Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 10:2

"a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always." — Acts 10:2 (ASV)

A devout man. This means he was pious, or one who maintained the worship of God (compare also to Acts 2:5 and Acts 8:2).

And one that feared God. This is often a designation of piety .

Many have supposed that the expressions used here mean that Cornelius was a Jew, or was instructed in the Jewish religion and was a proselyte. But this does not necessarily follow. It is probable that there might have been at least a few among the Gentiles who feared God and maintained His worship according to the light they had.

Similarly, people may now be found in pagan lands who, in some unknown way, have been taught the evils of idolatry and the necessity of a purer religion, and who may be prepared to receive the gospel. The Sandwich Islands were very much in this state when the American missionaries first visited them.

They had thrown away their idols and seemed to be waiting for the message of mercy and the word of eternal life, just as Cornelius was. A few other instances have been found by missionaries in lands yet unreached by the gospel, where individuals have been similarly prepared by a series of providential events, or by the teaching of the Spirit, for the gospel of Christ.

With all his house. This means with all his family. It is evident here that Cornelius instructed his family and exerted his influence to train them in the fear of God. True piety will always lead a man to seek the salvation of his family.

Much alms. This refers to large and liberal charity. This is always an effect of piety (Psalms 41:1).

Prayed to God alway. This means constantly; that he was in the regular habit of praying to God (Luke 18:1; Psalms 119:2; Proverbs 2:2–5).

Since no particular kind of prayer is mentioned except secret prayer, we are not authorized to affirm that he offered prayer in any other manner. It may be observed, however, that one who prays in secret will usually pray in his family. Since the family of Cornelius is mentioned as being also under the influence of religion, it is perhaps not a forced inference that he observed family worship.