Study Desk

Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism^(ag)

but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.^(ah)

You know the message^(ai) God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news^(aj) of peace^(ak) through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.^(al)

You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—

how God anointed^(am) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing^(an) all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.^(ao)

"We are witnesses^(ap) of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross,^(aq)

but God raised him from the dead^(ar) on the third day and caused him to be seen.

He was not seen by all the people,^(as) but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate^(at) and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

He commanded us to preach to the people^(au) and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.^(av)

All the prophets testify about him^(aw) that everyone^(ax) who believes^(ay) in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."^(az)

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on^(ba) all who heard the message.

The circumcised believers who had come with Peter^(bb) were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out^(bc) even on Gentiles.^(bd)

For they heard them speaking in tongues^[b](be) and praising God. Then Peter said,

"Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water.^(bf) They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have."^(bg)

So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.^(bh) Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.