TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
All the believers from the Circumcision faction who had accompanied Kefa were amazed that the gift of the Ruach HaKodesh was also being poured out
Berean Standard Bible
All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.
American Standard Version
And they of the circumcision that believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.
World English Bible Messianic
They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So they of the circumcision which beleeued, were astonied, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was powred out the gift of the holy Ghost.
Young's Literal Translation
and those of the circumcision believing were astonished--as many as came with Peter--because also upon the nations the gift of the Holy Spirit hath been poured out,
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In the KJVVerse 27,305 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Acts 10 verses 44–48
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hearing of it (Act 10:44): While Peter was yet speaking these words, and perhaps designed to say more, he was happily superseded by visible indications that the Holy Ghost, even in his miraculous gifts and powers, fell on all those who heard the word, even as he did on the apostles at first; so Peter saith, Act 11:15. 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, Co2 12:12. 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 (Act 10:46): 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, Act 2:11. 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 (Act 10:45): 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 (Act 10:47): 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, Act 10:48. 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, Co1 1:15. 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.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 44–48. Public domain.
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John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on Acts 24
Observe God's providential management. He does not suffer the speech to be finished, nor the baptism to take place upon a command of Peter, but, when He has made it evident how admirable their state of mind is, and a beginning is made of the work of teaching, and they have believed that assuredly baptism is the remission of sins, then forthwith comes the Spirit upon them. Now this is done by God's so disposing it as to provide for Peter a mighty ground of justification. And it is not simply that the Spirit came upon them, but, "they spake with tongues:" which was the thing that astonished those who had come together.
BedeAD 735
Retractions on Acts
And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues, etc. This is similar to that statement by the same apostle Peter, when he was giving an account to the Jews why he had committed the sacraments of baptism to the circumcised. So then, he said, if God gave them the same gift as He gave to us, etc. There are many other testimonies of the Scriptures that consistently attest that the Holy Spirit is the gift of God, insofar as it is given to those who love God through Him. Therefore, it is the gift of God insofar as it is given to those to whom it is given; but it is God Himself, even if it is given to no one, because God was coeternal with the Father and the Son before it was given to anyone; nor because they give, is it given, hence it is not lesser than them. For thus it is given, as a gift of God, so that He gives Himself as God. For the Spirit blows where He wills (John III).
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Acts 10:45 profoundly captures a watershed moment in early church history, depicting the astonishment of Jewish believers who accompanied Peter as they witnessed the Holy Spirit being poured out directly upon Gentiles. This unprecedented event unequivocally demonstrated God's impartial grace and intention to include all nations in His covenant people, shattering long-held religious and cultural barriers and validating the Gentiles' newfound faith through the tangible manifestation of the Spirit's presence.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Acts 10:45 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. There is significant Narrative Irony at play: the Jewish believers, who embody the traditional understanding of God's covenant exclusivity, are the ones who witness the radical expansion of that covenant to include Gentiles. Their "astonishment" is a direct result of this ironic reversal of expectations. The "gift of the Holy Ghost" serves as powerful Symbolism, representing not just an internal spiritual experience but a tangible, observable sign of divine acceptance and inclusion, much like the visible manifestations at Pentecost. Furthermore, the entire narrative of Acts 10 and specifically this verse functions as a Turning Point in the book's overarching plot, marking the decisive shift from a predominantly Jewish Christian movement to a global, multi-ethnic church. This event also serves as a Foreshadowing of the future missionary endeavors of Paul and others, who would extensively preach the Gospel to Gentiles, building upon the precedent set here.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:45 stands as a monumental theological declaration, affirming God's universal redemptive plan and dismantling the barriers that once separated humanity. It teaches that salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are not contingent upon ethnic origin, cultural practices, or adherence to the Mosaic Law, but solely upon faith in Jesus Christ. This event definitively established that Gentiles do not need to become Jewish proselytes to be part of God's people, paving the way for the church to become a truly global body. The astonishment of the Jewish believers underscores the radical nature of this divine initiative, challenging deeply entrenched prejudices and revealing the breadth of God's grace that transcends all human distinctions.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 10:45 offers profound lessons for believers today, challenging us to examine our own biases and embrace the expansive nature of God's love and kingdom. Just as the Jewish believers had to confront their preconceived notions about who God would accept, we are called to actively dismantle any walls of prejudice—whether based on race, socioeconomic status, nationality, or cultural background—that might exist within our hearts or our communities. This verse reminds us that the Holy Spirit is freely given to all who believe, empowering us for witness and service, and that the church's mission is inherently global and inclusive. It encourages us to celebrate the diversity within the body of Christ, recognizing that God delights in uniting people from every tribe, tongue, and nation into one family. Our astonishment should not be at God's radical inclusivity, but at any lingering reluctance within ourselves to fully embrace it.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were the Jewish believers astonished by the Holy Spirit's outpouring on the Gentiles?
Answer: The astonishment of the Jewish believers stemmed from deeply ingrained religious and cultural expectations. For centuries, Jewish identity was intrinsically linked to the Mosaic Law and practices like circumcision, which distinguished them from Gentiles. They believed that Gentiles needed to convert to Judaism and adopt its customs to be fully accepted by God. The direct outpouring of the Holy Spirit on uncircumcised Gentiles, without any prior adherence to Jewish law, was a radical departure from their understanding of God's covenant. It was an undeniable divine affirmation that God was accepting Gentiles on the basis of faith in Jesus alone, bypassing the traditional Jewish requirements, which profoundly challenged their worldview and theological framework.
What was the "gift of the Holy Ghost" that was poured out on the Gentiles?
Answer: The "gift of the Holy Ghost" refers to the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit, which manifested tangibly among the Gentiles in Cornelius's household. As described in the very next verse, Acts 10:46, they were heard "speaking with tongues, and magnifying God." This miraculous manifestation was the unmistakable evidence that God had indeed accepted them, mirroring the experience of Jewish believers at Pentecost (Acts 2:4). It signified their spiritual regeneration, their inclusion into the body of Christ, and their empowerment for Christian life and witness. This "gift" is the same Spirit promised by Jesus to His followers, enabling them to live according to God's will and to proclaim the Gospel effectively.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:45 is a profound testament to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that the blessings of the new covenant, inaugurated by Jesus's death and resurrection, are for all humanity. The pouring out of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles is a direct consequence of Christ's atoning work, which "broke down the middle wall of partition" between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14). Through His sacrifice, Jesus established a new humanity, reconciling both groups to God in one body (Ephesians 2:16), making ethnic distinctions irrelevant for salvation. The Spirit, whom Jesus promised to send from the Father (John 14:16-17), is the tangible sign of this new covenant, extending the blessing of Abraham to the Gentiles through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:14). Thus, Acts 10:45 is not merely about Gentile inclusion but about the universal reach of Christ's saving power, creating a new community where all are one in Him (Galatians 3:28) and fulfilling God's ancient promise to bless all nations through Abraham's seed, who is Christ (Genesis 12:3).