RCL reading for Sunday, May 17, 2009:
Excerpt from the New Revised Standard Version
via Oremus (http://bible.oremus.org)
Acts 10:44-48
44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word.
45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles,
46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said,
47 ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’
48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
STUDY GUIDE
What does the passage tell us about God?
What does the passage tell us about human beings and the relationships between people?
What does the passage say about the relationship between God and human beings?
How does the passage call us to change?
Adapted from “Theological Bible Study,” from In Dialogue with Scripture: An Episcopal Guide to Studying the Bible, ed. Linda L. Grenz (Episcopal Church Center, 1993), p. 96.
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ReplyDeleteMatthew Henry's Concise Commentary
10:44-48 The Holy Ghost fell upon others after they were baptized, to confirm them in the faith; but upon these Gentiles before they were baptized, to show that God does not confine himself to outward signs. The Holy Ghost fell upon those who were neither circumcised nor baptized; it is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing. They magnified God, and spake of Christ and the benefits of redemption. Whatever gift we are endued with, we ought to honour God with it. The believing Jews who were present, were astonished that the gift of the Holy Ghost was poured out upon the Gentiles also. By mistaken notions of things, we make difficult for ourselves as to the methods of Divine providence and grace. As they were undeniably baptized with the Holy Ghost, Peter concluded they were not to be refused the baptism of water, and the ordinance was administered. The argument is conclusive; can we deny the sign to those who have received the things signified? Those who have some acquaintance with Christ, cannot but desire more. Even those who have received the Holy Ghost, must see their need of daily learning more of the truth.
As the Holy Spirit punches out the envelope of christendom we go from the Ethiopian eunuch who was barred from Judaism to Cornelius the resident foreigner. This time the emphasis is on kosher. The Holy Spirit pours out glossolalia so effusively that Peter and his party cannot deny that this household has been chosen. To cap off the baptism Peter stays with Cornelius household to demolish the jew/gentile barrier.
ReplyDeleteKenneth Brown said ...
ReplyDelete“While Peter was still speaking these words” points us back to verses 34-43 but especially to verse 43. Here were people hopeful and hungry for the forgiveness of their sins. By trusting in the wondrous person of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, that forgiveness could be theirs. Enough said! They reached out in faith and the Spirit lovingly ministered to each new convert, literally “all who had been hearing the message”. “Fell” is an unfortunate translation though true to the verbal meaning. Epipipto (In English as best I can without Greek type) is used in Lk. 1:12, Acts 8:16, 10:10,44; 11: 15; 19:17. The Holy Spirit who was, of course, already present, made Himself known and as vs. 47 suggests, was “welcomed: into each heart. The gift of God’s Presence was “lavished” permanently (note perfect tense) upon these receptive people. Speaking in language not native to the speaker is a sign/gift mentioned only three times in Acts. As in chapter 1:4ff the sign authenticated and shared the gospel, especially to Jewish unbelievers. It was, as Peter explained (Acts 2: 15ff) a fulfillment of O.T. prophecy.