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.
Fear seizes a man when he perceives the majesty of God present; our sluggishness alone keeps His words from terrifying us as they ought. Cornelius understood at once he stood before God and submitted himself to obey, for the angel's words were nothing but a commandment.
AI summary
Cornelius was the first Gentile deliberately brought into the gospel, a mystery even to the apostles. Mark that he was both great and good, two characters seldom united; yet when they meet, goodness makes greatness truly valuable, and greatness makes goodness far more serviceable to the world.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 10:1-8
The brightness and majestic form struck him with awe and panic fear, as it did the patriarchs and prophets of old. His prayers and charitable works ascended like sacrifices on an altar, acceptable through Christ, and God recorded them for the fruits He was shortly to give.
AI summary