Acts 10:46
For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text doesn't just say they spoke in tongues, but that they were extolling God in those tongues. This wasn't just a display of miraculous ability, but an immediate, heartfelt outpouring of praise and worship, revealing the internal transformation happening within them.
As Peter was speaking to Cornelius and his household, the Holy Spirit powerfully fell upon them, just as He had on the Jewish believers at Pentecost. The Jewish believers with Peter were astonished to see Gentiles receiving the same Spirit, evidenced by them speaking in various languages and praising God. This miraculous sign convinced Peter that these Gentiles were indeed included in God's plan, leading him to immediately declare they should be baptized.
What did it mean for these Gentiles to suddenly speak in other languages? It wasn't just a linguistic display; it was God's stamp of approval.
The phenomenon of speaking in tongues in Acts is a powerful sign.
A Sign of Inclusion
Just as on the day of Pentecost, this miraculous gift wasn't for private enjoyment but a public declaration. Here, it signaled that God's Spirit was powerfully at work in the Gentiles, just as He was in the Jewish believers.
Praising God's Wonderful Works
These were not just random utterances. The text highlights that they were 'extolling God' or 'magnifying God.' This means their tongues were praising God for the incredible mercy He had shown them, speaking of His 'wonderful works.' It was a joyful, Spirit-empowered testimony.
Seeing and hearing this miracle, Peter's mind didn't linger in awe. He immediately understood its implications for the people standing before him.
Peter's response is a masterclass in Spirit-led discernment.
The Spirit as the Deciding Factor
Peter recognized that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on these Gentiles was the ultimate evidence of God's acceptance. The speaking in tongues and magnifying God was a clear, unmistakable sign that the Spirit had genuinely fallen upon them.
Water Baptism as the Next Step
Because the Spirit had clearly marked them, Peter asked, 'Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?' He understood that baptism was the outward sign of an inward reality already confirmed by God Himself. It was the visible entry into the fellowship of the Church, based on God's undeniable work.
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 miraculous speaking in tongues at Cornelius's house was a powerful, undeniable sign to the Jewish believers that God had opened the door of salvation to the Gentiles, just as He had done at Pentecost.
c. AD 30-33
Pentecost in Jerusalem
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to speak in other tongues and share the Gospel with people from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
c. AD 40
Vision of Cornelius
Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, receives a vision from an angel instructing him to send for Peter in Joppa.
c. AD 40
Peter's Vision and Journey
Peter has a vision of a sheet filled with animals, symbolizing God's acceptance of all people. He then travels to Caesarea to meet Cornelius.
c. AD 40— this verse
Holy Spirit Falls on Gentiles
While Peter is still speaking, the Holy Spirit falls upon Cornelius and his household, enabling them to speak in tongues and praise God.
This passage describes the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, where the disciples also spoke in tongues, mirroring the experience of Cornelius' household in Acts 10.
1 Corinthians 14:5Paul discusses the gift of tongues, emphasizing its role in speaking mysteries to God and building oneself up, which aligns with the text noting they were 'extolling God'.
Galatians 3:2This verse highlights that the Holy Spirit is received through the hearing of faith, underscoring that the miraculous signs Peter witnessed were evidence of their genuine faith and God's acceptance of the Gentiles.
Romans 10:9-10The speaking in tongues here is coupled with 'extolling God,' pointing to the inward confession of the heart that leads to righteousness and outward confession that leads to salvation.
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 doesn't just say they spoke in tongues, but that they were extolling God in those tongues. This wasn't just a display of miraculous ability, but an immediate, heartfelt outpouring of praise and worship, revealing the internal transformation happening within them.
As Peter was speaking to Cornelius and his household, the Holy Spirit powerfully fell upon them, just as He had on the Jewish believers at Pentecost. The Jewish believers with Peter were astonished to see Gentiles receiving the same Spirit, evidenced by them speaking in various languages and praising God. This miraculous sign convinced Peter that these Gentiles were indeed included in God's plan, leading him to immediately declare they should be baptized.
As Peter was speaking to Cornelius and his household, the Holy Spirit powerfully fell upon them, just as He had on the Jewish believers at Pentecost. The Jewish believers with Peter were astonished to see Gentiles receiving the same Spirit, evidenced by them speaking in various languages and praising God. This miraculous sign convinced Peter that these Gentiles were indeed included in God's plan, leading him to immediately declare they should be baptized.
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c. AD 40
Peter Commands Baptism
Recognizing the Spirit's work, Peter immediately orders the Gentiles to be baptized, signifying their inclusion in the Christian community.
c. AD 48-50
Jerusalem Council
The early church leaders debate the inclusion of Gentiles, ultimately affirming that salvation is by grace through faith, not adherence to Jewish law.
"For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared," — The text doesn't just say they spoke in tongues, but that they were extolling God in those tongues. This wasn't just a display of miraculous ability, but an immediate, heartfelt outpouring of prais…
