Acts 10:44-47

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 10:44-48

We have here the issue and effect of Peter's sermon to Cornelius and his friends. He did not labour in vain among them, but they were all brought home to Christ. Here we have, I. God's owning Peter's word, by conferring the Holy Ghost upon the hearers of it, and immediately upon the hearing of it (Acts 10:44): While Peter was yet speaking these words, and perhaps designed to say more, he was happily superseded by visible indications that the Holy Ghost, even in his miraculous gifts and powers,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 10:44-48

10:44-48 When Peter was still saying these things the Holy Spirit fell upon those who were listening to his word. All the Jewish believers who had come with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles too, for they heard them speaking with tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone stop water being brought? Can anyone stop those who have received the Holy Spirit, as we too received him, from being baptized?" And he ordered them to be... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 10:44

While Peter yet spake these words ,.... As he was thus discoursing concerning Christ, his person, his miracles, his death and resurrection, and the efficacy of his blood for pardon, before he had done speaking, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word . This is not to be understood of the operations of the Spirit of God upon the souls of men, under the ministry of the word; though true it is, that the Spirit of God attends the preaching of thee Gospel, and not only qualifies... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 10:45

And they of the circumcision which believed ,.... Or "of the Jews that believed", as the Ethiopic version renders it; the circumcised Jews who believed in Jesus Christ: were astonished, as many as came with Peter ; who were six brethren, as appears from Acts 11:12 these were amazed, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out of the gift of the Holy Ghost ; which they before thought was peculiar to the Jews; and this was according to their former notions, and the sentiments of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 10:46

For they heard them speak with tongues ,.... With divers tongues, which they had never learned, and before did not understand: and magnify God; they spoke of the wonderful works of God in these languages, as the apostles did at Pentecost, Acts 2:11 they spoke greatly in the praise of God, and gave thanks for his rich grace and mercy bestowed on them: then answered Peter ; as follows. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 10:47

Can any man forbid water ,.... The use of his river, or bath, or what conveniency he may have for baptizing persons: which shows, that it required a place of some quantity of water, sufficient for baptism by immersion, otherwise it would not be in the power of any man to hinder them having a little water, to be sprinkled or poured on the face: unless rather by water should be meant baptism itself; and then the sense is, who can forbid these persons the ordinance of baptism, or deny the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 10:44

While Peter yet spake - It in not very likely that the words recorded by St. Luke are all that the apostle spoke on this occasion; but, while he continued to discourse with them on this subject, the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the word; and his descent was known by their being enabled to speak with different kinds of tongues. In what manner this gift was bestowed we cannot tell; probably it was in the same way in which it had been given on the day of pentecost; for as they spake... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 10:45

They of the circumcision - were astonished - Because it was a maxim with them that the Shechinah or Divine influence could not be revealed to any person who dwelt beyond the precincts of the promised land. Nor did any of them believe that the Divine Spirit could be communicated to any Gentile. It is no wonder, therefore, that they were amazed when they saw the Spirit of God so liberally given as it was on this occasion. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 10:46

And magnify God - They had got new hearts as well as new tongues; and, having believed with the heart unto righteousness, their tongues made confession unto salvation; and God was magnified for the mercy which he had imparted. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 10:47

Can any man forbid water - These had evidently received the Holy Ghost, and consequently were become members of the mystical body of Christ; and yet St. Peter requires that they shall receive baptism by water, that they might become members of the Christian Church. In other cases, they received baptism first, and the Spirit afterwards by the imposition of hands: see Acts 19:4-6 , where the disciples who had received only the baptism of John were baptized again with water in the name of the... read more

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