Acts 10:44-48·~1 min

The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit

While Peter is still speaking, the Holy Spirit falls on all who hear, and the circumcised believers with Peter are astonished that the gift has been poured out even on Gentiles. They hear them speaking in tongues and exalting God.

W⁴⁴hile Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. ⁴⁵All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. ⁴⁶For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God.

Peter asks whether anyone can withhold baptismal water from people who have received the Holy Spirit just as they have, and he orders them baptized in Jesus Christ's name. Afterward they ask him to stay for a few days.

⁴⁷Then Peter said, “Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!” ⁴⁸So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.

Section summaryWhile Peter is still speaking, the Holy Spirit falls on everyone hearing the message, and the Jewish believers who came with him are astonished that the gift is poured out even on Gentiles. Hearing them speak in tongues and magnify God, Peter orders them baptized in Jesus Christ's name, and then remains with them for several days.

Role in the chapterThis closing movement gives visible confirmation to everything the chapter has been preparing. The Spirit arrives before any barrier can be re-raised, and baptism follows the gift already given.