Acts 10:46 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:46 mean?

Acts 10:46 describes how the people present heard others speaking in different languages (“tongues”) and praising God, which showed a clear sign of God’s presence and activity. This event prompted Peter to respond to what he was witnessing.

In this scene, Peter and other Jewish believers are visiting Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, and his household. As Peter speaks, the Holy Spirit comes upon Cornelius and his household, and they begin to speak in languages they had not learned and magnify God. This amazes the Jewish believers, as it shows that God is including Gentiles in the same spiritual blessings as Jewish believers.

The Greek behind Acts 10:46

• “with tongues” (γλώσσαις, glōssais): This word refers to actual languages, not just unintelligible speech. The use of this word here signals that the people were speaking in real, recognizable languages, which was seen as a miraculous sign.
• “magnify” (μεγαλύνω, megalynō): This verb means to declare or show the greatness of someone. Here, it emphasizes that those speaking in tongues were not just making noise, but were actively praising and honoring God in their speech.

Why Acts 10:46 matters

• Acts 10:46 shows that the same signs that happened to Jewish believers at Pentecost are now happening to Gentiles, making it clear that God accepts all people who believe in Him.
• The verse highlights the unity and equality of all believers before God, regardless of their background or ethnicity.
• This moment sets the stage for Peter’s realization and later explanation that God does not show favoritism, which becomes a turning point in the early church’s understanding of who can belong to God’s people.