Acts 10:48 – “So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.”

Extended Explanation

This verse marks the final step in the incredible story of Cornelius and his household receiving salvation. After seeing that God had given the Holy Spirit to these Gentile believers, Peter took the next step—he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Baptism was a public declaration of their new faith in Jesus. It didn’t save them—the Holy Spirit had already come upon them, proving that their faith was genuine. But baptism was an important act of obedience, a symbol of their new life in Christ.

The second part of the verse tells us that Cornelius and his household asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. This is significant because, under Jewish custom, Jews and Gentiles usually did not stay in each other’s homes. This moment shows that the old barriers between Jews and Gentiles were being broken down through Jesus.

Historical Context

At this time, baptism was the outward sign of joining the Christian community. John the Baptist had baptized people as a sign of repentance (Luke 3:3), and Jesus commanded His followers to baptize new believers (Matthew 28:19). The early church practiced baptism as a step of obedience and identification with Jesus (Acts 2:38).

But what made this event unique was that these were Gentiles being baptized without first converting to Judaism. Many Jews believed that Gentiles had to adopt Jewish customs before they could be fully accepted by God. But God had already made it clear—salvation was by faith alone.

By staying with the Gentiles for a few days, Peter was doing something radical. He was showing that, in Christ, Jews and Gentiles were now equal members of God’s family. This was a major shift in thinking for the early church, and it paved the way for the gospel to spread beyond Israel.

Theological Implications

1. Baptism is an important step of obedience, but it does not save. These Gentiles were already saved and filled with the Holy Spirit before they were baptized.
2. Faith in Jesus is what makes a person part of God’s family, not religious background or traditions.
3. The gospel breaks down barriers. Peter staying with the Gentiles shows that Jesus unites people who were once divided.

Literary Analysis

This verse has two key parts:

• “So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” This shows that baptism was not an optional ritual but a necessary step of obedience for new believers.
• “Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.” This reflects the newfound unity between Jews and Gentiles in Christ.

The phrase “in the name of Jesus Christ” is significant. Baptism was done in Jesus’ name to show that salvation comes through Him alone. This is a direct contrast to Jewish traditions, which emphasized the law and circumcision as marks of belonging to God.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 28:19 – “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Jesus commanded His followers to baptize new believers.
• Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Baptism was the expected response of new believers.
• Galatians 3:27-28 – “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Baptism symbolizes unity in Christ.
• Ephesians 2:14 – “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” Jesus brought Jews and Gentiles together.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Acts 10:48 reminds us that baptism is an important step of obedience for every believer. It does not earn salvation, but it is a way of publicly identifying with Jesus. Every Christian should take this step, just as the Gentiles in Cornelius’ house did.

This verse also challenges us to break down barriers in our own lives. Just as Peter stayed with the Gentiles—something that once would have been unthinkable—we should be willing to welcome and fellowship with all believers, regardless of their background.

Finally, this verse calls us to follow up with new believers. Peter didn’t just preach and leave—he stayed and taught them. In the same way, Christians should support and disciple new believers as they grow in their faith.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He welcomes all who come to Him in faith. He does not require people to meet a long list of religious requirements before accepting them. Instead, He freely gives salvation to all who trust in Jesus.

This verse also shows that God’s love unites people. Jews and Gentiles were once divided, but in Christ, they became one family. Today, God continues to bring people from all backgrounds together through His love.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus commanded His followers to baptize new believers (Matthew 28:19), and Peter was now carrying out that command. This verse is a direct fulfillment of Jesus’ mission—to bring salvation to all nations and to make disciples everywhere.

This verse also confirms that Jesus is the only way to salvation. Baptism was done in His name because salvation is found in Him alone (Acts 4:12). The Gentiles were not baptized into a religion, a law, or a tradition—they were baptized into Christ.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why was it important for the Gentiles to be baptized after receiving the Holy Spirit?
2. How does this verse challenge us to break down barriers between different groups of people?
3. What does it mean to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ?
4. How can we support and disciple new believers, just as Peter stayed to teach Cornelius and his household?
5. If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back from taking this step of obedience?

Acts 10:48 is a powerful conclusion to this chapter, showing that salvation is for all people, baptism is a step of obedience, and God’s love brings unity where there was once division. It challenges us to follow Jesus boldly, welcome all who believe in Him, and make disciples who grow in faith.