Acts 11:15
What does Acts 11:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 11:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 11:15 means
As Peter began to preach the gospel to Cornelius and his household, the Holy Spirit sovereignly fell upon them. This powerful event occurred even before Peter could finish his sermon, paralleling the outpouring of the Spirit on the Jewish believers at Pentecost and demonstrating the immediate and undeniable presence of God's grace among the Gentiles. This undeniable spiritual experience served as concrete proof that God had truly accepted these uncircumcised believers, validating their conversion as genuine.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And, while I was talking to them, the Holy Spirit came on them, as on us at first.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And in my beginning to speak, the Holy Spirit did fall upon them, even as also upon us in the beginning,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when I had begun to speak, the Holy Ghost fell upon them, as upon us also in the beginning.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them even as upon us also at the beginning.
Context
This verse describes the immediate and miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius's household, mirroring the experience at Pentecost. This event is the powerful climax of Peter's recounting, providing irrefutable evidence of God's acceptance of Gentiles. It directly leads to Peter's theological conclusion where he connects this experience to Jesus's promise of being baptized in the Holy Spirit, which is recounted as he nears the end of his summary.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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 10:34
And Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
- 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 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.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 11
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 11.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…