Act 10:44-47 | RWP | e4.org | While Peter yet spake ( ετ λαλουντος του Πετρου ). Genitive absolute of present participle, still going on. The Holy Ghost fell ( επεπεσεν το πνευμα το αγιον ). Second aorist active indicative of επιπιπτω , old verb to fall upon, to recline, to come upon. Used of the Holy Spirit in ; ; . It appears that Peter was interrupted in his sermon by this remarkable event. The Jews had received the Holy Spirit ( ), the Samaritans ( ), and now Gentiles. But on this occasion it was before baptism, as was apparently true in Paul's case ( .). In ; 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.

‏ Acts 10:44-47

While Peter yet spake ( ετ λαλουντος του Πετρου ). Genitive absolute of present participle, still going on.

The Holy Ghost fell ( επεπεσεν το πνευμα το αγιον ). Second aorist active indicative of επιπιπτω, old verb to fall upon, to recline, to come upon. Used of the Holy Spirit in 8:16; 10:44; 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 8:16; 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.

They of the circumcision which believed ( ο εκ περιτομης πιστο ). The believing ones of the circumcision, more exactly.

Were amazed ( εξεστησαν ). Second aorist active indicative, intransitive, of εξιστημ. They stood out of themselves.

On the Gentiles also ( κα επ τα εθνη ). Or, even upon the Gentiles.

Was poured out ( εκκεχυτα ). Present perfect passive retained in indirect discourse of εκχεω or εκχυνω, old verb, used metaphorically of the Holy Spirit also in 2:17 (from Joe 2:28f.), Ac 2:33.

They heard ( ηκουον ). Imperfect active, were hearing, kept on hearing.

Speak ( λαλουντων ). Present active participle, speaking, for they kept it up.

With tongues ( γλωσσαις ). Instrumental case as in 2:4, 11 which see. The fuller statement there makes it clear that here it was new and strange tongues also as in 19:6; 1Co 14:4-19. This sudden manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power on uncircumcised Gentiles was probably necessary to convince Peter and the six brethren of the circumcision that God had opened the door wide to Gentiles. It was proof that a Gentile Pentecost had come and Peter used it effectively in his defence in Jerusalem (Ac 11:15).

Can any man forbid the water? ( Μητ το υδωρ δυνατα κωλυσα τισ? ). The negative μητ expects the answer No. The evidence was indisputable that these Gentiles were converted and so were entitled to be baptized. See the similar idiom in Lu 6:39. Note the article with "water." Here the baptism of the Holy Spirit had preceded the baptism of water (Ac 1:5; 11:16). "The greater had been bestowed; could the lesser be withheld?" (Knowling).

That these should not be baptized ( του μη βαπτισθηνα τουτους ). Ablative case of the articular first aorist passive infinitive of βαπτιζω with the redundant negative after the verb of hindering ( κωλυσα ) and the accusative of general reference ( τουτους ). The redundant negative after the verb of hindering is not necessary though often used in ancient Greek and in the Koine (papyri). Without it see Mt 19:14; Ac 8:36 and with it see Lu 4:42; 24:16; Ac 14:18. Cf. Robertson, Grammar, pp. 1061, 1094, 1171. The triple negatives here are a bit confusing to the modern mind ( μητ in the question, κωλυσα, to hinder or to cut off, μη with βαπτισθηνα ). Literally, Can any one cut off the water from the being baptized as to these? Meyer: "The water is in this animated language conceived as the element offering itself for the baptism."

As well as we ( ως κα ημεις ). The argument was conclusive. God had spoken. Note the query of the eunuch to Philip (Ac 8:36).