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 10:45KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 10:45 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:45 mean?

Acts 10:45 describes how the Jewish believers who had come with Peter were amazed to see that the gift of the Holy Spirit was also given to the Gentiles. This moment showed that God's Spirit was not limited to people of Jewish background but was poured out on non-Jews as well.

In this scene, Peter and several Jewish Christians are visiting Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, after Peter receives a vision from God. As Peter speaks, the Holy Spirit comes upon Cornelius and his household, and the Jewish believers are surprised because they had assumed this gift was only for those who were circumcised, meaning Jews. This event marks a turning point in the early church, showing that God's acceptance and blessing extend to all people, not just one group.

The Greek behind Acts 10:45

  • "circumcision" (περιτομή, peritomē): This word refers to Jews, who practiced circumcision as a sign of their covenant with God. The use of this word highlights the distinction the early church made between Jews and Gentiles.
  • "Gentiles" (ἔθνη, ethnē): This term means non-Jews or nations. Its use here emphasizes that those outside the Jewish community were now included in receiving God's Spirit.
  • "astonished" (ἐξίστημι, existēmi): The Greek word carries the sense of being utterly amazed or beside oneself with surprise. This shows just how unexpected and shocking this event was for the Jewish believers.
  • "gift" (δωρεά, dōrea): This word means a free, unearned gift. It underscores that the Holy Spirit was given freely by God, not earned by following Jewish customs.

Why Acts 10:45 matters

  • Acts 10:45 clears up the misunderstanding that the Holy Spirit was only for Jews, showing that God’s promises and presence are for all people, regardless of background.
  • The verse emphasizes the radical inclusiveness of the early Christian message, breaking down long-standing barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
  • This moment connects to the wider story in Acts, where the church is learning, sometimes with surprise, that God’s work is bigger and more generous than they expected.

Where else these words appear

“gift” Greek G1431 · used in 11 verses

  • John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
  • Acts 11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
  • 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

“astonished” Greek G1839 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 12:23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
  • Luke 2:47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
  • Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

“out” Greek G1632 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
  • Acts 1:18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
  • Revelation 16:1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

“circumcision” Greek G4061 · used in 32 verses

  • John 7:22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision;(not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
  • Romans 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
  • Galatians 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.