New International VersionThen I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
New Living TranslationThen I thought of the Lord’s words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
English Standard VersionAnd I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
Berean Standard BibleThen I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
Berean Literal BibleAnd I remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said, 'John indeed baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'
King James BibleThen remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
New King James VersionThen I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
New American Standard BibleAnd I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
NASB 1995“And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
NASB 1977“And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
Legacy Standard BibleAnd I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
Amplified BibleThen I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
Christian Standard BibleI remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
American Standard VersionAnd I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Contemporary English VersionI remembered that the Lord had said, "John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
English Revised VersionAnd I remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI remembered that the Lord had said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized by the Holy Spirit.'
Good News TranslationThen I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'
International Standard VersionThen I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'
NET BibleAnd I remembered the word of the Lord, as he used to say, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'
New Heart English BibleI remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, 'John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.'
Webster's Bible TranslationThen I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Weymouth New TestamentThen I remembered the Lord's words, how He used to say, "'John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit.' Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
World English BibleI remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand I remembered the saying of the LORD, how He said, John indeed immersed in water, but you will be immersed in the Holy Spirit;
Berean Literal BibleAnd I remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said, 'John indeed baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'
Young's Literal Translation and I remembered the saying of the Lord, how he said, John indeed did baptize with water, and ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd I remembered the word of the Lord, when he said, John truly immersed with water; but ye shall be immersed with the Holy Spirit. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said: John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen I remembered the words of the Lord, just as he himself said: ‘John, indeed, baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
New American Bibleand I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water but you will be baptized with the holy Spirit.’
New Revised Standard VersionAnd I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen I remembered that word of our LORD, when he said, John indeed baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd I was reminded of the word of Our Lord, which he had said: 'Yohannan baptized in water, but you shall be baptized in The Spirit of Holiness.' NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThen I remembered the word of the Lord, as he said, John immersed in water, but you shall be immersed in the Holy Spirit.
Godbey New TestamentAnd I remembered the word of the Lord, as He said, John indeed baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Haweis New Testament
Then I recollected the word of the Lord, how he had said, John indeed baptised with water; but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost.
Mace New Testament
then I remember'd that expression of the Lord, "John baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the holy spirit."
Weymouth New Testament
Then I remembered the Lord's words, how He used to say, "'John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit.'
Worrell New Testament
and I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said,'John, indeed, immersed in water, but ye shall be immersed inthe Holy Spirit.'
Worsley New Testament
Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said,John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the holy Spirit.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Peter's Report at Jerusalem… 15As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He had fallen upon us at the beginning. 16ThenI rememberedthewordof theLord,asHe used to say,‘Johnbaptizedwith water,butyouwill be baptizedwiththe HolySpirit.’17So if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to hinder the work of God?”…
Cross References Matthew 3:11I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Mark 1:8I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Luke 3:16John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
John 1:33I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Acts 1:5For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2:4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 19:4-6Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” / On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. / And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Joel 2:28-29And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. / Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
Isaiah 44:3For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.
Ezekiel 36:25-27I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. / I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.
John 14:26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.
John 16:7But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.
Acts 2:17-18‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. / Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
Acts 10:44-47While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. / All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. / For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said, ...
