The Spirit Fell on Them
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 22 2025 | Acts 11:15-18
KEY VERSE: “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning." Acts 11:15 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Sometimes God moves in a way that breaks our categories and confronts our assumptions. In Acts 11:15-17, Peter describes the shocking moment when the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles, just as He had on the Jews. This moment confirmed that God was not making distinctions; salvation, fellowship, and power were for all who believe. “The Holy Spirit came on them as He had come on us at the beginning.” Peter didn’t finish his sermon before the Spirit fell. God acted without waiting for human approval—a sign of full divine acceptance. The same power that birthed the Church at Pentecost was now at work in Gentile hearts.
Jesus promised His disciples that the power of the Holy Spirit would help them become witnesses to people all over the world (Acts 1:8). Luke emphasised that Jesus kept this promise and made clear His acceptance of new groups of people through the coming of the Holy Spirit. At this God-designed intersection of grace and God-seeking Gentiles, once again Jesus Christ poured out the Holy Spirit, this time on Cornelius, his relatives, and friends - all of whom were Gentiles. The Good News message included Jewish people from all over the world on Pentecost (Acts 2:5-12). Now, by showing His favour through the sending of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was leading His disciples to include non-Jews. One of the great functions of the Holy Spirit is to open new pathways for Jesus' disciples to reach people who had never been reached.
Peter interpreted what happened not by tradition, but by the words of Jesus Himself. “Then I remembered what the Lord had said…” (v.16). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is God’s seal of belonging - no need for cultural or legal additions. When God moves, Scripture brings clarity and confirms His will.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Do not stand in God’s way by being hesitant to accept whom God is accepting. Peter’s humility - “Who was I to stand in God’s way? – This should be the posture we need in gospel ministry today.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me not to stand in the way of what You are doing. Let me not hold on to prejudice, tradition, or fear when You are pouring out Your Spirit. May I be led by Your Word, Your Spirit, and Your love. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 173: 2 Samuel 7 — God’s Covenant with David
DAILY word study: CAME ON The Greek word ἐπέπεσεν (epépesen) comes from the verb epipiptō, meaning to fall upon, to come upon suddenly, or to embrace with force or intensity.
In Acts 11:15, Peter says, “The Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.” The word epépesen conveys more than a passive presence—it signals a decisive, powerful moment where the Holy Spirit takes initiative and fills the room. It mirrors what happened in Acts 2, confirming God’s full acceptance of the Gentiles.
Reflection:
Have you experienced the Spirit coming upon your life with clarity and conviction? Are you open to receiving His presence when He moves, without resistance or delay?
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