Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 10:44
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
The Holy Ghost fell … – Endowing them with the power of speaking with other tongues, Act 10:46. Of this the apostle Peter makes much in his argument in Act 11:17. By this, God showed that the Gentiles were to be admitted to the same privileges with the Jews, and to the blessings of salvation in the same manner. Compare Act 2:1-4.
Which heard the word – The Word of God; the message of the gospel.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Act 10:44-48
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word.
Peters preaching
I. The effects of Peters preaching. It–
1. Converted Gentiles. Peter preached the gospel (Act 10:34-43). And the gospel thus proclaimed is never in vain. Mans oratory may please the ear: it is the Word of God, applied by the Holy Spirit, which alone can convert the heart. God often works suddenly and unexpectedly. A thoughtless sinner enters a church, pays no attention; but all at once some word strikes his ear. It is an arrow from the Divine quiver. He quits the Church converted. It was thus with this congregation. While Peter yet spake, intending, probably, to say much more, the Holy Ghost fell–just as while Ezekiel was prophesying the dry bones moved.
2. Astonished Jews (verses 45, 46).
(1) The proof that Peters preaching was owned of God, was the gift of the Holy Ghost. The converts spake with tongues, and thereby showed their qualifications and willingness to go as missionaries in foreign lands, and at once used their tongues to magnify God. And this is ever the effect. Whether the convert speaks in his own or foreign language, he will glorify God by telling others of Christs pardoning love and redeeming grace.
(2) The astonishment of the six Jewish disciples who had come from Joppa with Peter arose from prejudice. It probably gave them some uneasiness, because that upon the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. They conceived that these blessings belonged exclusively to their own nation. Had they understood their Scriptures, they would have known that this event had been long ago predicted. Beware, therefore, not only of prejudice, but also of ignorance of the Scriptures. How many are being carried away by all kinds of delusions from this neglect of the Word of God! Some are settling down in a dependence upon the outward ceremonies of religion, because forgetful that a man may have the form of godliness without its power. Some are trying to combine the love of the world with the service of Christ, forgetful that No man can serve two masters. Some are panic struck at the existence of infidelity, forgetful that In the last days scoffers shall arise.
II. Peters acknowledgment of the holy spirits work (verses 47, 48). This inquiry of Peter shows us–
1. How unsound are the views of the Society of Friends, who affirm that the baptism of water is unnecessary, if we have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We must never forget, however, that it is an ordinance of Christ. We admit that, like the thief upon the Cross, a believer may enter Paradise without baptism; still, our Lords own words are–that he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. The same remarks apply to the other sacrament. Many approach those emblems with devout joy and gratitude and experience the richest blessing. But others turn their backs upon that precious ordinance, which was appointed by none other than our Lord Himself.
2. How erroneous are the views of those who hold that baptism is invariably accompanied by the gift of the Holy Ghost. These converts received the Holy Ghost first, and were baptized afterwards. It was with them as it was with Abraham. Abraham first believed and then was circumcised. And our Church says that before an adult is baptized he must have repentance and faith; both which are the fruits of the Spirit working in the soul. These we could not have as infants; bat we must have them now, otherwise our infant baptism is a delusion. How wrong, therefore, is it to speak of regeneration accompanying, by necessity, infant baptism! Jewish children, at eight days old, were admitted into covenant by circumcision; and we conclude that the children of Christian parents should be brought into the Christian covenant by the rite of baptism: but then, to dogmatise upon the effects of infant baptism is to dogmatise where the Word of God is totally silent.
3. How wrong they are who exalt baptism at the expense of preaching. Peter felt (as Paul) that his grand commission was not so much to baptize as to preach the gospel; for he commanded them to be baptized.
III. The anxiety of the converted soul for spiritual instruction (verse 48). Peter, in another place, describes believers as newborn babes, desiring the sincere milk of the Word, that they might grow thereby. These converts gathered themselves together, as in the presence of God, to hear Peter preach; and after they had received saving instruction, by the blessing of the Holy Ghost, they were anxious to obtain further benefit from Peters ministry. Learn that those of you who have received the Holy Ghost need the further ministry of the Word. It is a sure proof that there is spiritual good going forward when we perceive this thirst for larger acquaintance with the love and the work of the Saviour. (C. Clayton, M. A.)
The direct results of Peters sermon
I. The effusion of the holy spirit.
1. It came to those who heard the Word. The gospel is the channel through which the Holy Spirit in His regenerating influences flows into the soul; the chariot on which the Divine Conqueror goes forth to crush the souls enemies, and to bring it forth to freedom, light, and glory. True, He works through all nature for various purposes, but for salvation He works through the Word.
2. It produced miraculous as well as moral effects. The recipients spoke with tongues. In what language they expressed their gratitude we are not told. Now as at Pentecost new thoughts and emotions require a new dialect. Change the thoughts and feelings of the world and you will change its language.
II. The administration of baptism (verse 47). From this we conclude that baptism is–
1. A symbol of the Spirits action on the soul; not only perhaps in His cleansing influence, but in the mode of communication–poured out.
2. A ceremony of easy observance, Can any forbid water? which implies–
(1) That the water was in the house.
(2) That water could be brought. Christianity is an universal system, and any ordinance that cannot be attended to anywhere and always has no vital connection with it.
3. A service of subordinate importance. Peter does not baptize; He has a higher work. Christ baptized not (Joh 4:3), and Paul said, Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel. (D. Thomas, D. D.)
Preaching and success
How comes it, demanded a bishop of Garrick, that I, in expounding Divine doctrines, produced so little effect upon my congregation, while you can so easily rouse the passions of your auditors by the representation of fiction? The answer was short and pithy–Because I recite falsehoods as if they were true, while you deliver truths as if they were fiction. (Clerical Anecdotes.)
The Holy Ghost given
There are two things we may notice concerning Peters discourse–
I. The important topics it embraced. While Peter spake these words. What words? Christ was the theme of this sermon; and is the grand subject of our ministrations. We tell you of Him, in the dignity of His person, the perfection of His character, the fulness of His grace, and the suitableness of His salvation. In Peters address there are five things he mentions respecting Christ.
1. His mediatorial qualifications (verse 38; see also Isa 61:1).
2. The activity of His life. Who went about doing good.
3. The fact of His death (verse 39).
4. The power of His resurrection (verse 40).
5. The extent of His dominion (verse 42).
II. The Divine Influence With Which It Was Accompanied.
1. Its import. The Holy Ghost fell on all, etc. There are three principal things He does: He–
(1) Enlightens the mind.
(2) Convinces the conscience.
(3) Sanctifies the soul.
