Acts 10:4

"At about the ninth hour of the day, he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, “Cornelius!”"

Key Reflection

In Acts 10:4, Cornelius experiences a divine vision at about the ninth hour (about three in the afternoon) when an angel of God appears before him and calls him by name. This occurrence was significant because visions were a means by which God communicated important messages to individuals, often highlighting a call or a mission. For Cornelius, this vision signaled that he was chosen by God for a specific purpose, which would eventually lead to his conversion and the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 4. And when he looked on him. Greek, Having fixed his eyes attentively on him. He was afraid. At the suddenness and unexpected character of the vision. What is it, Lord? This is the expression of surprise and alarm. The word Lord should have been translated Sir, as there is no evidence that this is an address to god, and still less that he regarded the personage present as the Lord. It is such language as a man would naturally use who was suddenly surprised; who should witness a strange form appearing unexpectedly before him; and who should exclaim, "Sir, what is the matter?" Are come up for a memorial. Are remembered before God. Comp. Isa 45:19.

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