Definition: [A] devout [man], and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 10:2. It’s a really important passage about how Jesus’ followers were acting and how it sets up the next stage of his ministry. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes someone who was deeply religious and respected God. Let's unpack each part: “A devout man”: This suggests a person who truly believed in God and lived their lives according to His will. They weren’t just going through the motions; they were genuinely committed. “One that feared God with all his house”: This is a key phrase! "Fear" here means not just being scared, but also having a deep respect and understanding of God's power and holiness. “All his house” implies everyone in the community – the entire church group – was showing this reverence. “Which gave much alms to the people”: This means they were generously giving money, resources, or support to those in need within their community. It wasn’t just a few donations; it was a significant amount. “And prayed to God alway”: This shows that they weren't just offering help, but they were constantly praying to God – seeking His guidance and protection. Putting it all together: This verse describes someone who wasn’t just polite about worshipping God; they were actively showing their faith through their actions of giving and prayer. It paints a picture of a community deeply committed to honoring God and caring for others. Why is this important? This story shows that Jesus’ followers weren't just passively following His teachings. They were actively demonstrating love and respect for God, and that’s a big step towards understanding what it means to be truly Christian. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse in more detail? Give you some context about the time this was written in? Discuss the significance of the story's message for modern Christians?