2. Its objects. Those which heard the Word. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of the Lord.
3. Its extent. On all them that heard. What vast numbers were converted to God in the first ages of Christianity!
Two reflections naturally arise out of this subject–
1. The importance of the Christian ministry.
2. The necessity of the Spirits agency. (E. Temple.)
The descent of the Holy Ghost
I. Some circumstances that preceded this descent.
1. The time of the miracle–While Peter was speaking. The Holy Ghost cannot go at a slow pace; it is the devil in the serpent that creeps, but the Spirit as a dove flies. As regards the centurion we may say, When God teaches, how fast a godly man learns. Christ did His miracles in an instant. It is true that there is a growth in knowledge, and ignorance is overcome by degrees; but when the Holy Ghost takes a man into His school, He deals not with him as a painter who makes an eye, an ear, etc., and passes his pencil a hundred times over every muscle and hair, and in many sittings make up one man, but He deals as a printer that in one strain delivers a whole story. The time, then, was when Peter prepared by the Holy Ghost was to prepare others for the Holy Ghost. When he spoke, i.e.
2. Preached to them. For to him who has a spiritual taste no honey is so sweet as the Word of God preached according to His ordinance. If a man taste a little of this as Jonathan did, though he think his eyes enlightened, it may be to his death (1Sa 14:27). If a man read the Scriptures a little, superficially, he thinks he sees everything clear as the sun: but he may find wormwood in this honey, because he finds the wages of sin is death, and he will take no more of the honey, viz., that when a sinner repents he shall find mercy. As the Essential Word, the Son is Light of light, so is the written Word–one place takes light of another: and if thou wilt so read and hear that thine affections mislead thee; if thou hear sermons so that thou art glad when sins are rebuked that thou art free from, and art deaf when thine own sins are declaimed against, thou wilt take so little of this honey that Jonathans case will be thine. The Scriptures are made to agree with one another, but not to agree with thy particular humour. But yet the counsel is good on the other side too (Pro 25:16). Content thyself with reading and hearing what is clear and profitable, and perplex not thyself with those things which God has not revealed.
3. Whilst he yet spake. The Spirit did not leave them to future meditations, but spoke at once to their consciences. As a gardener takes every bough, and places it against a wall where it will produce most fruit, so the Holy Ghost places the words of the preacher, one upon an usurer, another on an adulterer, another on an ambitious person, another on a briber, when the preacher knows of none of these.
4. Nay, it is not only whilst he was yet speaking, but as St. Peter says in the next chapter, As I began to speak. It was then when, whilst, and as soon as, he preached; but Peter had some preparation as we know from the vision, and with the subject of his preaching he was well acquainted (verse 43). So while his manner was extemporal, his matter was prepared.
II. The descent itself.
1. The Person who fell. As the Trinity is the most mysterious part of our religion, so in the Trinity the Holy Ghost is the most mysterious Person. But these mysteries are not to be chewed by reason, but to be swallowed by faith. We professed the three Persons in one God at our baptism, and have sealed that contract in the other sacrament: and this is bur eternal life. There is a Holy Ghost, and He falls down on those who hear the Word.
2. It is as wonderful that He should fall down from heaven and yet be in heaven. How art thou fallen (Isa 14:12) was asked of a being who should never return. But the Spirit fell so from, that He remained in heaven. This Dove did more than that which was sent from the ark (Gen 8:7).
3. But there is more than a descent, even an earnest communication, a throwing, a pouring out of Himself. He falls as waters that cover that it falls on, as an army which conquers and governs that on which it falls. But He falls otherwise on the ungodly; on him He falls like hail, and leaves him in impenitence because be hath despised the Holy Ghost. But when the Spirit puts on the nature of a dove, and a dove with an olive branch, and that in the ark–i.e., testimonies of our peace and reconciliation with God, in His Church–He falls as that kind of lightning which melts swords and hurts not scabbards–He shall melt thy soul, and not hurt thy body.
4. Further, this falling of the Holy Ghost was not such an insinuation that He conveyed Himself into these particular men for their salvation, but such a powerful and diffusive falling as made them work for others. A great doubt was removed by them whether it were lawful to receive Gentiles. So this falling was not an infusion of justifying grace merely, but also such an infusion of gifts as might edify others. Good hearers, then, became good preachers. (J. Donne, D. D.)
The outpouring of the Spirit
I. What it is. The Holy Ghost fell, i.e., descended–
1. As lightning, flashing conviction suddenly, startlingly, effectually.
2. As rain, gentle, refreshing, fertilising.
3. As cataracts and water floods, destroying and bearing away all obstacles.
4. As fire consuming stubble, purifying dross, and turning the true metal into its own nature. The Holy Spirit thus convinces of sin, prepares the heart for the Word, vanquishes unbelief and self-will, consumes sin and inspires enthusiasm.
II. What it accompanies. The preaching of the Word. While Peter yet spake.
1. The Spirit honours the instrument of His own making. Holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and what they said He reinspires, and makes the gospel the power of God unto salvation. Sometimes He works directly, sometimes with other instruments–prosperity or adversity, sickness or restoration, the commonplace or extraordinary events of life, life or death, for the wind bloweth where it listeth; but usually it is by the Word.
2. Let men not dishonour this instrument.
(1) The tendency is to disparage preaching and exalt devotion, but without preaching there will be few converted worshippers, although there may be many who draw near with their lips whose hearts are far from God.
(2) If preaching is to be tolerated it must be short. But this usually comes from people who can sit out three hours at a concert or a play, whereas they tire with half an hour of the words of eternal life.
3. The preachers duty is to declare the whole counsel of God, whether men will hear or not. But let him so preach as to win the ear; then he may expect the same results as Peter had. My Word shall not return unto Me void.
III. With what it is followed.
1. On the part of the beholders–astonishment.
(1) It was astonishing in itself. It ought not to have been in the case before us, for we have the record of three similar manifestations, of which these spectators must have heard from Peter, if they were not actual witnesses. Let us not blame them, for nothing would surprise an average church today more than a revival, although we have heard with our ears and our fathers have told us, etc.
(2) It was astonishing in the subjects of it. Yet it ought not to have been, for it had been clearly predicted, as Peter announced at Pentecost. But we must not judge them harshly, for the Church today, with a wider knowledge, throws up its hands in wonder at the conversion of any one of more than ordinary depravity.
2. On the part of the subjects.
(1) Testimony. They spoke with tongues–miraculously endowed in this case. But when the Spirit comes, does He sanctify the heart and not the tongue? Our modern proprieties permit the use of every other instrument, but lay an embargo on the tongue. But the Scripture saith, Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
(2) Praise. They magnified God the Author of this good and perfect gift. If conversion does not lead to rapturous thankfulness, it may well be suspected.