1 Corinthians 12:13For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.
Treasury of Scripture Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. remembered. Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Luke 24:8 And they remembered his words, John 14:26 But the Comforter,which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. how. Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Acts 19:2-4 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost… Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, andwith fire: but. Proverbs 1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Isaiah 44:3-5 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: … Ezekiel 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. Jump to Previous BaptisedBaptismBaptizeBaptizedGhostHolyIndeedJohnLord'sMindRememberedSpiritUsedWaterWordWordsJump to Next BaptisedBaptismBaptizeBaptizedGhostHolyIndeedJohnLord'sMindRememberedSpiritUsedWaterWordWordsActs 11 1.Peter, being accused for preaching to the Gentiles,5.makes his defense;18.which is accepted.19.The gospel being spread in Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch,22.Barnabas is sent to confirm them.26.The disciples are first called Christians at Antioch.27.They send relief to the brothers in Judea in time of famine.Then I remembered the word of the LordThis phrase indicates a moment of divine recall, where Peter is reminded of Jesus' teachings. The act of remembering is significant in biblical narratives, often associated with the Holy Spirit's work in bringing to mind the teachings of Christ ( John 14:26). This moment underscores the importance of Jesus' words as authoritative and foundational for the early church's understanding and practice. how He said
This phrase emphasizes the direct speech of Jesus, highlighting the authority and reliability of His words. In the Gospels, Jesus often spoke prophetically and with authority, as seen inMatthew 7:29. The early church relied heavily on the teachings of Jesus as recorded by the apostles, which were considered divinely inspired and essential for doctrine and practice. ‘John baptized with water
John the Baptist's ministry was one of preparation, calling people to repentance and symbolized by water baptism (Mark 1:4). This act was a public declaration of repentance and a precursor to the greater baptism that Jesus would bring. John's baptism was significant in Jewish culture as it represented purification and readiness for the coming Messiah. but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
This promise of baptism with the Holy Spirit was fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), marking a new era in God's redemptive plan. The Holy Spirit's baptism signifies empowerment for service, the indwelling presence of God, and the initiation into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). This event was prophesied in the Old Testament (Joel 2:28-29) and fulfilled in the New Testament, demonstrating the continuity of God's plan through Jesus Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. PeterThe apostle recounting his vision and the subsequent events to the believers in Jerusalem, explaining how God had granted repentance to the Gentiles. 2. John the BaptistReferred to in the verse as the one who baptized with water, symbolizing repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah. 3. The Holy SpiritThe third person of the Trinity, promised by Jesus to baptize believers, signifying empowerment and the indwelling presence of God. 4. JerusalemThe place where Peter is explaining his actions to the Jewish believers, emphasizing the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles. 5. GentilesNon-Jewish people who received the Holy Spirit, marking a significant moment in the early church's mission and understanding of God's plan. Teaching Points The Fulfillment of ProphecyActs 11:16 highlights the fulfillment of Jesus' promise and Old Testament prophecies, showing God's faithfulness and the continuity of His plan. The Role of the Holy SpiritThe baptism of the Holy Spirit is essential for empowerment and guidance in the Christian life, marking the believer's entry into the new covenant community. Inclusivity of the GospelThe inclusion of the Gentiles demonstrates that the Gospel is for all people, breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers. The Importance of RemembrancePeter's recollection of Jesus' words emphasizes the importance of remembering and relying on Scripture in understanding God's work. Obedience to God's LeadingPeter's actions, guided by the Holy Spirit, encourage believers to be open and obedient to God's direction, even when it challenges existing norms. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 11:16?
2.How does Acts 11:16 emphasize the importance of the Holy Spirit in baptism?
3.What does "baptized with the Holy Spirit" mean in a believer's life today?
4.How does Acts 11:16 connect with Jesus' promise in Acts 1:5?
5.How can we ensure we are open to the Holy Spirit's guidance?
6.What role does the Holy Spirit play in fulfilling the Great Commission?
7.What does Acts 11:16 reveal about the role of the Holy Spirit in baptism?
8.How does Acts 11:16 connect to Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit?
9.Why is the remembrance of Jesus' words significant in Acts 11:16?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 11?
11.What does the Holy Spirit impart?
12.What is the Bible's teaching on the Trinity?
13.What are the seven baptisms mentioned in the Bible?
