Preface: In Acts 10, Cornelius, a gentile centurion living in Caesarea, is to send for Peter, who is presently staying in Joppa. Simultaneously, Peter has a vision of a large number of animals who are, apparently unclean, and God tells Peter to get up and kill one of them to eat. Just then, men arrive to the place where Peter is staying, sent to him by Cornelius. Peter, and a number of other believers, go north to Caesarea, to proclaim the word of Christ to the home of Cornelius. Then the Holy Spirit falls upon the gentiles who gathered in the home of Cornelius.

Bible Summary: Cornelius sent for Peter. The Lord said to Peter, "Do not call them unclean." Peter preached to the Gentiles and the Spirit fell.

The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 10 (a chart); from Slide Player; accessed June 30, 2022.

This should be the most extensive examination of Acts 10 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview: (taken from Light of the Word; accessed April 22, 2022).

Time and Place as per Modern Literal Version 2020:

40 AD. Caesarea.

40 AD. Joppa.

40 AD. Caesarea.

Outline of Chapter 10:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1–8           Gentile Cornelius Sees the Vision of an Angel and is Instructed to Send for Peter

         vv.     9–16         Peter Also Has a Vision of Many Unclean Animals

         vv.    17–23a       Servants from Cornelius Arrive and Ask Peter to Come to Caesarea with Them

         vv.    23b–33       Cornelius Tells Peter How He Came to Call for Him

         vv.    34–43         Peter Gives the Gospel Message to Cornelius and to Those in His House

         vv.    44–48         The Holy Spirit Then Falls Upon the Gentiles

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 10 (a chart)

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Acts 10 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Acts 10 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Acts 10

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Acts 10

         Introduction         The Principals of Acts 10

         Introduction         The Places of Acts 10

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 10

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Acts 10 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 10 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

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         Introduction         The Big Picture (Acts 8–12)

         Introduction 

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         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

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         v.      37              Galilee, Samaria, Judea (map)

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Acts 10 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Acts 10

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Acts 10

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         Addendum          Footnote for Acts 10:1 (The Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          Footnote for Acts 10:1 (New Catholic Bible)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 10:1–8

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 10:9–16

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 10:17–23a

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 10:23b–29

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 10:30–33

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 10:34–38

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 10:39–43

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 10:44–48

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         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Acts 10

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         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Acts 10

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Acts 10

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Acts 10

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An Introduction to Acts 10

I ntroduction: The continued ministry of Peter picks up at the end of Acts 9, is found throughout Acts 10 and continues to about the middle of Acts 11. What Peter does here is go to the gentiles and the gospel message continues from that point to go out to both Jews and gentiles.

God choose to put Cornelius, a devout gentile centurion with Peter. God works on both men to get them into the same room with one another. At the beginning of Acts 10, God sends an angel to speak to Cornelius, who lives in Caesarea on the west coast of Samaria. The angel tells Cornelius to gather up a few of his most trusted servants and send them to Joppa, which is not far from Caesarea, to find Peter (these men have never met before and it is highly unlikely that either man knows anything about the other).

Cornelius sends two trusted messengers and a soldier down to Joppa, which is about 32 miles south of Caesarea.

Meanwhile, Peter is on the roof of the place where he is staying (that is normal behavior); and he has a vision of animals when he is up there telling him to kill and eat. Peter is very hungry, but the animals presented to him are unclean. Thrice Peter is told to kill and eat. Peter is trying to make sense of this vision when the messengers arrive looking for him.

At this time, there is a lull in the persecution of the church, Peter has just had this odd vision, and now messengers from a Roman centurion are asking for him to come up to Caesarea. Given all this, Peter agrees, and some Jews from Joppa join him on this little adventure.

When they arrive at the centurion’s home, he has gathered a number of gentiles who are on positive signals. Peter asks, “How exactly did you come to send for me?” Then he gives them the gospel message, the men believe in Jesus, and the Holy Spirit falls upon them. Peter had no idea that this was going to happen, and he was not even finished with his message when it occurred.

It may not be apparent at first, but the receiving of the Holy Spirit in this chapter by the gentiles does not support the beliefs of the charismatic movement. When we examine this passage carefully, it will be obvious that these gentiles receive salvation and the Holy Spirit the moment that they believe in Jesus.

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Gentile Cornelius Sees the Vision of an Angel and is Instructed to Send for Peter

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    But a man, a certain (one) in Caesarea, by name Cornelius, a centurion out from a (military) cohort, the one being called Italian, pious and fearing the God with all in the house of his, doing mercies to many in the people, and petitioning of the God throughout all [time]. He saw in a vision plainly approximately about an hour ninth of the day, an angel of the God coming in face to face with him and saying to him, “Cornelius.”

Complete Apostles’ Bible      Now there was a certain man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,

a devout man, and one that feared God, together with all his household, who often gave alms to the people, and making petition to God always.

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) And there was a certain man in Caesarea, named Cornelius, a centurion of that which is called the Italian band:

A religious man, and fearing God with all his house, giving much alms to the people and always praying to God.