(3) Baptism–obedience to Christs particular requirement, and involving all else in the way of duty.
3. On the part of Peter–
(1) Continuous instruction (verse 48).
(2) Vigorous defence of his policy (Act 11:1-18). (J. W. Burn.)
Holy Spirit: His workings inscrutable
What is the doctrine of the Holy Spirit? It is the doctrine of the interworking of the Spirit of God upon the souls of men. I have no philosophy about it. All I say is this–that God knows what is the secret way in which mind reaches mind: I do not; you do not. I do not know why words on my tongue wake up thoughts corresponding to those words in you. I do not know why the soul of man, like a complex instrument of wondrous scope, is played upon by my words, so that there are waked up in it notes along the whole scale of being. I do not understand why these things are so; but, unquestionably, they are so. I do not know how the mother pours her affection on the childs heart; but she does. Two stars never shone into each other as two loving souls shine into each other. I know it is so; but I do not know why it is so. I do not know how soul touches soul, how thought touches thought, or how feeling touches feeling; but I know it does. (H. W. Beecher.)
The Holy Spirit needed for effective preaching
Mental power may fill a chapel; but spiritual power fills the Church. Mental power may gather a congregation; spiritual power will save souls. We want spiritual power. We know some ministers before whom we shrink into nothing as to talent, but who have no spiritual power, and when they speak they have not the Holy Spirit with them; but we know others, simple-hearted, worthy men, who speak their country dialect, and who stand up to preach in their humble sanctuary, and the Spirit of God clothes every word with power; hearts are broken, souls are saved, and sinners are born again. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
The Holy Spirit needed for regeneration
It may be that during a sermon two men are listening to the same truth; one of them hears as attentively as the other, and remembers as much of it; the other is melted to tears or moved to solemn thoughts; but the one sees nothing in the sermon, except certain important truths well set forth; as for the other, his heart is broken within him and his soul is melted. How is this? I reply, because the mysterious Spirit of the living God goes with the truth to one heart and not to the other. Yonder sinner only feels the force of truth, and that may be strong enough to make him tremble, like Felix; but this man feels the Spirit going with the truth, the Spirit causes him to pass into the state of salvation. This change takes place instantaneously. It is as miraculous a change as any miracle of which we read in Scripture. It may be mimicked, but no imitation of it can be true and real. Men may pretend to be regenerated without the Spirit, but regenerated they cannot be. It is a change so marvellous that the highest attempts of man can never reach it. We may reason as long as we please, but we cannot reason ourselves into regeneration; we may meditate till our hairs are grey with study, but we cannot meditate ourselves into the new birth. This is worked in us by the sovereign will of God alone. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Holy Spirit needed to make ordinances effectual
In vain do the inhabitants of London go to their conduits for supply unless the man who has the master key turns the water on; and in vain do we think to quench our thirst at ordinances, unless God communicates the living water of His Spirit. (H. G. Salter.)
.
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 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 with tongues, which was the effect of the descent of the Spirit as flaming tongues on the heads of the disciples on the day of pentecost, it is very likely that the same appearance now took place.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
While Peter yet spake these words, that God might miraculously show his approbation of what Peter had said, and to assure Peter of the real conversion of these Gentiles, which all the Jews did make such a difficulty to believe,
the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word; such fiery tongues in a visible shape as had appeared unto the apostles, Act 2:3, whereby the inward powerful effects of the Spirit upon their hearts was signified. What wonderful efferts had this short sermon! And doubtless, were practisers but as sincere, and hearers as intent, these days, as then, we should find that the hand of the Lord is not shortened.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
44, 45. While Peter yet spake . . .the Holy Ghost fellby visible and audible manifestation (Ac10:46).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
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 men for it, and assists them in it, but makes it effectual to many that hear it: hearers of the word lie in the way of the gracious operations of the Spirit; and the gifts and graces of the Spirit are given to persons, or the Spirit falls upon them under such means: which may denote the original of the grace of the Spirit, it falls down from above, from heaven; the freeness of it, it is bestowed on whom he pleases, under the same ministry; the suddenness of it, it comes at once, unthought of, and undesired, as well as undeserved; the power and efficacy of it, it falls with weight, it melts the heart, and converts the sinner; and the plenty of it, it falls in abundance, it is exceeding abundant with faith and love; and the permanency of it, it continues where it falls, and is a well of living water springing up unto everlasting life: and also the invisibility of it unto others. But this is not here intended, at least it is not only designed; for though the Spirit of God, in the operations of his grace, might fall upon them that heard the word, whereby they were regenerated, converted, and sanctified, and so became proper subjects for baptism; yet also the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit came upon them, as they were hearing; not upon the men, the believing Jews, that came along with Peter; but upon Cornelius and his family, and upon all his relations and friends, who came together to hear the word at his invitation, and now were hearing it; and as they were, the Holy Ghost, in his miraculous gifts of speaking with divers tongues, fell upon them in a visible form, as upon the apostles on the day of Pentecost; for that it was in the same way seems probable from Ac 11:15. These extraordinary gifts of the Spirit were necessary at the first preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles, for the confirmation of it: as well as for the further confirmation of Peter, that he was right in so doing; as also for the sake of the believing Jews he brought along with him.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
| The Effect of Peter’s Sermon. |
| |
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
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 (v. 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, fell on all those who heard the word, even as he did on the apostles at first; so Peter saith, ch. xi. 15. Therefore some think it was with a rushing mighty wind, and in cloven tongues, as that was. Observe, 1. When the Holy Ghost fell upon them–while Peter was preaching. Thus God bore witness to what he said, and accompanied it with a divine power. Thus were the signs of an apostle wrought among them, 2 Cor. xii. 12. Though Peter could not give the Holy Ghost, yet the Holy Ghost being given along with the word of Peter, by this it appeared he was sent of God. The Holy Ghost fell upon others after they were baptized, for their confirmation; but upon these Gentiles before they were baptized: as Abraham was justified by faith, being yet in uncircumcision, to show that God is not tied to a method, nor confines himself to external signs. The Holy Ghost fell upon those that were neither circumcised nor baptized; for it is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing. 2. How it appeared that the Holy Ghost had fallen upon them (v. 46): They spoke with tongues which they never learned, perhaps the Hebrew, the holy tongue; as the preachers were enabled to speak the vulgar tongues, that they might communicate the doctrine of Christ to the hearers, so, probably, the hearers were immediately taught the sacred tongue, that they might examine the proofs which the preachers produced out of the Old Testament in the original. Or their being enabled to speak with tongues intimated that they were all designed for ministers, and by this first descent of the Spirit upon them were qualified to preach the gospel to others, which they did but now receive themselves. But, observe, when they spoke with tongues, they magnified God, they spoke of Christ and the benefits of redemption, which Peter had been preaching to the glory of God. Thus did they on whom the Holy Ghost first descended, ch. ii. 11. Note, Whatever gift we are endued with, we ought to honour God with it, and particularly the gift of speaking, and all the improvements of it. 3. What impression it made upon the believing Jews that were present (v. 45): Those of the circumcision who believed were astonished–those six that came along with Peter; it surprised them exceedingly, and perhaps gave them some uneasiness, because upon the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost, which they thought had been appropriated to their own nation. Had they understood the scriptures of the Old Testament, which pointed at this, it would not have been such an astonishment to them; but by our mistaken notions of things we create difficulties to ourselves in the methods of divine providence and grace.
