Acts 8:16

"who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;"

Key Reflection

This passage underscores the importance of prayer in receiving the Holy Spirit. The apostles' intercession highlights that spiritual gifts, including the Holy Spirit, are not granted automatically but require the faithful prayer of believers to be bestowed upon others.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 16. He was fallen. This expression is several times applied to the Holy Spirit, Ac 10:44; 11:15. It does not differ materially from the common expression, "the Holy Ghost descended." It means that he came from heaven; and the expression to fall, applied to his influences, denotes the rapidity and suddenness of his coming. Comp. Ac 19:2. In the name of the Lord Jesus. See Barnes "Ac 2:38". See also Ac 10:48; 19:5,6. {a} "as yet" Ac 19:2 {b} "were baptized" Ac 2:38; 10:48; 19:5,6; 1 Co 1:13 {*} "in the name" "unto" __________________________________________________________________

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