This man saw in a vision manifestly, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him and saying to him: Cornelius.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        Then, in Qasariya {Caesarea} there was a certain man, a Qentruna {a Centurion/a Captain of a hundred}, whose name was Qurnilius {Cornelius}, from the troop which is called the Italiqi {the Italian}.

And he was righteous, and revered Alaha {God}; he and all his house. And he had done much alms-giving among the Ama {the People}, and was constantly beseeching Alaha {God}.

This one saw a Malaka d'MarYa {a Heavenly Messenger of God} in an appearance, openly, to his face, the ninth hour in the daytime {i.e. 3 pm}, who came in unto him, and said unto him, “Qurniliye {Cornelius}.”

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And there was a certain man in Caesarea, whose name was Cornelius, a centurion of the regiment called the Italian.

And he was righteous, and feared God, he and all his house; [and] he did much alms among the people, and prayed to God at all times.

This man distinctly saw, in a vision, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God, who came in to him and said to him: Cornelius!

Original Aramaic NT              But in Qesaria was a certain man, a Centurion whose name was Cornelius, from the regiment which is called Italiqa.

And he was righteous and was a worshiper of God, he and his whole house, and he did great charitable work among the people and always prayed to God.

This man saw an Angel of God in a vision plainly before his face at the ninth hour of the day, who entered his presence and said to him, "Cornelia."

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, named Cornelius, the captain of the Italian band of the army; 

A serious-minded man, fearing God with all his family; he gave much money to the poor, and made prayer to God at all times. 

He saw in a vision, clearly, at about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of the Lord coming to him and saying to him, Cornelius!

Bible in Worldwide English     In Caesarea lived a man named Cornelius. He was a big captain in the army. His soldiers were called the Italian Group. He was a good man. He and all the people of his house obeyed God. He gave many gifts to the poor. He always talked with God. About three oclock one afternoon, he clearly saw an angel from God coming to him in a vision. Cornelius, said the angel.

Easy English                          Cornelius asks Peter to come to him

There was a man who lived in Caesarea and his name was Cornelius. He was an officer in the Roman army. His group of soldiers was called ‘The Group from Italy’. Cornelius was a good man. He and all his family served God faithfully. Cornelius prayed to God every day. He also gave money to help poor Jewish people.

One afternoon, at about three o'clock, Cornelius had a vision. He clearly saw one of God's angels. The angel came in and said to him, ‘Cornelius!’

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  In the city of Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a Roman army officer in what was called the Italian Unit. He was a religious man. He and all the others who lived in his house were worshipers of the true God. He gave much of his money to help the poor people and always prayed to God. One afternoon about three o'clock, Cornelius had a vision. He clearly saw an angel from God coming to him and saying, "Cornelius!"

Good News Bible (TEV)         There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, who was a captain in the Roman army regiment called "The Italian Regiment."

He was a religious man; he and his whole family worshiped God. He also did much to help the Jewish poor people and was constantly praying to God.

It was about three o'clock one afternoon when he had a vision, in which he clearly saw an angel of God come in and say to him, "Cornelius!"

J. B. Phillips                           God speaks to a good-living Gentile

There was a man in Caesarea by the name of Cornelius, a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment. He was a deeply religious man who reverenced God, as did all his household. He made many charitable gifts to the people and was a real man of prayer. About three o’clock one afternoon he saw perfectly clearly in a dream an angel of God coming into his room, approaching him, and saying, “Cornelius!”

The Message                         Peter’s Vision

There was a man named Cornelius who lived in Caesarea, captain of the Italian Guard stationed there. He was a thoroughly good man. He had led everyone in his house to live worshipfully before God, was always helping people in need, and had the habit of prayer. One day about three o’clock in the afternoon he had a vision. An angel of God, as real as his next-door neighbor, came in and said, “Cornelius.”

NIRV                                      Cornelius Calls for Peter

A man named Cornelius lived in Caesarea. He was a Roman commander in the Italian Regiment. Cornelius and all his family were faithful and worshiped God. He gave freely to people who were in need. He prayed to God regularly. One day about three o’clock in the afternoon he had a vision. He saw clearly an angel of God. The angel came to him and said, “Cornelius!”

New Life Version                    God Speaks to a Man Who Was Not a Jew

There was a man in the city of Caesarea by the name of Cornelius. He was a captain of an Italian group of the army. He and his family were good people and honored God. He gave much money to the people and prayed always to God.

One afternoon about three o’clock he saw in a dream what God wanted him to see. An angel of God came to him and said, “Cornelius.”

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              ACTS 10

CORNELIUS: NOT A JEW

SOLDIER SENDS FOR PETER

A Roman officer [1] named Cornelius commanded a company of about 100 soldiers. They were part of the Italian battalion. [2] Cornelius lived in Caesarea. [3] He was a deeply religious man who respected God. His family did too. Cornelius donated money for the poor—and he wasn’t stingy about it. He talked to God in prayer every day, off and on all day long. He had a vision one afternoon, about three o’clock. One of God’s angels came over to him and said, “Cornelius.”

¹10:1Cornelius’s title was “centurion,” as in “century” for 100. He commanded a company of around 80 to 100 men.

²10:1Literally a “cohort,” roughly 500 men.

³10:1Caesarea was a port city that King Herod the Great built on the Mediterranean coast about 30 miles (48 km) north of what is now Tel Aviv. He designed it after Roman cities and named it after Caesar because he knew who was really the boss. Romans used Caesarea as their capital in the Middle East for 600 years.

Contemporary English V.       In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, who was the captain of a group of soldiers called "The Italian Unit."

Cornelius was a very religious man. He worshiped God, and so did everyone else who lived in his house. He had given a lot of money to the poor and was always praying to God.

One afternoon at about three o'clock, Cornelius had a vision. He saw an angel from God coming to him and calling him by name.

The Living Bible                     In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer, Cornelius, a captain of an Italian regiment. He was a godly man, deeply reverent, as was his entire household. He gave generously to charity and was a man of prayer. While wide awake one afternoon he had a vision—it was about three o’clock—and in this vision he saw an angel of God coming toward him.

“Cornelius!” the angel said

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           Cornelius Calls for Peter

In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer [Greek a centurion; similarly in 10:22.] named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said.

The Passion Translation        At that time there was a Roman military officer, Cornelius, who was in charge of one hundred men stationed in Caesarea. He was the captain of the Italian regiment, a devout man of extraordinary character who worshiped God and prayed regularly, together with all his family. He also had a heart for the poor and gave generously to help them.  One afternoon about three o’clock, he had an open vision and saw the angel of God appear right in front of him, calling out his name, “Cornelius!”

Plain English Version             An angel messenger came to a Roman soldier

There was a soldier that lived in the town called Caesarea. His name was Cornelius. He was the boss over a mob of soldiers in the Roman army that were called the Italian Mob. He and his family respected God, and they always tried to do things that made God happy. Cornelius gave a lot of money and things to poor people, and he prayed to God every day.

One afternoon, at 3 o’clock, he was praying, and he had something like a dream, but he was not asleep, he was awake. He saw an angel messenger from God come to him and call his name, “Cornelius.”

Radiant New Testament        An Angel Appears to Cornelius

A man named Cornelius, who was a Roman commander in the Italian Regiment, lived in Caesarea. He and all his family believed in God, and they worshiped at the synagogue. He gave freely to people who were in need, and he prayed to God regularly. One day about three o’clock in the afternoon he had a vision. He saw an angel of God coming to him and saying, “Cornelius!”

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  There was a man who lived in the city of Caesarea whose name was Cornelius. He was an officer who commanded one hundred men in a large group of Roman soldiers from Italy.  

He always tried to do what would please God; he and his entire household were non-Jews who habitually worshiped God. He sometimes gave money to help poor Jewish people, and he prayed to God regularly.  

One day at about three o'clock in the afternoon Cornelius saw a vision. He clearly saw an angel whom God had sent. He saw the angel coming into his room and saying to him, "Cornelius!"

Williams’ New Testament      Now at Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a colonel in what was known as the Italian regiment,a religious man, too, who revered God with all his household, who was always liberal in his many deeds of charity to the people, and who had the habit of praying to God.

One afternoon about three o'clock he had a vision and clearly saw an angel of God come to him and say, "Cornelius!"

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          In Caesarea there happened to be a man named Cornelius (he was a centurion of the Italian Division) who was a devout man. He and his family feared God, praying to Him often, and they regularly helped those who were in need. Well, it was about the 9th hour of the day [9am in the Roman time system, or 3pm in the Jewish] when he clearly saw a messenger from God who came to him in a vision and called out:

‘Cornelius!’

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            There was a certain man in Caesarea with the name Cornelius, a lieutenant from a regiment, the one called Italian.

He was a godly man and fearing God together with everyone in his house, making many charitable donations to the ethnic group and pleading with God through everything.

He saw in a sighting in a shown way as if it were around the ninth hour of the day (3:00 p.m.) God's angel that came inside to him and said to him, "Cornelius."

Common English Bible           Peter, Cornelius, and the Gentiles

There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion in the Italian Company. [Or cohort (approximately six hundred soldiers)] He and his whole household were pious, Gentile God-worshippers. He gave generously to those in need among the Jewish people and prayed to God constantly. One day at nearly three o’clock in the afternoon, he clearly saw an angel from God in a vision. The angel came to him and said, “Cornelius!”

Len Gane Paraphrase           There was at Caesarea a certain man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian band, who was devout and feared God along with his whole family who, also, gave much alms to the people and always prayed to God.

He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour [about 3 PM] of the day an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, "Cornelius."

A. Campbell's Living Oracles Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, named Cornelius, a centurion that called the Italian Band, a man of piety, and one that feared God, with all his house; giving, also, much alms to the people, and praying to God continually. He evidently saw, in a vision, about the ninth hour of the day, a messenger of God coming in to him, and saying to him, Cornelius!