II. Peter’s owning God’s work in baptizing those on whom the Holy Ghost fell. Observe, 1. Though they had received the Holy Ghost, yet it was requisite they should be baptized; though God is not tied to instituted ordinances, we are; and no extraordinary gifts set us above them, but rather oblige us so much the more to conform to them. Some in our days would have argued “These are baptized with the Holy Ghost and therefore what need have they to be baptized with water? It is below them.” No; it is not below them, while water-baptism is an ordinance of Christ, and the door of admission into the visible church, and a seal of the new covenant. 2. Though they were Gentiles, yet, having received the Holy Ghost, they might be admitted to baptism (v. 47): Can any man, though ever so rigid a Jew, forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? The argument is conclusive; can we deny the sign to those who have received the thing signified? Are not those on whom God has bestowed the grace of the covenant plainly entitled to the seals of the covenant? Surely those that have received the Spirit as well as we ought to receive baptism as well as we; for it becomes us to follow God’s indications, and to take those into communion with us whom he hath taken into communion with himself. God hath promised to pour his Spirit upon the seed of the faithful, upon their offspring; and who then can forbid water, that they should not be baptized, who have received the promise of the Holy Ghost as well as we? Now it appears why the Spirit was given them before they were baptized–because otherwise Peter could not have persuaded himself to baptize them, any more than to have preached to them, if he had not been ordered to do it by a vision; at least he could not have avoided the censure of those of the circumcision that believed. Thus is there one unusual step of divine grace taken after another to bring the Gentiles into the church. How well is it for us that the grace of a good God is so much more extensive than the charity of some good men! 3. Peter did not baptize them himself, but commanded them to be baptized, v. 48. It is probable that some of the brethren who came with him did it by his order, and that he declined it for the same reason that Paul did–lest those that were baptized by him should think the better of themselves for it, or he should seem to have baptized in his own name, 1 Cor. i. 15. The apostles received the commission to go and disciple all nations by baptism. But is was to prayer and the ministry of the word that they were to give themselves. And Paul says that he was sent, not to baptize but to preach, which was the more noble and excellent work. The business of baptizing was therefore ordinarily devolved upon the inferior ministers; these acted by the orders of the apostles, who might therefore be said to do it. Qui per alterum facit, per seipsum facere dicitur–What a man does by another, he may be said to do by himself.
III. Their owning both Peter’s word and God’s work in their desire for further advantage by Peter’s ministry: They prayed him to tarry certain days. They could not press him to reside constantly among them–they knew that he had work to do in other places, and that for the present he was expected at Jerusalem; yet they were not willing he should go away immediately, but earnestly begged he would stay for some time among them, that they might be further instructed by him in the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Note, 1. Those who have some acquaintance with Christ cannot but covet more. 2. Even those that have received the Holy Ghost must see their need of the ministry of the word.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
While Peter yet spake ( ). Genitive absolute of present participle, still going on.
The Holy Ghost fell ( ). Second aorist active indicative of , old verb to fall upon, to recline, to come upon. Used of the Holy Spirit in Acts 8:16; Acts 10:44; Acts 11:15. It appears that Peter was interrupted in his sermon by this remarkable event. The Jews had received the Holy Spirit (2:4), the Samaritans (8:17), and now Gentiles. But on this occasion it was before baptism, as was apparently true in Paul’s case (9:17f.). In Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5 the hands of the apostles were also placed after baptism on those who received the Holy Spirit. Here it was unexpected by Peter and by Cornelius and was indubitable proof of the conversion of these Gentiles who had accepted Peter’s message and had believed on Jesus Christ as Saviour.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
The Holy Ghost fell. The only example of the bestowment of the Spirit before baptism.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
Gift of Holy Spirit to Gentiles, V. 44-48
1) “While Peter yet spake these words,” (eti lalountes tou Petrou ta hremata touta) “While Peter was still speaking these words,” that “whosoever believeth in Him,” trusted in Him, (Jesus) would receive remission of sins, from the judgement consequences of their sins, Rom 5:1; Rom 5:5; Eph 1:7; Eph 1:13.
2) “The Holy Ghost fell,” (epepesen to pneuma to hagion) “The Holy Ghost (Spirit) fell, came down upon,”
3) “On all them which heard the word,” (epi pantas tous akouontos ton logon) “Upon all those giving earnest attention to the discourse,” to the message of Peter; These were apparently all Gentiles of the centurion’s household, direct family, near relatives, intimate friends and part of the Italian band of soldiers over which he had charge, Act 10:7; Act 10:24; Act 10:27; Act 10:33.
It appears that all who heard, were convicted by the Spirit 11 who made known to them,” caused them to understand, then believed or trusted in Jesus, immediately, Pro 1:22-30; Joh 6:63, after which the gift (manifestation) of the Holy Spirit came upon them, as on Pentecost.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
44. And as Peter yet spake. God declareth now by a new miracle, that the doctrine of the gospel is common as well to the Gentiles as to the Jews. And this is an excellent seal of the calling of the Gentiles; because the Lord would never have vouchsafed to bestow upon the Gentiles the graces of his Spirit, unless it had been to declare that even they were adopted together into the society of the covenant. These gifts, mentioned by Luke, differ indeed from the grace of regeneration; and yet, undoubtedly, God did by this means seal both Peter’s doctrine, and also their faith and godliness which heard him. He saith that they were all endowed with the Spirit, like as we saw before, that they came all encouraged to learn and obey.