14.What does 'Every good and perfect gift is from above' mean?What Does Acts 11:16 Mean Then I remembered the word of the LordPeter is standing before believers in Jerusalem, explaining why he entered a Gentile home and watched the Spirit fall on Cornelius’ household (Acts 11:1-15). In that moment of surprise, he says, “Then I remembered the word of the Lord.” • The Holy Spirit brings Christ’s words to mind just when they are needed (John 14:26). • Memory anchors interpretation; Peter does not trust the novelty of the experience alone but checks it against Jesus’ prior promise (Luke 24:8;John 2:22). • Because Jesus’ words are infallible (Matthew 24:35), recalling them settles the issue for Peter and the church.
how He saidPeter emphasizes that what follows is not his opinion but a direct quotation from Jesus. • The authority rests on “He said,” echoing the repeated “It is written” pattern Jesus Himself used (Matthew 4:4). • Christ’s spoken promises guide the church’s decisions (Acts 20:35). • Holding to “how He said” protects the church from drifting into speculation; the text of Scripture remains the standard (2 Peter 1:19).
John baptized with waterThe contrast begins with John’s well-known ministry. • John’s baptism was external, an act of repentance preparing Israel for Messiah (Mark 1:4;Luke 3:16). • Water symbolized cleansing but could not change the heart (Hebrews 10:1-2). • Everyone listening to Peter respected John’s role; citing him grounds the argument in shared history (Acts 1:5).
but you will be baptized with the Holy SpiritHere is the promise that explains Cornelius’ experience and clarifiesActs 11:16. • Jesus first spoke these words after His resurrection (Acts 1:5), pointing to Pentecost. • Spirit baptism is internal and transformative: – It unites believers into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13). – It empowers for witness (Acts 1:8; 2:4). – It marks God’s acceptance of both Jews (Acts 2) and Gentiles (Acts 10:44-47). • Peter recognizes the identical Spirit-given signs in Cornelius’ house and concludes that God Himself has already welcomed these Gentiles (Acts 11:17). Resisting them would mean resisting God.
summaryActs 11:16 shows Peter interpreting an unexpected event through Jesus’ explicit promise: the shift from water baptism alone to the life-changing baptism of the Holy Spirit. By remembering Christ’s words, Peter affirms that the same Spirit who came at Pentecost now embraces Gentiles, proving that salvation in Christ crosses every cultural line. The verse underscores the unbreakable authority of Jesus’ promises and the Spirit’s power to fulfill them in every believer. (16) Then remembered I the word of the Lord.--The special promise referred to was that recorded in Acts 1:5. Then it had seemed to refer only to the disciples, and the Day of Pentecost had appeared to bring a complete fulfilment of it. Now Peter had learnt to see that it had a wider range, that the gift might be bestowed on those who were not of Israel, and who were not called to come outwardly within the covenant of Israel. If the baptism of the Holy Ghost had been thus given to them it implied, as the greater includes the less, that they were admissible to the baptism of water. Verse 16.- And I remembered for then remembered I, A.V. This is a new incident not mentioned in Acts 10. The reference is to Acts 1:5. This saying of the Lord being thus referred to by Peter looks as if Peter might have furnished many of the particulars in the first twelve chapters to Luke.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Thenδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.I rememberedἐμνήσθην(emnēsthēn)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3403:To remember, call to mind, recall, mention. A prolonged form of mnaomai; to remind, i.e. to recall to mind.theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.wordῥήματος(rhēmatos)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4487:From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.of theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Lord,Κυρίου(Kyriou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.asὡς(hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.He used to say,ἔλεγεν(elegen)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.‘JohnἸωάννης(Iōannēs)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491:Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.baptizedἐβάπτισεν(ebaptisen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 907:Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.with water,ὕδατι(hydati)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5204:Water. And genitive case, hudatos, etc. From the base of huetos; water literally or figuratively.butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.youὑμεῖς(hymeis)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.will be baptizedβαπτισθήσεσθε(baptisthēsesthe)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 907:Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.withἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] HolyἉγίῳ(Hagiō)Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 40:Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.Spirit.’Πνεύματι(Pneumati)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151:Wind, breath, spirit.
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NT Apostles: Acts 11:16 I remembered the word of the Lord (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
