Good News for Gentiles
34 Then Peter began to speak: "In truth, I understand that God doesn't show favoritism,
35
but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him.
36
He sent the message to the sons of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ-He is Lord of all.
37
You know the events that took place throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John preached:
38
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and curing all who were under the tyranny of the Devil, because God was with Him.
39
We ourselves are witnesses of everything He did in both the Judean country and in Jerusalem; yet they killed Him by hanging Him on a tree.
40
God raised up this man on the third day and permitted Him to be seen,
41
not by all the people, but by us, witnesses appointed beforehand by God, who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead.
42
He commanded us to preach to the people, and to solemnly testify that He is the One appointed by God to be the Judge of the living and the dead.
43
All the prophets testify about Him that through His name everyone who believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins."
Gentile Conversion and Baptism
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard the message.
45
The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.
46
For they heard them speaking in [other] languages and declaring the greatness of God. Then Peter responded,
47
"Can anyone withhold water and prevent these from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"
48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.