For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights that the Gentiles weren't just speaking in unknown languages, but they were actively extolling God. This wasn't just a random miraculous utterance, but a worshipful response, showing their hearts had been transformed alongside their speech.
For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit powerfully fell upon Cornelius and his household, causing them to speak in tongues and praise God—a miraculous sign that astonished the Jewish believers traveling with Peter. This undeniable outpouring of the Spirit on Gentiles, just as it had on Jews, convinced Peter that these newcomers were fully accepted by God and deserved to be baptized.
The sound of the Holy Spirit falling on the Gentiles was unmistakable – a powerful experience of speaking in tongues. But what was this phenomenon, and what did it signify?
When the Holy Spirit first came upon the believers at Pentecost, they began to speak in languages they had never learned, proclaiming the 'wonderful works of God' (Acts 2:11). This same miraculous gift was poured out on Cornelius's household.
It wasn't just about speaking different languages; it was about speaking God's language of praise and adoration. As the commentators note, this was a way to magnify and glorify God for the incredible mercy He had shown them. It was a new heart finding a new voice, confessing God's goodness and power.
Peter and the Jewish believers with him were astonished. Why? Because God had done something unprecedented: He had given the Holy Spirit to Gentiles. This moment was a divine stamp of approval.
The outpouring of the Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, served as undeniable proof that God had accepted these Gentiles into His covenant family. For the Jewish believers, who had long seen a clear distinction between themselves and the Gentiles, this was a radical shift.
Peter's response highlights this: 'Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?' (Acts 10:47). The Spirit's work came first, visibly and audibly, before baptism. This wasn't about Peter or the others granting God's favor; it was about recognizing and responding to the favor God had already sovereignly bestowed.
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Understand the original words
glōssais · Greek Noun
A supernatural phenomenon, often known as glossolalia, where individuals speak in languages or utterances they have not learned, typically as a sign of the Holy Spirit's empowerment or a response to God's work.
megalynontōn · Greek Verb
To praise, magnify, or declare the greatness of God; it refers to an act of worship that explicitly exalts God’s character and works.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Gentiles, marked by speaking in tongues, mirrors the event at Pentecost and serves as God's undeniable sign to Peter and the Jewish believers that the gospel was for ALL people.
c. 33 AD
Pentecost: Holy Spirit Descends
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit dramatically descended upon the apostles, empowering them to speak in other languages and proclaim God's works.
c. 33-40 AD
Early Church Growth and Jewish Opposition
The early Christian church grew rapidly in Jerusalem, but faced increasing opposition from Jewish religious authorities, limiting its outreach.
c. 40 AD
Peter's Vision and Cornelius's Summons
The apostle Peter, in Joppa, receives a vision from God instructing him to overcome traditional Jewish dietary and social restrictions concerning Gentiles.
c. 40 AD— this verse
Peter Preaches to Cornelius and His Household
Peter travels to Caesarea and preaches the gospel to the Roman centurion Cornelius and his gentile household, a pivotal moment challenging the church's exclusivity.
c. 40 AD
Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
While Peter is still speaking, the Holy Spirit falls upon Cornelius and his entire gentile household, evidenced by their speaking in tongues.
c. 40 AD
Peter Baptizes Cornelius and His Household
Recognizing God's clear affirmation of the Gentiles, Peter commands that Cornelius and his household be baptized, formally bringing them into the Christian community.
c. 47-49 AD
Jerusalem Council Addresses Gentile Inclusion
Years later, the Jerusalem Council formally debated and decreed that Gentile converts did not need to follow all Jewish laws, solidifying the inclusion of Gentiles in the church.
This passage describes the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, where believers also spoke in tongues, immediately connecting the experience of the Gentiles in Acts 10 to this foundational event for the early church.
1 Corinthians 14:2Paul explains that speaking in tongues is primarily for speaking mysteries to God and for building oneself up spiritually, which provides context for the believers in Acts 10 'extolling God' through this miraculous gift.
Romans 10:9-10This passage highlights that confessing with your mouth and believing in your heart are linked to salvation; the speaking in tongues here can be seen as a powerful, audible expression of their newfound faith and praise to God.
Acts 11:15-17Peter recounts this event to the Jewish believers, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles 'just as on us at the beginning,' directly linking the tongues-speaking and praise of God in Cornelius's house to the initial outpouring of the Spirit on Jewish believers.
jfbActs 10:46: "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,"
- heard them speak with tongues and magnify God—As on the day of Pentecost it was no empty miracle, no mere speaking of foreign languages, but utterance of "the wonderful works of God" in tongues to them unknown (Ac 2:11), so here; but more remarkable in this case, as the speakers were perhaps less familiar with the Old Testament songs of praise.46-48. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water … wh…
clarkeActs 10:46: "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,"
And magnify God - They had got new hearts as well as new tongues; and, having believed with the heart unto righteousness, their tongues made confession unto salvation; and God was magnified for the mercy which he had imparted.
The text highlights that the Gentiles weren't just speaking in unknown languages, but they were actively extolling God. This wasn't just a random miraculous utterance, but a worshipful response, showing their hearts had been transformed alongside their speech.
As Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit powerfully fell upon Cornelius and his household, causing them to speak in tongues and praise God—a miraculous sign that astonished the Jewish believers traveling with Peter. This undeniable outpouring of the Spirit on Gentiles, just as it had on Jews, convinced Peter that these newcomers were fully accepted by God and deserved to be baptized.
As Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit powerfully fell upon Cornelius and his household, causing them to speak in tongues and praise God—a miraculous sign that astonished the Jewish believers traveling with Peter. This undeniable outpouring of the Spirit on Gentiles, just as it had on Jews, convinced Peter that these newcomers were fully accepted by God and deserved to be baptized.
"For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared," — The text highlights that the Gentiles weren't just speaking in unknown languages, but they were actively extolling God. This wasn't just a random miraculous utterance, but a worshipful response, sh…
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Last reviewed October 2026