Acts 10:44
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρου
While Peter
G4074
Πέτρου
While Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
4 of 18
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥήματα
words
G4487
ῥήματα
words
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
6 of 18
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
ἐπέπεσεν
fell
G1968
ἐπέπεσεν
fell
Strong's:
G1968
Word #:
8 of 18
to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
Ghost
G4151
πνεῦμα
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
10 of 18
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅγιον
the Holy
G40
ἅγιον
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
12 of 18
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 11:15And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.Acts 19:6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.Acts 15:8And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
Historical Context
This pivotal event (AD 40-41) broke down the Jewish-Gentile barrier, proving salvation by grace through faith alone. The Spirit's visible manifestation convinced Jewish believers (Acts 10:45) that God accepted Gentiles directly, preparing the church for worldwide mission.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the Spirit's falling on Gentiles before baptism teach about salvation's basis?
- How should this passage shape our understanding of who belongs in God's kingdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Spirit's falling during Peter's sermon (before baptism or apostolic laying-on of hands) demonstrates God's sovereign freedom in giving His Spirit. This 'Gentile Pentecost' validated Cornelius' household as full participants in salvation without Jewish rituals first. The interruption of Peter's preaching shows divine initiative superseding human plans.