Acts 10:44
What does Acts 10:44 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 10:44 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 10:44 means
While Peter was still speaking these words, a miraculous event occurred: "the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard the word." This spontaneous outpouring, before any baptism or traditional Jewish rituals, was a clear demonstration of God's immediate acceptance of the Gentiles. It mirrored the experience of Pentecost for the Jewish believers (Acts 2), unequivocally validating their inclusion as full members of God's new covenant people, purely by grace through faith in Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard the word.
KJV
King James Version · 1611While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard the word.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949While Peter was saying these words, the Holy Spirit came on all those who were hearing the word.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862While Peter is yet speaking these sayings, the Holy spirit fell upon all those hearing the word,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752While Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the word.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890While Peter was yet speaking these words the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were hearing the word.
Context
Just as Peter was concluding his gospel message with the promise of remission of sins, this pivotal verse describes the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Gentiles. This unprecedented event, occurring *before* baptism, is God's undeniable seal of approval on their faith. This divine affirmation directly prompts the astonishment of the Jewish believers and forces the question of their subsequent baptism.
v.43To him bear all the prophets witness, that through his name every one that believeth on him shall receive remission of sins.
v.44This passage
v.45And 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 2:2
And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
- Acts 8:15
who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit:
- Acts 11:15
And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning.
- Acts 19:6
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
- Acts 4:31
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
- Acts 15:8
And God, who knoweth the heart, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us;
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