Bible moment
The Bible moment
Acts 10:44–48 records that the Holy Spirit came upon everyone hearing Peter’s message while he was still speaking. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on Gentiles—people who were not Jewish. The hearers spoke in tongues and praised God. Peter then asked whether anyone could refuse water for baptism, since these people had received the Holy Spirit as the Jewish believers had. He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. The passage keeps the order clear: Peter speaks, the Spirit comes, the hearers praise God, and then Peter orders baptism. It also shows God welcoming people from every nation and directing his servants.
Look closely
What children can notice
Peter is speaking to Cornelius’s household when the Holy Spirit comes upon the Gentile hearers. The people respond joyfully by praising God, while the circumcised believers who came with Peter look amazed. Gentle rays of light or a peaceful glow may represent the Spirit’s arrival without depicting the Spirit as a human figure.
Talk together
Talk about it
- How did the hearers respond when the Holy Spirit came?
- What does this passage show about whom God welcomes?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page with Acts 10:44–48 to discuss God’s welcome, the Holy Spirit, and the order of events in the passage. Invite children to notice the peaceful glow, Peter’s message, the hearers’ praise, and the amazed believers. For older children, explain that Gentiles were people who were not Jewish. Keep discussion faithful to Acts 10 and avoid presenting the Spirit as a person in the illustration.
Source note
From this passage
Acts 10:44–48 · Cornelius Receives the Gospel
Peter is speaking to Cornelius’s household when the Holy Spirit comes upon the Gentile hearers. The people respond joyfully by praising God, while the circumcised believers who came with Peter look amazed. Gentle rays of light or a peaceful glow may represent the Spirit’s arrival without depicting the Spirit as a human figure.