New Advent (Knox) Bible       There was, at Caesarea, a centurion named Cornelius, belonging to what is called the Italian cohort, a pious man who worshipped the true God, like all his household, gave alms freely to the people, and prayed to God continually.[1] He, about the ninth hour of the day, had a vision, in which he clearly saw an angel of God come in and address him by his name.

[1] Cornelius was one of those Gentiles who, without adopting the rite of circumcision, conformed to the Jewish religion in general; he was not a proselyte in the full sense. [Kukis: How do we know he is not circumcised? Is this important?]

NT for Everyone                     Peter’s Vision

In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion with the cohort called ‘the Italian’. He was devout, and he and all his household revered God. He gave alms generously to the people, and constantly prayed to God.

He had a vision. Around three o’clock in the afternoon he saw, quite clearly, one of God’s angels coming to him.

‘Cornelius!’ said the angel.

20^th Century New Testament There was then in Caesarea a man named Cornelius, a Captain in the regiment known as the 'Italian Regiment,' A religious man and one who reverenced God, with all his household. He was liberal in his charities to the people, and prayed to God constantly. One afternoon, about three o'clock, he distinctly saw in a vision an angel from God come to him, and call him by name.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Conservapedia Translation    A certain man lived in Caesaria, named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian cohort. He was a devout man, and one who feared God together with his entire household. He gave a great many charitable donatives to the people, and prayed to God all the time. At about three hours after noon he saw plainly, in a vision, a Messenger of God coming to him, and saying to him, "Cornelius."

Hours of the day were numbered from sunrise. Whether sunrise was always at 6:00 a.m. is a matter of conjecture. Hours of the night are likewise numbered after sunset. In Greek, "angel" means "messenger."

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                Peter and Cornelius.

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a captain of the detachment called the Italian,

who was pious and God-fearing with all his household, giving many gifts to many people, and in all things seeking God.

He saw distinctly in a vision about three o'clock in the afternoon, an angel of God coming towards him, and addressing him, "Cornelius!"

Free Bible Version                 In Caesarea lived a man named Cornelius who was a Roman centurion of the Italian battalion. He was a religious man who, together with everyone in his household, had great reverence for God. He gave generously to the poor, and prayed regularly to God. At about 3p.m. one day he had a vision in which he saw very clearly an angel of God who came to him and called to him, “Cornelius!”

International Standard V        Cornelius Has a Vision

Now in Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion [A Roman centurion commanded about 100 men.] in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He was a devout man who feared God, as did everyone in his home. He gave many gifts to the poor among the people and always prayed to God.

One day, about three in the afternoon, [Lit. About the ninth hour of the day] he had a vision and clearly saw an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, “Cornelius!”

Urim-Thummim Version         There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man and one that venerated Elohim with all his house, that gave large donations to the people, and prayed to Elohim always. He saw in a vision evidently about the 9th hour of the day an angel of Elohim coming in to him and saying to him, Cornelius.

Weymouth New Testament    Now a Captain of the Italian Regiment, named Cornelius, was quartered at Caesarea. He was religious and God-fearing--and so was every member of his household. He was also liberal in his charities to the people, and continually offered prayer to God. About three o'clock one afternoon he had a vision, and distinctly saw an angel of God enter his house, who called him by name, saying, "Cornelius!"

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     The baptism of Cornelius

• There was in Caesarea a man named Cornelius, captain of what was called the Italian Battalion. He was a religious and God-fearing man together with his whole household. He gave generously to the people and constantly prayed to God. One afternoon at about three he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming towards him and calling him, “Cornelius!”

An extensive footnote for Acts 10:1 has been placed in the addendum.

The Heritage Bible                          A certain man was in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of the military division called the Italian,

Devout, and fearing God with all his house, who did many deeds of mercy for the people, and bound himself in prayer to God always.

He saw in a vision openly about the ninth hour of the day a heavenly messenger of God coming in to him, and saying to him, Cornelius.

New American Bible (2011)   IV. The Inauguration of the Gentile Mission

The Vision of Cornelius.

^a* Now in Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Cohort called the Italica,* devout and God-fearing along with his whole household, who used to give alms generously* to the Jewish people and pray to God constantly.

One afternoon about three o’clock,* he saw plainly in a vision an angel of God come in to him and say to him, “Cornelius.”

* [10:1–48] The narrative centers on the conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile and a “God-fearer” (see note on Acts 8:26–40). Luke considers the event of great importance, as is evident from his long treatment of it. The incident is again related in Acts 11:1–18 where Peter is forced to justify his actions before the Jerusalem community and alluded to in Acts 15:7–11 where at the Jerusalem “Council” Peter supports Paul’s missionary activity among the Gentiles. The narrative divides itself into a series of distinct episodes, concluding with Peter’s presentation of the Christian kerygma (Acts 10:4–43) and a pentecostal experience undergone by Cornelius’ household preceding their reception of baptism (Acts 10:44–48).

