Acts 10 (NRSVue)
44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
The Holy Spirit is not constricted to the people we think of as worthy.
Here are some questions for discussion:
1. Those who observe the Spirit’s outpouring are not neutral spectators. How does witnessing God’s work in others create an obligation to change—not just beliefs, but behavior?
2. Peter notes that the Gentiles received the Spirit “just as we have” (Acts 10:47), without becoming culturally Jewish. What does this reveal about the sort of equality that does not require sameness? How does this challenge expectations of conformity within faith communities?
3. When we step out of our comfort zone or echo chambers we are exposed to so much more. Has there been a time when you experienced a radical broadening of your understanding of God and your faith through interactions outside your community?
If you’d like to dig a little deeper, consider the following:
1. Our faith is not like a pie with only a few slices available, our faith does not diminish when shared. On the contrary, it will often grow when shared. Have you personally experienced or witnessed a case of faith growing through interactions outside your community?
2. Acts 10:44 says the Holy Spirit fell while Peter was still speaking. What does it mean that God interrupts even faithful proclamation? How does this challenge the idea that saying the right things at the right time is the primary way God moves? Does that encourage you as a follower to share the Good News with others?
3. Before Acts 10:44–47, Gentiles were still considered spiritually “unclean.” When the Spirit falls in Acts 10:44, what unspoken fears about contamination—doctrinal, cultural, or moral—are being dismantled? Where might modern churches and believers still fear that proximity to certain people might dilute holiness?
4. Peter’s question in Acts 10:47 assumes that God has already done enough to affirm these Gentile believers. How does this reframe the church’s role in responding to faith as witnesses and not always as direct initiators? Where do we often tend to add conditions that God has not and how might our practices change if we truly believed God is already at work outside our control?
5. In Acts 10:15 Peter is instructed, three times, that whatever (whomever) God has made clean shall not be called profane. How does this explicit, and repeated, instruction from God help Peter to interpret the actions as speaking in tongues? The praise and faith of one group may appear different or unusual to another because of language or cultural differences. How do we ensure we have the faith to bear witness to the Holy Spirit in others of other communities?
6. Does the mixing faith and politics necessarily increase the divisions and tribalism within the church? Can it strengthening the bonds between followers?
For further contemplation, consider these prompts:
1. We often fail to see the world outside of our close proximity and experiences, this often leads to biases and misinformation. How or when have you experienced an injustice, either great or small, because of some lack of shared cultural experience? How has genuine interaction with others overturned a misunderstanding you may have had?
2. “Who is my neighbor?” That question rang differently in the past but today, in a world so interconnected, many still struggle with this. In what ways do we still struggle with this concept though today? What steps can we take to avoid exclusionary discipleship?