The Holy Spirit had no problem in interrupting Peter as he was sharing the testimony of Jesus Christ to Cornelius and his household.
Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 10:
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard The Word.
Notice the word “all” is used just as it was used in Acts chapter 2. The Holy Spirit’s gift is available to ALL who will hear The Word.
45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.
46 For they heard them speak with Tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,
47 Peter said, “How could anyone object to these people being baptized? For they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
What a great confirmation of the importance of the Baptism of The Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in Tongues. Many people today believe that there is difficulty in receiving the Baptism. Some believe that it was only for the early church. Some even deny its existence.
What I have observed over that last 52 years is that unbelief is a primary hindrance to receiving the Baptism of The Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in Tongues.
Luke had already recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 2:
1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven, as of a rushing mighty Wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 Then there appeared to them divided Tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts chapters 10 & 11 may be two of the most important chapters in the New Testament!
The Disciples received the Baptism of The Holy Spirit first and later, Cornelius and his household experienced the same Baptism… prior to being water baptized.
So, Jews and Gentiles alike are offered this Blessing from Above.
When FATHER wants to remove any question, HE will repeat the importance of what HE is revealing.
Luke again recounts the essence of chapter 10 when he recorded by The Holy Spirit in chapter 11:
1 Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God.
2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him (challenged him),
3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”
It was necessary for Peter to recount the events found in chapter 10.
4 But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying:
5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me.
6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’
8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’
9 But the Voice answered me again from Heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’
Peter challenged FATHER because of his previous mindset. FATHER gave Peter a triple witness. This translates to an emphatic command!
10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into Heaven.
11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea.
12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house.
Peter was able to hear The Holy Spirit and did not doubt His instructions. This is critical to our walk as well.
13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter,
14 who will tell you Words by which you and all your household will be saved.’
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.
16 Then I remembered the Word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
The Holy Spirit will bring His Word to remembrance as we walk in Holiness.
17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”
Do any of us dare contend or challenge The Word of GOD?
18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to Life.”
The apostles and brethren who were in Judea listened to Peter testify of the work of The Holy Spirit concerning the Gentiles who had also received the Word of God. This confirmed to them that the Gentiles were included in Jesus’ command to go throughout the world and preach the Good News to ALL MANKIND! These two chapters set the stage for a true worldwide ministry for all believers.
As we walk in Holiness, let us not be surprised when The Holy Spirit moves unexpectedly in our midst.