Acts 10:2-4

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Acts 10:2 tn In the Greek text this represents a continuation of the previous sentence. Because of the tendency of contemporary English to use shorter sentences, a new sentence was begun here in the translation.
2. Acts 10:2 sn The description of Cornelius as a devout, God-fearing man probably means that he belonged to the category called “God-fearers,” Gentiles who worshiped the God of Israel and in many cases kept the Mosaic law, but did not take the final step of circumcision necessary to become a proselyte to Judaism. See further K. G. Kuhn, TDNT 6:732-34, 43-44, and Sir 11:17; 27:11; 39:27.
3. Acts 10:2 tn Or “gave many gifts to the poor.” This was known as “giving alms,” or acts of mercy (Sir 7:10; BDAG 315-16 s.v. ἐλεημοσύνη).
4. Acts 10:3 tn Grk “at about the ninth hour of the day.” This would be the time for afternoon prayer.
5. Acts 10:3 tn Or “the angel of God.” Linguistically, “angel of God” is the same in both testaments (and thus, he is either “an angel of God” or “the angel of God” in both testaments). For arguments and implications, see ExSyn 252; M. J. Davidson, “Angels,” DJG, 9; W. G. MacDonald argues for “an angel” in both testaments: “Christology and ‘The Angel of the Lord’,” Current Issues in Biblical and Patristic Interpretation, 324-35.
6. Acts 10:3 tn The participles εἰσελθόντα (eiselthonta) and εἰπόντα (eiponta) are accusative, and thus best taken as adjectival participles modifying ἄγγελον (angelon): “an angel who came in and said.”
7. Acts 10:4 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Cornelius) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
8. Acts 10:4 tn Grk “said,” but in response to the angel’s address, “replied” is better English style.
9. Acts 10:4 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the angel) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
10. Acts 10:4 tn Or “your gifts to the needy.”
11. Acts 10:4 sn The language used in the expression gone up as a memorial before God parallels what one would say of acceptable sacrifices (Ps 141:2; Sir 35:6; 50:16).