King James Version

What Does Acts 10:47 Mean?

Acts 10:47 in the King James Version says “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? — study this verse from Acts chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 10:47 · KJV


Context

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?

48

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter asked: 'Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?' The rhetorical question highlights that Spirit-reception precedes water baptism, showing baptism doesn't confer grace but signifies grace already received. The phrase 'as well as we' emphasized equality - Gentiles received the identical Spirit. Reformed theology sees baptism as a sign and seal of covenant grace already given, not the means of conferring it. The Spirit's prior giving demonstrated these Gentiles were regenerate believers who should receive the covenant sign.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This established the pattern that Gentile converts should be baptized without first becoming Jewish proselytes (circumcision, etc.). The Jerusalem Council would later confirm this principle (Acts 15), establishing that faith in Christ alone, not law observance, is the basis for inclusion in the church.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the Spirit's reception before baptism teach about baptism's nature and purpose?
  2. How does this passage demonstrate that regeneration precedes baptism?
  3. What does baptism signify about the believer's relationship to Christ and His church?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Μήτι1 of 19

Can

G3385

whether at all

τὸ2 of 19
G3588

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

ὕδωρ3 of 19

water

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

κωλῦσαί4 of 19

forbid

G2967

to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)

δύναται5 of 19
G1410

to be able or possible

τις6 of 19

any man

G5100

some or any person or object

τοῦ7 of 19
G3588

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

μὴ8 of 19

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

βαπτισθῆναι9 of 19

be baptized

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

τούτους10 of 19

that these

G5128

these (persons, as objective of verb or preposition)

οἵτινες11 of 19

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

τὸ12 of 19
G3588

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

πνεῦμα13 of 19

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

τὸ14 of 19
G3588

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

ἅγιον15 of 19

the Holy

G40

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

ἔλαβον16 of 19

have received

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

καθὼς17 of 19

well as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ18 of 19

as

G2532

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

ἡμεῖς19 of 19

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)


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 10:47 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 10:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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