Why did the Holy Spirit come upon the Gentiles in Acts 10?
The Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles in Acts 10 as evidence of their faith. While Peter was still speaking about who Jesus was, what happened to Him, and His resurrection, they believed, without repentance or water baptism. This reversed the Acts 2 order and marked the start of the Gentile economy.
Les explains that in Acts 2:38 the order was repentance, water baptism, remission of sins, and then the Holy Spirit. But in Acts 10, while Peter was still speaking only about who Jesus was, what had happened to Him, and His resurrection, the Gentiles believed, and the Holy Spirit came upon them as evidence of their faith—before repentance or baptism. Les notes this is a total reversal for the Gentile economy, the first step of opening the door to Gentiles, and it aligns with Paul's Gospel, though only the beginning.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
More Questions
Where did the Holy Spirit fall on the Gentiles in Acts 10?
The outpouring of the Spirit on the Gentiles took place inside the house of Cornelius, a Roman officer, not in a large public venue like a Colosseum.