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Acts 10:47

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 10:47 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Can any man forbid the water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Can any man forbid the water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?
Acts 10:47 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard the word.
45And they of the circumcision that believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.
46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47Can any man forbid the water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?
48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
← Acts 10:46Acts 10:48 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Can any man forbid water, etc.] The use of his river, or bath, or what conveniency he may have for baptizing persons: which shows, that it required a place of some quantity of water, sufficient for baptism by immersion, otherwise it would not be in the power of any man to hinder them having a little water, to be sprinkled or poured on the face: unless rather by water should be meant baptism itself; and then the sense is, who can forbid these persons the ordinance of baptism, or deny the administration of it to them? for such who have the Spirit of Christ, are openly Christ’s, and therefore have a right to his ordinances; such, being enlightened by him, are able to see to the end of the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we--and are thus, in all that is essential to salvation, on a level with ourselves.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Can any man forbid water ... - They have shown that they are favored in the same way as the Jewish converts. God has manifested himself to them as he did to the Jews on the day of Pentecost. Is it not clear, therefore, that they are entitled to the privilege of Christian baptism? The expression used here is one that would naturally refer to water as being brought; that is, to a small quantity; and would seem to imply that they were baptized, not by immersion, but by pouring or sprinkling. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Ghost? - He does not say they have the baptism of the Spirit; therefore they do not need baptism with water. But just the contrary: if they have received the Spirit, then baptize them with water. How easily is this question decided, if we will take the word of God for our rule! Either men have received the Holy Ghost or not. If they have not, Repent, saith God, and be baptized, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. If they have, if they are already baptized with the Holy Ghost, then who can forbid water? Acts 10:48”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Act 8:12, Act 8:36, Act 11:15-17, Act 15:8, Act 15:9; Gen 17:24-26; Rom 4:11, Rom 10:12 Acts 10:48”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification