Lesson 4644

 (Lesson 4644)(10-21-24) Acts 10:45-48 

   “And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” 

 

   Today’s quote highlights how the Jewish believers were amazed that the Gentiles in Cornelius' house received the gift of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by their actions. This was the baptism of the Holy Ghost, which saved their souls and imparted the Holy Spirit to them. Peter then commanded them to be baptized in water, but this was a ceremonial act done afterward, not the cause of their salvation. The key emphasis is that their eternal salvation came through the Holy Spirit’s baptism, and water baptism followed as an outward symbol of their faith in Jesus Christ. ~