This visible sign representeth unto us, as it were in a table, what an effectual instrument of God’s power the preaching of the gospel is; for he poured out his Spirit as Peter spake, to the end he might show that he sendeth not teachers to that end, that they may beat the air with the vain sound of their voice, but that he may work mightily by their voice, and may quicken the same by the power of his Spirit, to the salvation of the godly. Thus doth Paul put the Galatians (Gal 3:2.) in mind, that they received the Holy Ghost by the hearing of faith; and in another place he saith that he is the minister of the Spirit, and not of the letter, (2Co 3:6.) The gift of the tongues, and other such like things, are ceased long ago in the Church; but the spirit of understanding and of regeneration is of force, and shall always be of force, which the Lord coupleth with the external preaching of the gospel, that he may keep us in reverence of his word, and may prevent the deadly dotings, wherein brain-sick fellows enwrap themselves, whilst that, forsaking the word, they invent an erroneous and wandering spirit. But it doth not, nor shall not, always so fall out, that all those which hear the word with their outward ears, do or shall also receive the Spirit; and the ministers do seldom light upon such hearers as Peter had, who are willing, with one consent, to follow God. Yet he bringeth to pass that all the elect feel in themselves the consent of the external word, and of the secret power of the Spirit.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(44) The Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.The words imply a sudden thrill of spiritual joy and elevation which showed itself, as it had done on the Day of Pentecost (see Note on Act. 2:4), in a burst of unpremeditated praise. Now, as then, the tongues manifested themselves, not as instruments of teaching, but in magnifying God. As there is no mention here of the utterance of praise being in any other language than those with which the speakers were familiar, there is no ground for assuming that this feature of the Pentecostal gift was reproduced, and the jubilant ecstatic praise which was the essence of that gift must be thought of as corresponding to the phenomena described in 1Co. 14:7-9.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
44. While Peter yet spake With a wonderful, immediate, and self-surrendering faith did these Gentiles embrace every word by Peter uttered, and every heart melted. At once, with a sudden, yet most acceptable abruptness, Peter’s words are interrupted by the rushing descent of the Holy Ghost upon all present. There is, as at Samaria and Ephesus, a pentecostal scene. (See note on Act 8:17.)
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word.’
We do not know whether Peter would then have appealed for them to respond for, before he could do so, the Holy Spirit fell ‘on those who heard the word’. As he proclaimed that, “through his name every one who believes on him shall receive remission of sins”, the hearts of the Gentiles responded as one, and the Holy Spirit fell on them. The experience was powerful and immediate. ‘On those who heard his words’ probably means the whole receptive company, not just the particular ones whose hearts responded, because in this company all were responsive. And this was made apparent in that they ‘spoke with tongues’ and ‘magnified God’. This parallels ‘spoke with tongues and prophesied’ in Act 19:6. That being so the magnifying of God would seem to have been in prophecy. This is confirmed by the fact that words spoken in an unknown tongue would not have had any specific meaning to those who heard them.
But these miraculous gifts stressed that these Gentiles were being received by God in the same way as the first believers had been. It is true that no mention is made here of whether the tongues were understood. But they may well have been, for this would probably be a multinational gathering, and other tongues which were understood by the hearers, as at Pentecost, would have sealed to watchers and recipients alike that God was welcoming people of all races on equal terms. When a phenomenon has been previously mentioned, and then it is again mentioned much more briefly in a similar context, we have a right to assume that it is similar in most respects to the first unless we are told otherwise. Ecstatic tongues coming from Gentiles might rather have put these Jews who heard them off and made them apprehensive. They would know of such ecstatic utterances in demon worship. But if these tongues were similar to those at Pentecost, and understood by some present, they would therefore be comforting. Whatever 1 Corinthians 12-14 speaks of comes much later and, as there they are clearly unknown tongues they do not necessarily relate to these occurrences in Acts, although they may.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
The effect of the sermon:
v. 44. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word.
v. 45. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
v. 46. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
v. 47. Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
v. 48. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. The Lord, in this instance, had evidently planned to give an unusual demonstration of His power. For as Peter was still uttering the last impressive words of his discourse, the Holy Spirit fell upon, and filled, all those that were listening to the preaching of the Word. They had been believers in the coming Messiah before, in the Christ that was to bring redemption to the Jews; they were now believers in the Christ that had died for them on Calvary, whose full salvation had been earned for them. And the Holy Spirit was imparted to them in extraordinary measure, in such a way, in fact, as to cause the greatest astonishment in all the Jews that were present, in Peter as well as in the members of the congregation at Joppa. Here they had visible evidence of the fact that the Gentiles were indeed acceptable to the Lord, for the Spirit even gave them the gift of tongues, thus enabling them to praise and magnify the God of their salvation in languages which had been unknown to them before that day. See chap. 11:17. It was not mere jubilant ecstatic praising of God which Luke here records, but a repetition of the Pentecost miracle, although probably not on so great a scale. Peter, at any rate, was fully convinced. He voiced his feelings in the emphatic rhetorical question: Surely no one present would want to hinder the water that these men might not be baptized! There could be no possible reason for refusing to accept these men into the Christian Church in whose case the Lord had so plainly indicated that the Gentiles also should find admission into the kingdom of Christ. All difference between Jews and Gentiles has been removed by the death of Jesus. Full salvation and all the gifts of the Holy Ghost are ready for all the world, for all that will but accept these blessings with the hand of faith. And so Peter, who, in this instance, did not baptize himself, now gave the order, entrusting its execution probably to Philip the Evangelist, whose labors extended to this city, that they should be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and thus be sealed with all the heavenly blessings which the Savior has gained and appropriates through the water of Baptism. No wonder that Cornelius and his friends, after this experience, earnestly begged Peter to remain with them a little longer, to spend some time with them, at least a number of days. They were anxious to hear more of the wonderful testimony concerning Jesus the Savior.
Summary
Peter, having been called to Caesarea by Cornelius and prepared for the visit by a special vision from heaven, preaches the Gospel to the Gentiles, who thereupon receive the Holy Ghost and are baptized.