* [10:1] The Cohort called the Italica: this battalion was an auxiliary unit of archers formed originally in Italy but transferred to Syria shortly before A.D. 69.

* [10:2] Used to give alms generously: like Tabitha (Acts 9:36), Cornelius exemplifies the proper attitude toward wealth (see note on Acts 9:36).

a. [10:1–8] 10:30–33.

New Catholic Bible                 Baptism of the Centurion Cornelius

Chapter 10

The Vision of Cornelius.^[a] In Caesarea, there was a man named Cornelius who was a centurion of the so-called Italian cohort.^[b] He was a devout and God-fearing man, as were all the members of his household. He gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God.

One afternoon about three o’clock,^[c] he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God approaching him and calling to him, “Cornelius!”

[a] See Addendum for this footnote.

[b] Acts 10:1 Italian cohort: an auxiliary unit of soldiers.

[c] Acts 10:3 Three o’clock: literally, “about the ninth hour.” This time period was a Jewish hour of prayer (see Acts 3:1).

Revised English Bible–1989   At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in the Italian Cohort, as it was called.

He was a devout man, and he and his whole family joined in the worship of God; he gave generously to help the Jewish people, and was regular in his prayers to God.

One day about three in the afternoon he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God come into his room and say, “Cornelius!”

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Hebraic Roots Bible               But a certain man, Cornelius by name, was in Caesarea, a centurion of a cohort being called Italian, one righteous and fearing YAHWEH with all his house, both doing many alms to the people and praying continually to YAHWEH. About the ninth hour of the day, he saw plainly in a vision a cherub of YAHWEH coming to him, and saying to him, Cornelius!

Holy New Covenant Trans.    In the city of Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius. He was an officer in the "Italian" regiment of the Roman army.

Cornelius was a good man. He and everyone who lived in his home had awesome respect for the true God. He gave much of his money to the poor people. Cornelius always prayed to God.

One afternoon about three o’clock, Cornelius clearly saw a vision. In the vision an angel of God came to him and said, "Cornelius!"

The Scriptures 2009              Now there was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a captain of what was called the Italian Regiment, dedicated, and fearing Elohim with all his household, doing many kind deeds to the people, and praying to Elohim always.  He clearly saw in a vision, about the ninth hour of the day, a messenger of Elohim coming to him, and saying to him, “Cornelius!”

Tree of Life Version                Now in Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Cohort. He was a devout man, revering God with all his household. He gave tzedakah generously to the people and prayed to God continually. About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming and saying to him, “Cornelius!”

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...Man but Someone in caesarea [by] name Cornelius Centurion from cohort the [one] being called [her] italian Respectful and Fearing the god with every the house [of] him Making donations many [to] the people and Requesting the god through every [thing] sees in vision clearly about around hour ninth [of] the day messenger [of] the god entering to him and saying [to] him Cornelius...

Alpha & Omega Bible            NOW THERE WAS A MAN AT CAESAREA NAMED CORNELIUS, A CENTURION OF WHAT WAS CALLED THE ITALIAN BATTALION, †(He Was Gentile.)

A DEVOUT MAN AND ONE WHO FEARED THEOS (The Alpha & Omega) WITH ALL HIS HOUSEHOLD, AND GAVE MANY ALMS TO THE PEOPLE AND PRAYED TO THEOS (The Alpha & Omega) CONTINUALLY.

ABOUT THE NINTH HOUR OF THE DAY HE CLEARLY SAW IN A VISION AN ANGEL OF THEOS (The Alpha & Omega) WHO HAD JUST COME IN AND SAID TO HIM, “CORNELIUS!”

Awful Scroll Bible                   Moreover, there was a certain man, from-within Cæsarea named Cornelius, a commander-of-a-hundred, of a detachment of soldiers being called the "Italian",

well-revering and reverencing God, with all his house, not only giving many kindnesses to the people, but also imploring God throughout-all.

He perceived from-within a vision, clearly, if-as the ninth hour of the day, an angelic messenger of God, coming-in with respects to him, and saying to him, "Cornelius!"

Concordant Literal Version    Now a certain man in Caesarea, named Cornelius, a centurion of a squadron called "Italian,

devout and fearing God with his entire house, doing many alms to the people and beseeching God continually,

perceived in a vision manifestly, as if about the ninth hour of the day, a messenger of God entering to him and saying to him, "Cornelius!"

exeGeses companion Bible   THE VISION OF CORNELIUS

But there is a man in Kaisaria named Cornelius

- a centurion of the squad called Italian;

well revered,

and one who awes Elohim with all his house;

who does many mercies to the people;

and petitions to Elohim continually.

About the ninth hour of the day

he sees manifest in a vision

an angel of Elohim entering to him,

and saying to him, Cornelius!

