Acts 10:46
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 10:46
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Chapter Context
Acts 10 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, sacrifice, prayer. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-48: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 10:46
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Acts 2:11
- Parallel theme: Acts 2:4, 19:6, Mark 16:17