Acts 10:47
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
βαπτισθῆναι
be baptized
G907
βαπτισθῆναι
be baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
9 of 19
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
τούτους
that these
G5128
τούτους
that these
Strong's:
G5128
Word #:
10 of 19
these (persons, as objective of verb or preposition)
οἵτινες
which
G3748
οἵτινες
which
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
11 of 19
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
Ghost
G4151
πνεῦμα
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
13 of 19
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 #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅγιον
the Holy
G40
ἅγιον
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
15 of 19
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
ἔλαβον
have received
G2983
ἔλαβον
have received
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
16 of 19
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
Historical Context
This established the pattern that Gentile converts should be baptized without first becoming Jewish proselytes (circumcision, etc.). The Jerusalem Council would later confirm this principle (Acts 15), establishing that faith in Christ alone, not law observance, is the basis for inclusion in the church.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the Spirit's reception before baptism teach about baptism's nature and purpose?
- How does this passage demonstrate that regeneration precedes baptism?
- What does baptism signify about the believer's relationship to Christ and His church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Peter asked: 'Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?' The rhetorical question highlights that Spirit-reception precedes water baptism, showing baptism doesn't confer grace but signifies grace already received. The phrase 'as well as we' emphasized equality - Gentiles received the identical Spirit. Reformed theology sees baptism as a sign and seal of covenant grace already given, not the means of conferring it. The Spirit's prior giving demonstrated these Gentiles were regenerate believers who should receive the covenant sign.