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
Act 10:44. The Holy Ghost fell on all them, &c. Probably this effusion of the Holy Spirit was attended with a glory, as when it fell upon the apostles and their company on the famous day of Pentecost: and it is most likely, that a glory always attended the immediate effusion of the Spirit, from the day of Pentecost to the calling of the idolatrous Gentiles. Thus wasthe Spirit poured down upon Cornelius and his friends, as upon the apostles, and the hundred and twenty; and was not communicated by the laying on of the hands of the apostles, as it had been to the Jewish and Samaritan converts: and the reason why God communicated the Holy Spirit in this most honourable manner to the first fruits of the devout Gentiles, was to remove the prejudices of the Jewish Christians, and to make way for their cheerfully receiving the devout Gentiles into the Christian church, and to all its privileges. Dr. Lightfoot observes, that one important effect of this descent of the Holy Spirit upon them, was, that hereby they were enabled to understand the Hebrew language; and so had an opportunity of acquainting themselves with the prophesies of the Old Testament. See Act 10:46.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (45) And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. (46) For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, (47) Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? (48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Think, Reader, what blessed seasons those were, when God the Spirit sent his word, and owned that word, and crowned the labors of his servants in that word, with the graces of his holy unction! What refreshment must it have been, both to the Lord’s servants, and the Lord’s people, when while the one was speaking, the Holy Ghost was descending upon the other, and both enjoying the presence and grace of the Lord Jesus in the heart. Almighty Lord of thy Church! do thou in the present hour manifest, that both the work, and the glory is thine. And when thou art mercifully pleased to send thy word to thy people, or to bring thy people to thy word; grant that the glorious Gospel of the ever blessed God, may indeed be preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven! 1Pe 1:12 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Ver. 44. While Peter spake; &c. ] As manna descended in the dew, so doth the Holy Ghost in and by the preaching of the word, Gal 3:2 ; Isa 30:20-21 .
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
44 .] Peter had spoken up to this point: and was probably proceeding (cf. , ch. Act 11:15 ) to include his present hearers and all nations in the number to whom this blessing was laid open, or perhaps beyond this point his own mind may as yet have been not sufficiently enlightened to set forth the full liberty of the Gospel of Christ, when the fire of the Lord fell, approving the sacrifice of the Gentiles (see Rom 15:16 ): conferring on them the substance before the symbol , the baptism with the Holy Ghost before the baptism with water: and teaching us, that as the Holy Spirit dispensed once and for all with the necessity of circumcision in the flesh, so can He also, when it pleases him, with the necessity of water baptism: and warning the Christian church not to put baptism itself in the place which circumcision once held. See further in note on Peter’s important words, ch. Act 11:16 .
The outpouring of the Spirit on the Gentiles was strictly analogous to that in the day of Pentecost; Peter himself describes it by adding (ch. Act 11:15 ), . Whether there was any visible appearance in this case, cannot be determined: perhaps from Act 10:46 it would appear not .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Act 10:44 . .: the Apostle is apparently interrupted ( cf. Act 11:15 ); but in this instance we can agree with Overbeck that the concluding phrase, in its relation to Act 10:34 and its proof that God was no respecter of persons, gives to the whole speech a perfect completeness (so Zckler). , cf. Act 10:44 , Act 11:15 , and for the frequency of the word in Acts and its use in Luke’s Gospel, see Friedrich, p. 41. By this wonderful proof St. Peter and his Jewish brethren with him saw that, uncircumcised though they were, Cornelius and his household were no longer “common or unclean”: “The Holy Ghost,” said the Jews, “never fell upon a Gentile”. Bengel comments, “Alias baptismus susceptus est ante adventum Spiritus Sancti Liberum gratia habet ordinem”. , as in Act 10:33 .
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Act 10:44-48
44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, 47″Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” 48And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.
Act 10:44 Notice that Peter had not yet finished his sermon when the Spirit fell (cf. Act 8:16-17; Act 10:44; Act 11:15).
“upon all those who were listening to the message” The real theological tension was not Cornelius. He had been fully accepted by the local synagogue. It was all the friends! They had no apparent previous contact, even with Judaism, and now God had fully accepted them. This acceptance was demonstrated and confirmed by the same manifestation of spiritual power and presence shown at Pentecost.
Also notice that the order of events changes. The Spirit comes before water baptism, not in conjunction with it (cf. Act 2:38) or after it (cf. Act 8:17). Luke records what happened, not what “should have happened.” Be careful of trying to turn one of these gospel encounters recorded in Acts into “the” gospel encounter!
Act 10:45 The same supernatural manifestation of the Spirit (cf. Act 10:46) that occurred at Pentecost, occurred again involving Romans! This special sign was not for Cornelius and his friends only, but primarily for the circumcised believers (cf. Act 10:47). It showed in a powerful, undisputable fashion that God had accepted Gentiles (cf. Act 11:17), even Romans!
Luke is setting the literary stage for Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council. Both Peter and Paul had been convinced along with the Hellenistic believing Jews that God fully accepted Gentiles through Christ.
“the gift of the Holy Spirit” The ministry of the Spirit can be seen clearly in Joh 16:8-14. In one sense, conviction of sin is a gift from the Spirit. Salvation itself is a gift of the Spirit. The indwelling presence is a gift of the Spirit. This is the new age of the Spirit (cf. Act 2:38; Act 8:20; Act 11:17). Nothing permanent and effective happens without the presence and power of the Spirit.
“had been poured out” This is a perfect passive indicative. Pouring was part of the OT sacrificial system. It was predicted of the Spirit in Joe 2:28 and quoted by Peter in his Pentecostal sermon (cf. Act 2:17; Act 2:33). The Spirit has been fully and permanently given to believers by God.
Act 10:47 This is a rhetorical question which expects a “no” answer. This question was to gain the consensus of the Jewish believers who accompanied Peter from Joppa. See SPECIAL TOPIC: BAPTISM at Act 2:38.
Act 10:48 “he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” Notice that baptism was immediate. Also, notice that it was done in Jesus’ name as in Act 2:38; Act 19:5. The baptismal formula in Acts was “in the name of Jesus,” while in Mat 28:19 it was in the name of the Triune God. The formula is not the key, but the heart of the candidate!
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
the word, i.e. the gospel message. Figure of speech Idioma. App-6.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
44.] Peter had spoken up to this point: and was probably proceeding (cf. , ch. Act 11:15) to include his present hearers and all nations in the number to whom this blessing was laid open,-or perhaps beyond this point his own mind may as yet have been not sufficiently enlightened to set forth the full liberty of the Gospel of Christ,-when the fire of the Lord fell, approving the sacrifice of the Gentiles (see Rom 15:16): conferring on them the substance before the symbol,-the baptism with the Holy Ghost before the baptism with water: and teaching us, that as the Holy Spirit dispensed once and for all with the necessity of circumcision in the flesh, so can He also, when it pleases him, with the necessity of water baptism: and warning the Christian church not to put baptism itself in the place which circumcision once held. See further in note on Peters important words, ch. Act 11:16.
