In this passage we see clearly how salvation comes to people. As Peter preached the message of Christ (v34-43) the Holy Spirit fell on the hearers bringing them to new life and faith in Christ (v44). Salvation is not caused by human persuasion or by human decision but is a Sovereign act of God’s Spirit transforming people as the Word of God is preached.

The Jews with Peter are amazed and they see the reality that God has no favouritism as they see these Gentiles receiving the Spirit (v45-46). This was a staggering change for the New Testament church as Gentiles are saved.

The gift of tongues was a God-given ability to speak in other languages (Acts 2 v4-11). The gift of tongues was a sign to show that the Gospel was moving from the Jews to the Gentile nations (see 1 Cor. 14 v21-22; Isaiah 28 v11-12).

These new believers now receive baptism as a sign of their salvation and entrance into the church (v47-48).

It is because salvation is a sovereign act of the God who does not show favouritism between different types of people, that we should be confident in sharing the Gospel to all types of people. God can save anyone.