Holy Spirit Falls

Holy Spirit falls on the gentiles

ACTS 10 COMMENTARY ◄
Acts 10:36-41 Lord of All

Acts 10:42-48 Holy Spirit Falls

ACTS 10:42-44 42 “And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.

How did Peter and the Holy Spirit coordinate when the Holy Spirit would fall upon them?
They didn't. Peter had his mouth open and "was still speaking these words" (Acts 10:44) when "the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word" (Acts 10:44). This should be a lesson to any preacher today who thinks he can command the Holy Spirit to do anything, especially on his cue. The Holy Spirit is God and He does what He wills, to whom He wills, when He wills.

What was Peter in the midst of saying when the Holy Spirit fell on the audience?
"Whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:43)

Why might the Holy Spirit have chosen that moment to fall upon Cornelius and his company?
Perhaps because after meandering a bit, Peter had finally shared how the Gospel relates to them.

ACTS 10:45-48 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Who were "those of the circumcision" (Acts 10:45)?
The Jewish Christian "brethren from Joppa" (Acts 10:23) who "came with Peter" (Acts 10:45).

Why were they "astonished" (Acts 10:45)?
Peter had been prepared in a vision for the breaching of the wall between Jews and gentiles, but the Jewish believers who accompanied him had not been so prepared. In that context, they (1) enter the house of a gentile, probably for the first time in their lives; (2) hear Peter declare that God accepts people from "every nation" (Acts 10:35); and then (3) witness "the gift of the Holy Spirit" being poured out on the gentiles, who "speak with tongues and magnify God" (Acts 10:47), so they had a lot to take in.

Does Peter take the time to explain things and calm their astonishment?
No, he tells them instead to fetch water and help their new brethren express their faith through water baptism.

What did they do thereafter?
They stayed and fellowshipped for "a few days" (Acts 10:48). The love of Jesus had removed generations-old animosity and prejudice.

When is the last time you stayed with or invited into your home a Christian from another social class, race or country?