“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, ‘Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’” [1]
The Gentiles, Italians, received the gift of the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish apostles did according to the above the passage. We non-Jewish believers in Jesus had our first Pentecost-type experience that day. Peter used the fact that the Italians were speaking in tongues and magnifying God to say to his fellow Jews, the Gentiles should be allowed to be baptized with water.
What did Peter preach prior to the Holy Spirit’s outpouring? He preached:
God shows no partiality…
Those who fear Him are accepted by Him.
Those who work righteously are accepted by Him.
Peace is in Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is Lord of all.
This word was proclaimed throughout Judea.
God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit.
God anointed Jesus with power.
Jesus went about doing good.
He healed people of demonic oppression.
God was with Jesus.
Peter witnessed what Jesus did.
The Jerusalemites crucified Jesus.
God raised Jesus up on the third day.
Jesus was seen alive after being dead by witnesses of God.
Peter ate and drank with Jesus after His resurrection.
God commanded Peter to preach Jesus to people.
God commanded Peter to testify that Jesus will judge all people.
God’s prophets testify that sins of believers in Jesus are forgiven. [2]
The good news is that God is still pouring out His Holy Spirit on believers in Jesus, especially when we offer ourselves to Him to proclaim His Gospel to people. Praise the Lord!
[1] Acts 10:44-47
[2] Acts 10:34-43
Bearing witness to the Word of God and to the testimony of Jesus!
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