Acts 10:2

εὐσεβής, a devout man, i.e. he was a worshipper of the true God, but had not joined himself to the Jews in the observance of the Law. The language of St Peter in Acts 10:28 shews us that he was not a proselyte. It is noteworthy that wherever in the N.T. we find mention made of Roman centurions they appear to have been good men, Matthew 8:5; Luke 7:2; Luke 23:47.

σὺν παντὶ τῷ οἴκῳ αὐτοῦ, with all his house. The earnestness of his devotion to God is evidenced by the character of his household. (Cf. Abraham’s character, Genesis 18:19.) If his family be here meant, he had instructed them in the worship of God, and had provided that those who attended on him should also be of the same character. The soldier, whom he sends to Peter, is called εὐσεβής likewise. Chrysostom says here ἀκούσωμεν ὅσοι τῶν οἰκείων�.

τῷ λαῷ, to the people. This must mean the Jewish people among whom he was stationed. So of the centurion mentioned Luke 7:5 it is said by the Jews ‘He loveth our nation and hath built us a synagogue.’

δεόμενος τοῦ θεοῦ διαπαντός, praying to God always. This devotional habit of the centurion is manifested through the whole narrative. See especially Acts 10:30.