Act 10:44-46 | 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 10:44-46

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).