Orthodox Jewish Bible           Now a certain ish in Caesarea by name Cornelius, a centurion from what was called the Italian cohort,

A devout man, a yire Elohim, as was all his bais, who practiced much tzedakah for the benefit of Am Yisroel, and davened to Hashem continually.

Cornelius clearly saw in a chazon (vision) lav davka (approximately) at the ninth hour of the day (three o'clock in the afternoon) a malach Hashem having come to him and having said to him, "Cornelius!" [TEHILLIM 55:17]

Rotherham’s Emphasized B.                   § 20. Conversion of Cornelius of Cæsarea.

Chapter 10.

But <a certain man in Cæsareaˎ by name Cornelius, a centurion of the band called Italian,— devoutˎ and fearing God with allʹ his house, doing many alms unto the peopleˎ and supplicating God continually> sawˎ in a visionˎ manifestlyˎ as if about the ninth hour of the day, a messenger of Godˎ coming in unto him, and saying unto him— Cornelius!

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                Cornelius’ Vision

Now at ^[a]Caesarea [Maritima] there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the ^[b]Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who, along with all his household, feared God. He made many charitable donations to the Jewish people, and prayed to God always. About the ninth hour (3:00 p.m.) of the day he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had come to him and said, “Cornelius!”

[a] See note 8:40.

Acts 8:40 Caesarea Maritima (Caesarea-on-the-Sea) was a coastal city and artificial harbor built by Herod the Great. It was an important city, both politically and militarily, and its harbor was the largest on the eastern Mediterranean coast. It was the capital of Judea, and the official residence of the prefects and procurators appointed by Rome. Both Pontius Pilate (prefect, a.d. 26-36) and Antonius Felix (procurator, a.d. 52-60) would have been based here during their respective terms of office.

[b] A regiment consisted of about six hundred men, the tenth part of a legion.

An Understandable Version   Now there was a certain man in Caesarea named Cornelius. He was [a military man] in charge of one hundred soldiers and belonged to the “battalion of Italy.”

He was very devoted [to his religious principles] and had great respect for God, along with the members of his household. He gave [money] liberally to poor people and prayed to God regularly.

About three o’clock one afternoon [Note: This is based on Jewish time calculations; if Roman time were employed, it would have been 9 AM], while he was wide awake, he had a vision in which an angel of God came to him [and spoke his name] “Cornelius.”

The Expanded Bible              Peter Teaches Cornelius

At Caesarea [^C a coastal city, 25 miles south of Mount Carmel; a center of Roman government for Palestine] there was a man named Cornelius, ·an officer [^L a centurion; ^C an officer in charge of about a hundred soldiers] in the Italian ·group of the Roman army [^L cohort; regiment; ^C a cohort was about six hundred soldiers]. Cornelius was a ·religious [pious; godly] man. He and all ·the other people who lived in his house [his household] ·worshiped the true God [^L feared God; ^C “God-fearers” were Gentiles who worshiped the one true God of Israel]. He gave much of his money to ·the poor [or the Jewish people; ^L the people] and prayed to God often. ·One afternoon about three o’clock [^L About the ninth hour of the day], Cornelius clearly saw a vision. An angel of God came to him and said, “Cornelius!”

Jonathan Mitchell NT             Now in Caesarea there was a certain adult man named Cornelius, a centurion (a Roman officer in charge of 100 men, i.e., one sixth of a cohort) that was a part of the band (or: cohort; squadron; – an army division of 600 men) which is normally being called "Italian,"

a person of well-directed reverence (or: devout and virtuous conduct; one who properly stands in awe of God) and by habit fearing God, along with all his household, constantly performing many acts of mercy and making lots of gifts that express [his] compassion to the people, as well as repeatedly making requests of God (or: from God) throughout all times and situations.

In the midst of a vision (a result of something seen) – just about the ninth hour of the day (three o'clock in the afternoon) – he clearly saw an agent of (or: messenger from) God entering toward (or: coming in, face to face with) him, and then saying to him, "Cornelius!".

Syndein/Thieme                     There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius {name suggests a Roman aristocrat}, a centurion of the band called the Italian band.

A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave many alms to the people, and prayed to God always.

{Note: Here when Luke uses 'eusebes' for devout he means an unbeliever positive at God consciousness. And, it was very unusual for a Roman to contribute to the Jews.}

He saw in a vision {a pre-canon period revelation}, surprisingly about the ninth hour of the day {at 3pm a time of Jewish prayer} an angel of God coming in face to fact to him, and saying unto him, "Cornelius."

{Note: The way 'Cornelius' was said, this must be a military angel of the same rank as Cornelius.}

Translation for Translators              Obeying an angel, Cornelius sent men to summon Peter.

Acts 10:1-8

There was a man who lived in Caesarea city whose name was Cornelius. He was an officer who commanded 100 men in a large group of Roman soldiers from Italy. He always tried to do what would please God; he and his entire household [MTY] were non-Jews who habitually worshipped God. He sometimes gave money to help poor Jewish people, and he prayed to God regularly.

