Acts 8:15

"Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,"

Key Reflection

This verse illustrates the apostles' concern for the spiritual welfare of newly converted believers, even those in distant regions like Samaria. By sending Peter and John, they affirmed that spiritual gifts, such as the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Spirit, were essential for confirming faith across all communities.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 15. Were come down. To Samaria. Jerusalem was generally represented as up, or higher than the rest of the land, Mt 20:18; Joh 7:8. Prayed for them. They sought at the hand of God the extraordinary communications of the Holy Spirit. They did not even pretend to have the power of doing it without the aid of God. That they might receive the Holy Ghost. The main question here is, what was meant by the Holy Ghost? In Ac 8:20, it is called "the gift of God." The following remarks may make this plain: (1.) It was not that gift of the Holy Ghost by which the soul is converted, or renewed, for they had this when they believed, Ac 8:6.

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