through him in this story.
  • This moment sets up the important meeting between Cornelius’s household and Peter, which becomes a turning point in the early Christian movement as the gospel begins to reach non-Jews.

Where else these words appear

“devout” Greek G2152 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
  • Acts 22:12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
  • 2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

“servants” Greek G3610 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  • Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
  • Philemon 1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.

“Cornelius” Greek G2883 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
  • Acts 10:21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
  • Acts 10:25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

“on” Greek G4342 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 3:9 And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
  • Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
  • Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;