Definition: 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,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Acts 10:30. It’s a really interesting story about how God works through people! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse describes a very unusual and significant encounter between an apostle (a follower of Jesus) and a leader of a Jewish household. Let’s unpack the details: “And Cornelius said…” : This tells us we’re talking about a man named Cornelius, who was a respected leader in the Jewish community in Rome. “…Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house…” : This is the key part. Cornelius was fasting for four days . "Until this hour" means he kept fast until the very last moment. He was praying intensely, likely seeking God's guidance. "...and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing.” This is where it gets really strange. A man appeared to Cornelius in a very impressive outfit – bright clothing! It’s like he was dressed for a special occasion. So, what does this all mean? The Bible says that God used this man to reach out to Paul . Paul was on his way to Jerusalem, and this encounter with Cornelius is often seen as a significant sign that God was working through him. Why is it important? God’s Purposeful Intervention: It shows us that God isn't just passively watching things happen. He actively uses people – even seemingly ordinary people – to accomplish his purposes. Divine Opportunity: It highlights the idea that God often gives opportunities for us to serve and be involved in His plan, even when we don’t expect it. In short, this verse describes a moment of profound connection between a believer and a leader in the Jewish community, where God used a person to send a message of hope and opportunity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Connect this story to other Bible stories? Give you some context about why this event is significant (like its role in Paul’s journey)?