One day at about three o’clock in the afternoon Cornelius saw a vision. He clearly saw an angel whom God had sent. The angel came into his room and said to him, “Cornelius!”

Cornelius, a Roman Centurion and a member of a unit called the Italian Cohort, lived in Caesarea. Cornelius was an outsider, but he was a devout man—a God-fearing fellow with a God-fearing family. He consistently and generously gave to the poor, and he practiced constant prayer to God. About three o’clock one afternoon, he had a vision of a messenger of God.

Messenger of God: Cornelius! [Kukis: the note above transitions the reader from chapter 9 to chapter 10.]

Bible Translations with a Lot of Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Cornelius Has a Vision

Now there was a certain man in Caesarea named [Literally “by name”] Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Cohort, devout and fearing God together with all his household, doing many charitable deeds for the people and praying to God continually. [Literally “through everything”] About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, “Cornelius..

NET Bible®                             Peter Visits Cornelius

Now there was a man in Caesarea¹ named Cornelius, a centurion² of what was known as the Italian Cohort.³ He⁴ was a devout, God-fearing man,⁵ as was all his household; he did many acts of charity for the people⁶ and prayed to God regularly. About three o’clock one afternoon⁷ he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God⁸ who came in⁹ and said to him, “Cornelius.”

^1sn Caesarea was a city on the coast of Palestine south of Mount Carmel (not Caesarea Philippi). It was known as “Caesarea by the sea” (BDAG 499 s.v. Καισάρεια 2). Largely Gentile, it was a center of Roman administration and the location of many of Herod the Great’s building projects (Josephus, Ant. 15.9.6 [15.331-341]).

^map For location see Map2-C1; Map4-B3; Map5-F2; Map7-A1; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.

^2sn A centurion was a noncommissioned officer in the Roman army or one of the auxiliary territorial armies, commanding a centuria of (nominally) 100 men. The responsibilities of centurions were broadly similar to modern junior officers, but there was a wide gap in social status between them and officers, and relatively few were promoted beyond the rank of senior centurion. The Roman troops stationed in Judea were auxiliaries, who would normally be rewarded with Roman citizenship after 25 years of service. Some of the centurions may have served originally in the Roman legions (regular army) and thus gained their citizenship at enlistment. Others may have inherited it, like Paul.

^3sn A cohort was a Roman military unit of about 600 soldiers, one-tenth of a legion (BDAG 936 s.v. σπε ρα). The Italian Cohort has been identified as cohors II Italica which is known to have been stationed in Syria in a.d. 88.

^4tn In the Greek text this represents a continuation of the previous sentence. Because of the tendency of contemporary English to use shorter sentences, a new sentence was begun here in the translation.

^5sn The description of Cornelius as a devout, God-fearing man probably means that he belonged to the category called “God-fearers,” Gentiles who worshiped the God of Israel and in many cases kept the Mosaic law, but did not take the final step of circumcision necessary to become a proselyte to Judaism. See further K. G. Kuhn, TDNT 6:732-34, 43-44, and Sir 11:17; 27:11; 39:27.

^6tn Or “gave many gifts to the poor.” This was known as “giving alms,” or acts of mercy (Sir 7:10; BDAG 315-16 s.v. ἐλεημοσύνη).

^7tn Grk “at about the ninth hour of the day.” This would be the time for afternoon prayer.

^8tn Or “the angel of God.” Linguistically, “angel of God” is the same in both testaments (and thus, he is either “an angel of God” or “the angel of God” in both testaments). For arguments and implications, see ExSyn 252; M. J. Davidson, “Angels,” DJG, 9; W. G. MacDonald argues for “an angel” in both testaments: “Christology and ‘The Angel of the Lord’,” Current Issues in Biblical and Patristic Interpretation, 324-35.

^9tn The participles εἰσελθόντα (eiselqonta) and εἰπόντα (eiponta) are accusative, and thus best taken as adjectival participles modifying ἄγγελον (angelon): “an angel who came in and said.”

The Spoken English NT         The Spirit Draws Peter Together with Cornelius-A Gentile
There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius.^a He was a Roman officer^b from what was called “the Italian Regiment.”

He was very devout towards God,^c along with his whole family.^d He used to do lots of things to help poor people,^e and he prayed to God all the time.^f

In a vision, at about three o’clock one afternoon, he clearly saw an angel of God coming to him. The angel said to him, “Cornelius!”

^a.Prn. kor-nee-lee-us.

^b.He’s a centurion, captain of a hundred soldiers.

^c.Lit. “devout and revering God.”

^d.Lit. “household.”

^e.Lit. “He was doing lots of acts of mercy for the [Jewish] people.” “Acts of mercy” refers specifically to charitable gifts and assistance for the poor.

^f.Or “in all circumstances.”

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     The case of Cornelius
Now there was a certain man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, devout and fearing God with all his household, both giving alms generously to the people and praying to God about everything.¹ About the ninth hour of the day,² in a vision, he saw clearly an angel of God entering his presence and saying to him, “Cornelius!”

