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

ACTS 10:47KJV
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Acts 10:47 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:47 mean?

Acts 10:47 records Peter asking if anyone could refuse water for baptism to Gentiles who had received the Holy Spirit just as Jewish believers had. The verse highlights that God had already accepted these Gentiles, so there was no reason to prevent their baptism.

Peter is speaking to other Jewish believers in the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, after witnessing the Holy Spirit come upon Cornelius and his household. This moment is significant because it marks a turning point where non-Jews are openly welcomed into the early Christian community without first becoming Jewish converts. Peter’s question shows that the outward sign of baptism should not be withheld when God has already given the inward sign of the Spirit.

The Greek behind Acts 10:47

  • "Forbid" (κωλῦσαι, kōlysai): This word means to hinder or prevent. Peter is challenging any possible objection to baptizing these Gentile believers, making it clear that no one should block what God has already approved.
  • "Water" (ὕδωρ, hydōr): The mention of water emphasizes the physical act of baptism, showing that Peter is talking about the traditional, visible sign of joining the community.
  • "Received" (ἔλαβον, elabon): This word means to take or receive. Peter points out that the Gentiles have already received the Holy Spirit, the same as the Jewish believers, making them equally part of the faith community.
  • "As well as we" (καθὼς καὶ ἡμεῖς, kathōs kai hēmeis): This phrase stresses that the experience of the Gentiles matches that of the Jewish believers, underlining equality in God’s acceptance.

Why Acts 10:47 matters

  • Acts 10:47 clears up the idea that outward rituals like baptism should follow God’s work, not restrict it; if God has given the Holy Spirit, no human tradition should stand in the way.
  • The verse emphasizes the unity and equality of all believers, whether Jew or Gentile, by pointing out that the same Spirit is given to both.
  • This moment connects to the wider story in Acts, where the early church learns to welcome people from every nation, showing that faith in Jesus is not limited by ethnicity or background.

Where else these words appear

“Can” Greek G3385 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
  • Mark 4:21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
  • John 7:31 And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?

“forbid” Greek G2967 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
  • Acts 27:43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

“these” Greek G5128 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Luke 9:44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.
  • Acts 16:36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

“should” Greek G907 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
  • Luke 7:29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
  • Acts 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?