Bible Strands
Acts 10:44
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Peter addresses a mixed assembly of Jewish and Gentile listeners in Caesarea, delivering a testimony about Jesus and forgiveness through His name (Acts 10:43). The event occurs mid-sermon, before Peter finishes his declaration.
The words — The Greek Ἔτι (Eti) means "still," paired with λαλοῦντος (lalountos), a genitive participle translating to "while speaking." The verb ἐπέπεσεν (epepesen) literally denotes "fell," describing the Spirit's sudden descent upon the listeners.
The thread — Luke records identical Spirit descent language in Acts 11:15 when Peter recounts the event, and parallels Paul’s ministry in Acts 19:6 where the Spirit comes upon believers. The same pattern of God giving the Spirit to validate new groups appears in Acts 15:8.
Why it lands — The text states that the Holy Spirit descended while Peter was still delivering his message, not after its conclusion. It requires readers to accept that the proclamation itself, not the speaker's completion, triggers the covenant reality before any human ritual or confirmation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Cross-references
- Acts 11:15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He had fallen upon us at the beginning.
- Acts 19:6 And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
- Acts 15:8 And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us.
- Acts 4:31 After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
- Acts 2:2 Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
- Acts 8:15 On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.