The outpouring of the Spirit on the Gentiles was strictly analogous to that in the day of Pentecost; Peter himself describes it by adding (ch. Act 11:15), . Whether there was any visible appearance in this case, cannot be determined: perhaps from Act 10:46 it would appear not.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Act 10:44. , yet) Peter abounded in copious matter, so as to be ready to speak much more: ch. Act 11:15; but when his hearers too received the Spirit, the work of hearing and of speaking has accomplished all that is in its province. [It is by the preaching of faith that the Spirit is received: Gal 3:2.-V. g.]-, fell) in a conspicuous (visible) manner. In ordinary cases, baptism was received before the coming of the Holy Ghost. But in this instance it might have been doubted whether they should be baptized without circumcision. On this account it fell immediately upon the hearers of the word. Grace has its order of operations unrestricted.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
While Peter yet spake
Act 10:44 is one of the pivotal points of Scripture. Heretofore the Gospel has been offered to Jews only, and the Holy Spirit bestowed upon believing Jews through apostolic mediation. But now the normal order for this age is reached: the Holy Spirit is given without delay, mediation, or other condition than simple faith in Jesus Christ. Cf.
(See Scofield “Act 2:4”) 1Co 6:19.
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
the Holy Ghost: Act 2:2-4, Act 4:31, Act 8:15-17, Act 11:15, Act 19:6
Reciprocal: Eze 11:5 – the Spirit Joe 2:28 – upon Luk 3:16 – he shall Luk 14:23 – Go Joh 1:33 – the same Act 2:38 – and ye Act 5:32 – whom Act 8:16 – he was Act 15:8 – giving Act 15:9 – purifying Act 19:2 – Have ye Rom 14:3 – for Gal 3:2 – Received 1Th 1:5 – in the 1Pe 1:12 – with
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
5
Act 10:44-45. It is better to consider these two verses together because of their relation to each other. Notice that the terms Holy Ghost and gifts of the Holy Ghost are used for the same event, showing that the Holy Ghost was the thing given. The gift was not bestowed to make them disciples, for they were told next to be baptized. The reference to the astonishment of the disciples of the Jewish nation, and the argument Peter makes in verse 47, shows that God bestowed the gift as an evidence that from then on the Gentiles would be acceptable to become converts to Christ. (See Rom 15:16.)
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Second Pentecost at CsareaBaptism of Cornelius and his Friends, 44-48.
Act 10:44. While Peter yet spake these words. In his own account afterwards (Act 11:15) he says that the miraculous interruption came as he began to speak He was, therefore, evidently intending to address the assembly at much greater length. We need not speculate on the substance of what he intended to say. The other speeches in the Acts of the Apostles would furnish to us a sufficient analogy to guide us to a right conclusion. What is of the utmost importance to us to mark is, that an occurrence took place on this occasion which is recorded on no other occasion of the same kind. This is enough to mark off these event at Csarea as having a character and meaning of their own. The sudden interruption was far more forcible in its effect on the hearers than any additional words from Peter would have been. The arguments from history, from miracle, from prophecy, from conscience, were suddenly merged in something higher. The force, too, of this new and Divine argument was of the utmost weight for the apostles and brethren at Jerusalem as it is indeed for every subsequent age of the Church, including our own. It is observable, moreover, that the interruption came just when the word faith was pronounced in connection with the remission of sins.
The Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. The same verb, fell (), is used in St. Peters account. The new impulse came from above. It was manifestly supernatural and Divine. So far there is a close resemblance with what we read in Act 2:2, of the sound which came from heaven. The expression of St. Peter, too, at Jerusalem is distinct and express: the Holy Ghost fell on them at Csarea, as on us at the beginning. The manifestation of the Spirit then was an appeal to the senses, probably to the sense of sight, and certainly to that of hearing. It is said below (Act 10:46) that they were heard speaking with tongues and magnifying God. How far the phenomena had a closer affinity with what is described in the second chapter of the Acts, or with what we learn from the First Epistle to the Corinthians, may be difficult to determine. Possibly it was a link between the two.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Observe here, 1. What a miraculous power of the Holy Ghost did accompany St. Peter’s ministry at this time, therby giving him an assurance of the future conversion of the Gentiles, to the great wonder and astonishment of the Jews, who thought the promise of sending down the Holy Ghost belonged only to the house of Israel.
Accordingly, while Peter was thus preaching to Cornelius and his family, the Holy Ghost, by his wonderful gift of tongues, descended on them, though Gentiles; at which the Jews marvelled.
Observe, 2. The conclusion which the apostle draws from this; forasmuch as the Gentiles were baptized with the Holy Ghost, he infers, that they ought to be baptized with water; and the argument runs thus: “They that have the grace signified by and promised in baptism; they have the inward part, or thing signified; why then should the outward sign be denied them? He that has the inheritance, may clain the writings, the seals, &c. belonging to the inheritance.
Observe, 3. The apostle without scruple baptized these Gentiles converts; Then commanded he them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus: That is, he either baptized them himself, or gave commandment to others to do it; and though only the name of the Lord Jesus be mentioned, yet this does not imply, but that they were baptized according to our Saviour’s prescription, In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Mat 28:19 This done, they desired him to stay some days with them, that they might be farther instructed, confirmed, and comforted by his ministry.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
A remarkable thing occurred while Peter was speaking. Gentiles, who had never gotten rid of their uncleanness through circumcision and sacrifice, were baptized with the Holy Spirit. The fact that they spoke in tongues and magnified the name of God was clear evidence that such a baptism had in fact taken place. Thus, God clearly showed that Gentiles could enter the church through baptism without first submitting to the requirements of the law of Moses. Peter drew the obvious conclusion and asked how anyone could forbid these Gentiles the opportunity to obey Christ by putting him on in baptism. After the entire group had obeyed the Lord, they asked Peter and his companions to stay for a few days ( Act 10:44-48 ).
