Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized. This is a sort of challenge thrown out to his own six Jewish brethren, who might be supposed to object to the recognition of their Gentile brethren without circumcision. A great principle is here expressed. He does not say, 'Having received the Spirit, what need have they of water!' But, 'Having received the supernatural seal of real discipleship, who can refuse them the visible token of it!'
Which have received, [ hoitines (G3748 ) elabon (G2983 ), i:e., 'since they have received'] the Holy Spirit as well as we? - which has put them on a level with ourselves in all that is saving.