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Book of Acts - Chapter 10 - Verse 30

10:30
And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

Meaning

The verse "And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing," from the book of Acts, Chapter 10, verse 30, is a significant moment in the Bible as it portrays a miraculous encounter between Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, and an angel of God. In this verse, Cornelius reveals to Peter that he was fasting and praying when the angel appeared to him in bright clothing, signifying a divine visitation. The bright clothing of the angel symbolizes purity, holiness, and divine authority. Cornelius's act of fasting and prayer demonstrates his devotion and faithfulness to God, leading to the angelic visitation that ultimately sparks a chain of events leading to Cornelius and his household receiving the Holy Spirit and being baptized. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual discipline, prayer, and God's faithfulness in responding to the earnest prayers of believers.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Acts, we see Cornelius, a devout man who feared God, recounting an encounter he had with an angel. Cornelius describes how he was fasting and praying in his house when suddenly a man appeared before him in bright clothing. The theological interpretation of this passage highlights the importance of Cornelius' faith and devotion to God. His commitment to prayer and fasting demonstrates his desire to seek God's will and guidance in his life. The presence of the angel in bright clothing symbolizes the heavenly nature of the encounter and serves as a sign of divine intervention. Word studies reveal that the mention of the ninth hour signifies the traditional Jewish hour of prayer, adding to the significance of the moment. Overall, this verse showcases the power of faith and prayer in inviting divine intervention and guidance in our lives.

American Standard Version

And Cornelius said, Four days ago, until this hour, I was keeping the ninth hour of prayer in my house; and behold, a man stood before me in bright apparel,
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