Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 10:24-48

 

Acts 10:44-45

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. ⁴⁵ And ^[g]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.

(NKJV)

 

 

In this passage, we see the result of the convergence of the angelic visions of Cornelius and Peter (Acts 10:1-16). The result of this convergence is a turning point for the Church with the Holy Spirit falling on Gentiles, indicating they too have a part in the Gospel. This opens the door for the Gospel to go to the uttermost parts of the earth, in fulfillment of Acts 1:8.

 

Peter arrives in Caesarea and finds Cornelius waiting for him, along with his relatives and close friends (Acts 10:24). Cornelius falls at Peter's feet in worship, and Peter tells him to stand up, saying he is also a man (Acts 10:25-26). As Peter talked with Cornelius, he found many gathered to hear what he had to say (Acts 10:27). Peter then told them that they knew it was unlawful for a Jew to associate with Gentiles, but told them that he was there out of obedience to a vision he received from the Lord, asking why they sent for him (Acts 10:28-29).

 

Cornelius then shares how he too had received a vision from the Lord, asking him to summon Peter in Joppa (Acts 10:30-32). Like Peter, Cornelius was also obedient to what the Lord told him to do and immediately sent for Peter. Cornelius then tells Peter they have gathered to hear the things commanded to him by God (Acts 10:33).

 

Peter begins to speak, telling them that he now perceives God shows no partiality, and that every nation fearing Him and working righteousness is accepted (Acts 10:34-35). The message of the gospel was first sent to the children of Israel, a message of peace through Jesus Christ, the Lord of all (Acts 10:36). Peter continues, telling them they know this word for it was proclaimed throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, a message of how God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit, who went about doing good (Acts 10:37-38). As one of the twelve disciples, Peter was an eyewitness to what Jesus did, his crucifixion by the Jews, and his resurrection from the dead three days later (Acts 10:39-40). However, the resurrected Jesus was not revealed to all, but to chosen witnesses who were commanded to preach to the people, testifying that Jesus was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:41-42). All the prophets witness that through the name of Jesus, whoever will receive remission of sins (Acts 10:43).

 

As Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those listening, astonishing the Jews present because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-45). Those present knew this was true because they heard the Gentiles speak with tongues and magnify God (Acts 10:46). Peter then spoke, asking if anyone could forbid water so that these Gentiles could be baptized (Acts 10:47). Peter then commanded that they be baptized in the name of the Lord and stayed with them for a few days (Acts 10:48).

 

In Acts 1:8, Jesus commissioned his followers to be witnesses of Christ not just to the Jews, but to people around the world. This would include Gentiles and is why this account is a turning point for the Church and its outreach. Both Cornelius and Peter have had visions from the Lord, with Cornelius asked to summon Peter in Joppa, and Peter told to go to the house of Cornelius. In that culture, a Jew would not go to the house of a Gentile, and a Gentile would not ask a Jew to do so. However, both men have received specific instructions from the Lord and are obedient. The result is Gentiles hearing the Gospel, the Holy Spirit falling on the Gentiles with them, then being baptized (Acts 10:44-48). This is a turning point for the Church, with the Gospel now spreading throughout the known world.

 

The commission of Acts 1:8 was not just for the church in the Book of Acts, but for the Church today. John 3:16 reminds us that God loves the entire world and all people in it. It reminds us that God sent the world his only son, announced by angels (Luke 2:8-10). Most importantly, it reminds us that whosoever, meaning anybody, who believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. God does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9) and has commissioned the Church to take the message of John 3:16 to the world (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).

 

This gift of salvation is not something one can earn but is received through the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). To receive this gift, one must believe in their heart and confess with their mouth their belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save them from their sins (Romans 10:9-10). If you are reading this and have never accepted this gift from God, I invite you to pray with me now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23). I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9). I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

This prayer is not some magical prayer, but must be a genuine expression of your heart. If that is why you prayed, rest assured, your sins are completely forgiven, and you have eternal life. I now encourage you to let someone know of your decision. I also urge you to find a church of truth that teaches from the Bible and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.