Acts 11:15
And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπέπεσεν
fell
G1968
ἐπέπεσεν
fell
Strong's:
G1968
Word #:
7 of 19
to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
Ghost
G4151
πνεῦμα
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
9 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 #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅγιον
the Holy
G40
ἅγιον
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
11 of 19
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
ἐφ'
on
G1909
ἐφ'
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 19
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
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Peter's report occurred circa AD 40-41 in Jerusalem after returning from Caesarea. The Jerusalem church initially criticized Peter for eating with Gentiles (v.3) but his detailed testimony and the six witnesses (v.12) convinced them of God's work.
Questions for Reflection
- Why was the parallel to Pentecost essential for Jewish believers to accept Gentile inclusion?
- What does the Spirit's sovereign timing teach about God's control of salvation?
- How should undeniable evidence of God's work overcome our prejudices and traditions?
Analysis & Commentary
Peter reported to the Jerusalem church: 'as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.' The comparison to Pentecost ('the beginning') demonstrated that Gentiles received the identical Spirit as the first Jewish believers. Peter's testimony emphasized God's sovereign action - the Spirit fell while Peter was speaking, not after lengthy teaching or ritual. From a Reformed perspective, this vindicates the doctrine that the Spirit sovereignly regenerates whom He wills, when He wills. The parallel to Pentecost proved Gentile inclusion in the new covenant church.