44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. (Acts 10:44-48 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
Observe here, 1. What a miraculous power of the Holy Ghost did accompany St. Peter’s ministry at this time, thereby giving him an assurance of the future conversion of the Gentiles, to the great wonder and astonishment of the Jews, who thought the promise of sending down the Holy Ghost belonged only to the house of Israel.
Accordingly, while Peter was thus preaching to Cornelius and his family, the Holy Ghost, by his wonderful gift of tongues, descended on them, though Gentiles; at which the Jews marvelled.
Observe, 2. The conclusion which the apostle draws from this; forasmuch as the Gentiles were baptized with the Holy Ghost, he infers, that they ought to be baptized with water; and the argument runs thus: “They that have the grace signified by and promised in baptism; they have the inward part, or thing signified; why then should the outward sign be denied them? He that has the inheritance, may clain the writings, the seals, &c. belonging to the inheritance.
Observe, 3. The apostle without scruple baptized these Gentiles converts; Then commanded he them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus: That is, he either baptized them himself, or gave commandment to others to do it; and though only the name of the Lord Jesus be mentioned, yet this does not imply, but that they were baptized according to our Saviour’s prescription, In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Mt 28:19 This done, they desired him to stay some days with them, that they might be farther instructed, confirmed, and comforted by his ministry.