Acts 10:46
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
γλώσσαις
tongues
G1100
γλώσσαις
tongues
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
5 of 13
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μεγαλυνόντων
magnify
G3170
μεγαλυνόντων
magnify
Strong's:
G3170
Word #:
7 of 13
to make (or declare) great, i.e., increase or (figuratively) extol
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεόν
God
G2316
θεόν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 13
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
10 of 13
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
11 of 13
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
Cross References
Acts 2:4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.Acts 19:6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.Mark 16:17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;Acts 2:11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
Historical Context
Whether the tongues were known languages (as at Pentecost) or ecstatic utterance is debated. The function was the same - audible evidence of the Spirit's presence. This occurred circa AD 40-41 at Cornelius's house in Caesarea.
Questions for Reflection
- What was the purpose of tongues-speaking in the book of Acts?
- How does Spirit-inspired worship (magnifying God) demonstrate genuine conversion?
- Why did God use spectacular signs at key transitional moments in redemptive history?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They heard the Gentiles 'speak with tongues, and magnify God.' Speaking in tongues (languages) echoed Pentecost (Acts 2:4), providing audible confirmation of the Spirit's presence. The purpose was magnifying (praising) God - worship in the Spirit's power. This convinced Jewish witnesses that these Gentiles had genuinely received the Spirit. From a Reformed perspective, tongues served a sign function in Acts (2:4, 10:46, 19:6), authenticating the Spirit's coming to new groups (Jews, Gentiles, John's disciples). Magnifying God is the Spirit's primary fruit - glorifying God in worship.