(1) How about us; do we pray to God about everything?

(2) That would be 3 p.m. in Hebrew time, one of the Jewish hours of prayer.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

Analytical-Literal Translation  Now [there] was a certain man in Caesarea, by name Cornelius, a centurion of a garrison [of soldiers], the one being called Italian [fig., a captain of the Italian Regiment], devout and fearing God [i.e. a worshipper of the one true God, but not a full convert to Judaism, also called "God-worshiping"] together with all his house, and doing [or, giving] many charitable gifts to the people and imploring God through all [fig. continually]. About [the] ninth hour of the day [i.e. 3:00 p.m.] he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God having come to him and having said to him, "Cornelius!"

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Now, there was a certain man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion from the cohort [about 600 soldiers] called Italica,

A devout [godly] man and one who respects [fears] God [proselyte of the gate] together with his entire household, who continues to provide an abundance of charity to the people and who offer prayers to God continually.

He saw in a vision, clearly, sometime around the ninth hour [about 3:00 PM], an angel of the Lord, who came face-to-face to him and said to him: “Cornelius.”

Charles Thomson NT             Now there was at Caesarea a certain man named Cornelius, a centurion of that called the Italian cohort.

He was pious, and feared God with all his household, and did many acts of benevolence to the people, and prayed to God continually.

About the ninth hour of the day, he saw plainly in a vision, an angel of God coming in to him and saying to him, Cornelius!

Context Group Version          Now [there was] a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a captain from the Italian Regiment, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and implored God always. He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour {3: PM} of the day, a messenger of God coming in to him, and saying to him, Cornelius.

Legacy Standard Bible           Cornelius’ and Peter’s Visions

Now there was a man at Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort [Normally 600 men (the number varied); or battalion], a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms [Or gifts of charity] to the people and prayed to God continually. About the [c]ninth hour [3 p.m.] of the day he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had come in and said to him, “Cornelius!”

Literal Standard Version        And there was a certain man in Caesarea, by name Cornelius, a centurion from a cohort that is called Italian, pious, and fearing God with all his house, also doing many kind acts to the people, and always imploring God, he saw in a vision openly, as it were the ninth hour of the day, a messenger of God coming in to him, and saying to him, “Cornelius”; and he having looked earnestly on him, and becoming afraid, said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your kind acts came up for a memorial before God, and now send men to Joppa, and send for a certain one Simon, who is surnamed Peter, this one lodges with a certain Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea; this one will speak to you what you must do.” Vv. 4–6 are included for context.

Modern Literal Version 2020  {40 AD. Caesarea.}

Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion out-of what is called the Italian cohort {600 soldiers}, a devout man, who fears God together-with all his house and doing* many charities for the people and always beseeching God. He saw openly in a vision, at approximately the ninth hour {i.e. 3:00 PM} of the day, a messenger of God who entered to him and said to him, Cornelius.

Modern KJV                           And a certain man named Cornelius was in Caesarea, a centurion of the Italian cohort, one devout and fearing God, with all his household, both doing many merciful deeds to the people, and praying continually to God.

About the ninth hour of the day he saw plainly in a vision an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, Cornelius!

New King James Version       Cornelius Sends a Delegation

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, [Cohort] a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms [charitable gifts] generously to the people, and prayed to God always. About [c]the ninth hour [3 p.m.] of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”

New Matthew Bible                There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a captain of the soldiers of Italy, a devout man, and one who feared God with all his household. He gave many alms to the people, and prayed to God always. The same man saw in a vision clearly, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him and saying to him, Cornelius!

Niobi Study Bible                   No Distinction Between Jew and Greek

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian Band, a devout man and one who feared God with all his house, who gave many alms to the people and prayed to God always.

Cornelius Sends a Delegation

He saw in a vision clearly, about the ninth hour (about 3:00 p.m.) of the day, an angel of God coming in to him and saying unto him, "Cornelius!"

The gist of this passage: 

1-3

Translation: [There was] a certain man in Caesarea,...

vv. 1–2 is a very long runon sentence (in the English). I have inserted a few words in order to convert it to several sentences.

At this point, we are dealing specifically with a gentile man.

The city of Caesarea was built by Herod the Great, one of the great builders of the century before Christ. This was a harbor city where Herod was told that he would be unable to build a harbor. This became one of the great cities of the ancient world.

Translation: ...named Cornelius,...

This is a Latin name, having no racial connection to Jewish people.

Key to this chapter is Peter evangelizing and then ministering to gentiles.

Translation: ...[who was] a centurion from a regiment, the one called Italian.

This centurion was the leader of a 100 men who had a specific name, interestingly enough, the word used here is transliterated to Italian. Most agree that we are talking about a force of 600 men.

The Bible throughout treats military men with great respect. Obviously, the relationship of the man to God is what is key and fundamental.

Acts 10:1 [There was] a certain man in Caesarea, named Cornelius, [who was] a centurion from a regiment, the one called Italian. (Kukis mostly literal translation)