Thy prayer is heard - See the note on Acts 10:4. Cornelius prayed, fasted, and gave alms. It was in this way he looked for salvation; not to purchase it: a thought of this kind does not appear to have entered into his mind; but these were the means he used to get his soul brought to the knowledge of the truth. The reader must recollect that in the case of Cornelius there was no open vision; he used the light and power which God had already given; and behold how mightily God increased his gifts! He that hath, i.e., that uses what he has, shall receive; and no man can expect any increase of light or life, who does not improve the grace already given.

And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard,.... What he was now particularly making to God, as well as others he had before put up to him:

and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God; See Gill on Acts 10:4.

Said (φησι)

Rev., saith. The historical present, giving vividness to the narrative.

{4} And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

(4) Cornelius' faith demonstrated itself by prayer and charity.

10:31 Thy prayer is heard - Doubtless he had been praying for instruction, how to worship God in the most acceptable manner.

10:19-33 When we see our call clear to any service, we should not be perplexed with doubts and scruples arising from prejudices or former ideas. Cornelius had called together his friends, to partake with him of the heavenly wisdom he expected from Peter. We should not covet to eat our spiritual morsels alone. It ought to be both given and taken as kindness and respect to our kindred and friends, to invite them to join us in religious exercises. Cornelius declared the direction God gave him to send for Peter. We are right in our aims in attending a gospel ministry, when we do it with regard to the Divine appointment requiring us to make use of that ordinance. How seldom ministers are called to speak to such companies, however small, in which it may be said that they are all present in the sight of God, to hear all things that are commanded of God! But these were ready to hear what Peter was commanded of God to say.