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Acts 8

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

And there was great joy in that city.

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

What does Acts 8:15 mean?

Explanation

Acts 8:15 refers to an instance in the early Christian church where two apostles, Peter and John, traveled to Samaria to pray for new believers. The believers had been baptized in the name of Jesus, but had not yet received the Holy Spirit.

This verse underscores the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers and indicates that the early church practiced a distinction between water baptism and the reception of the Holy Spirit.

The verse emphasizes the apostolic authority to bestow the Holy Spirit through prayer, suggesting that the Holy Spirit is a gift from God that needs to be sought and prayed for.

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Historical Context

Acts 8:15 takes place during a time shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Christianity was still in its nascent stages, spreading among Jews and Gentiles alike. The chapter starts with the persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, leading to the dispersion of Christians into regions such as Judea and Samaria.

It was a common Jewish belief that the Samaritans were not true worshippers; thus, the spread of Christianity to Samaria was significant, demonstrating the breaking down of barriers between different groups.

Philip, one of the deacons appointed by the apostles, had initially traveled to Samaria to preach Christ and perform miracles, which led to the conversions mentioned in Acts 8:15.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 8:15 raises important questions regarding the nature and reception of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Different Christian denominations interpret this verse in various ways.

Some see it as a basis for a separate reception of the Holy Spirit, sometimes associated with speaking in tongues or prophecy, known as the "baptism in the Holy Spirit." Others view it as descriptive of the unique historical context of the early church and do not consider a separate laying on of hands as necessary for today, since the Holy Spirit is believed to be received at the point of conversion and baptism.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Acts 8:15 can encourage believers to seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, emphasizing prayer and the laying on of hands as practices in spiritual life.

It can also serve as a reminder of the importance of community support and intercession in one's spiritual journey.

Leaders within churches might find direction here for how they can be conduits of God's power and blessings through prayer.

Cross-References

Acts 19:6 - "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."
Acts 2:38 - "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Acts 10:44-45 - "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the key phrases are "proseuxamenoi huper auton" (prayed for them) and "labōsin Pneuma Hagion" (might receive the Holy Ghost).

The term "proseuxamenoi" (prayed) indicates an earnest, intentional act of supplication, suggesting a belief in the efficacy of intercessory prayer.

"Labōsin" (might receive) in the subjunctive mood implies potentiality and anticipation, highlighting the expected change that the Holy Spirit would bring in the lives of the believers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of laying on hands and praying for spiritual gifts can be seen not only in Christian traditions but also in various cultural and religious contexts.

For instance, in many animistic religions, the laying on of hands is a ritual to impart healing, blessing, or spiritual power.

In Judaism, the laying on of hands was a sign of blessing and the conferring of authority (Genesis 48:14, Numbers 27:18-23).

This cultural practice of transmitting blessing or authority through touch provides a broader context for understanding the Christian practice as described in Acts.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, while the reception of the Holy Spirit as depicted in Acts 8:15 has no direct empirical measurement or scientific corollary, the impact of belief and religious experiences on a person's psychological state and behavior is an area of interest.

Studies in the field of neurotheology examine the brain's response to religious experiences, which could be relevant in understanding how profound spiritual moments, such as those described in Acts 8:15, affect individuals.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 8:15 vary in interpretation and application.

Some commentators, like John Calvin, focus on the uniqueness of this historical event, suggesting it was God's way of authenticating the apostles' ministry and the unity of the early church across ethnic divisions.

Modern commentators might discuss how this passage demonstrates the normative pattern for receiving the Holy Spirit or as a special event tied to the apostolic age.

Still, others highlight the importance of discerning and desiring the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

Overall, most agree that Acts 8:15 illustrates the transformative role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian community and the continuation of Jesus' ministry through the apostles.

Acts 8

Acts 8

What does Acts 8:15 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 8:15 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?