King James Version

What Does Acts 10:45 Mean?

Acts 10:45 in the King James Version says “And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles al... — study this verse from Acts chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 10:45 · KJV


Context

43

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45

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.

46

For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47

Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Jewish believers' astonishment that 'the gift of the Holy Ghost was poured out on the Gentiles' reveals their stunned recognition of God's radical inclusion. The Greek 'exestēsan' (amazed) indicates overwhelming shock. Their prejudice dissolved before undeniable divine evidence—the same tongues and Spirit-manifestation witnessed at Pentecost.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The six Jewish Christians accompanying Peter from Joppa (Acts 11:12) served as witnesses to this epochal event. Their testimony would later validate Peter's controversial actions before Jerusalem's church (Acts 11:1-18).

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern prejudices might God need to overcome in the church today?
  2. How does undeniable divine action transform longstanding human biases?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξέστησαν2 of 21

were astonished

G1839

to put (stand) out of wits, i.e., astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane

οἱ3 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκ4 of 21

they of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

περιτομῆς5 of 21

the circumcision

G4061

circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)

πιστοὶ6 of 21

which believed

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ὅσοι7 of 21

as many as

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

συνῆλθον8 of 21

came with

G4905

to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)

τῷ9 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Πέτρῳ10 of 21

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

ὅτι11 of 21

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καὶ12 of 21

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπὶ13 of 21

that on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὰ14 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔθνη15 of 21

the Gentiles

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

16 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δωρεὰ17 of 21

the gift

G1431

a gratuity

τοῦ18 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἁγίου19 of 21

of the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

πνεύματος20 of 21

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἐκκέχυται·21 of 21

was poured out

G1632

to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 10:45 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 10:45 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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