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
Act 10:44-46. While Peter yet spake Or, was yet speaking; these words Even before he had finished, and without the imposition of his hands on their heads; the Holy Ghost fell On Cornelius, and on all them which heard Or, were hearing; the word Thus were they consecrated to God, as the first-fruits of the Gentiles: and thus did God give a clear and satisfactory evidence, that he had accepted them as well as the Jews. And they of the circumcision The believing Jews; as many as came with Peter On this important occasion; were astonished At the fact; which, if they had not seen it, would to them have appeared incredible; that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost For they had supposed that they could not have even been admitted into the Christian Church, much less have received such a blessing as the Holy Spirit in his gifts and graces, without submitting to circumcision, and so subjecting themselves to the observation of the whole Mosaic law. But now they saw it incontestably proved, that even those who were neither made converts to Judaism, nor circumcised, might be partakers with them in the highest privileges. For they heard them speak with tongues Speak in divers languages, which they had never learned; and magnify God In such exalted sentiments and terms, as abundantly proved that their thoughts as well as their expressions, their minds as well as their tongues, were immediately under a divine influence.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
44-46. We are next informed of a fact which is new to this narrative, and was very surprising both to Peter and his companions. (44) “While Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were hearing the word, (45) and the believers of the circumcision who came with Peter were astonished, because on the Gentiles was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. (46) For they heard them speaking in tongues, and magnifying God.” The matter of astonishment to the Jewish brethren was not merely that these men received the Spirit; for if Peter had gone on to finish his discourse, promising them the gift of the Holy Spirit as he did on Pentecost, and had then immersed them, these brethren would have understood, as a matter of course, that they received the Holy Spirit. And if, after this, he had laid hands on them, as he did on the Samaritans, even miraculous manifestations of the Spirit could have created no surprise. The circumstances which caused the astonishment were: First, That the Holy Spirit was “poured out” upon them directly from God, as it had never been before on any but the apostles; Second, That this unusual gift was bestowed upon Gentiles.
In attempting to classify the manifestations of the Holy Spirit known in this history, we are compelled to distinguish the case before us from the gift of the Spirit enjoyed by all disciples in common, by the fact that these parties “spoke in tongues;” and from the gift of the Spirit bestowed on the Samaritans, by the fact that it was bestowed without prayer or imposition of hands. We have no event with which to classify it except that which occurred on Pentecost. That these two events constitute a class by themselves is further evident from the fact that these two parties alone are said to be “immersed in the Holy Spirit.” These two are the only instances of immersion in the Holy Spirit on record, and they are distinguished from other gifts of tongues, in that they alone were bestowed without human agency.
There is only one passage of Scripture in even apparent conflict with this conclusion, which, from the interpretation frequently given to it, demands some notice in this connection. It is the statement of Paul: “By one Spirit we were all immersed into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free, and have all been made to drink of one Spirit.” If the apostle intends by this to assert that all the disciples “were immersed in the Holy Spirit,” then this immersion was not peculiar to the apostles and the house of Cornelius. The question turns upon the reference of the word immerse; whether it is to immersion in water or immersion in the Spirit. It is settled by the fact that the immersion here spoken of is that which introduces “into the one body.” We know by the commission that immersion in water brought its proper subjects “into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” But when, and by whatever means, men were brought into the relation expressed in these words, it is indisputable that they were brought into the one body. It was immersion in water, therefore, by which “all were immersed into one body.” Moreover, the immersion in the Holy Spirit did not have this effect; for the apostles were in the one body before they were immersed in the Spirit, and Cornelius was immersed in the Spirit before he was immersed into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This makes it certain that the passage in question is not in conflict with our conclusion. As to Paul’s assertion that the immersion into one body was “by one Spirit,” the words “by one Spirit” are a declaration that the immersion had taken place under the direction of the one Spirit who was the author of all the gifts mentioned in the connection in which the passage occurs.
The immersion of Cornelius and his friends in the Holy Spirit previous to their immersion in water has been urged as proof that remission of sins takes place before immersion. But it can furnish no such proof unless it be first proved that the Holy Spirit could not be imparted to a man who was yet unpardoned. If Cornelius had been a man of gross wickedness, there would seem to be some incongruity in such an impartation; but, in view of his real character, and the fact that God had previously sent an angel to express his approbation of his conduct, there appears no incongruity in this circumstance.
This incident in the conversion of Cornelius can not, in any way, be held as a precedent for us; from the fact that it was a miraculous gift, and therefore peculiar to the age of miracles. It may as well be regarded as necessary to see the Lord as Saul did, in order to a genuine conversion, as to be immersed in the Spirit as Cornelius was. It is, therefore, a very gross deception to urge upon the people that they should receive the Spirit, after the precedent of Cornelius, before they are immersed.
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
44-47. In the midst of Peters flaming Pentecostal sermon, his appreciative audience, responsive to the Holy Ghost, received by faith the simple, wonderful and paradoxical truth enunciated by the preacher and proved by all the prophets. Therefore the glorified Savior, who honored the faith of the hundred and twenty at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, now graciously verifies the sanctifying faith of this appreciative audience, pouring on them the gift of the Holy Ghost from heaven, as on the Jews at Jerusalem, thus abundantly confirming Peters vision and revealing to the whole world his approval of the Gentile sanctification and admission to full gospel rights and privileges.
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
Act 10:44-48. Result of the Sermon.The Holy Spirit comes as a rule at baptism, but here, before anything is said about baptism, Peters speech is interrupted by the descent of the Spirit. Those who had come with Peter from Joppa knew at once what had happened when they heard the Gentile hearers break out into speaking with tongues and praising God. They were surprised that this should happen to Gentiles; Jews alone till now had had these visitations. Peters reply to their exclamations was that one part of baptism had already taken place with these people, so that God Himself had solved the question of their reception into the Church. Could anyone refuse them the other part of baptism, the water? They are at once baptized; the Church is opened by Peters means to the Gentiles.
Fuente: Peake’s Commentary on the Bible
10:44 {8} While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
(8) The Spirit of God seals that in the heart of the hearers which the minister of the word speaks by the commandment of God, as is evident by the results.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
The giving of the Holy Spirit to Gentiles 10:44-48
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
Peter did not need to call for his hearers to repent on this occasion. As soon as he gave them enough information to trust Jesus Christ, they did so. Immediately the Holy Spirit fell on them filling them (Act 10:47; Act 11:15; cf. Act 2:4) and baptizing them (Act 11:16; cf. Act 1:5).
God gave His Spirit to individuals from both groups, Jews and Gentiles, solely because of their faith in Jesus Christ (Act 11:17). The Gentiles did not have to do anything but believe on Jesus. They did not need to become Jewish proselytes, experience baptism in water, undergo circumcision, turn from their sins, or even say they were willing to turn from them. [Note: See Roy B. Zuck, "Cheap Grace?" Kindred Spirit 13:2 (Summer 1989):4-7, for a popular critique of "lordship salvation."]
Note that Spirit baptism took place here without the laying on of an apostle’s hands. The identification of Spirit baptism with the apostles was not necessary here, as it had been with the Samaritans (cf. Act 8:17-19). Here the important point was the connection between faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from any external Jewish rite, and Spirit baptism.
"Through Peter’s experience with Cornelius it is made plain that the norm for this age for both Jews and Gentiles, is for the Holy Spirit to be given without delay, human mediation, or other conditions than simple faith in Jesus Christ for both Jew and Gentile." [Note: The New Scofield . . ., p. 1179.]