Acts 8:15
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Original Language Analysis
καταβάντες
when they were come down
G2597
καταβάντες
when they were come down
Strong's:
G2597
Word #:
2 of 9
to descend (literally or figuratively)
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 9
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
6 of 9
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
λάβωσιν
they might receive
G2983
λάβωσιν
they might receive
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
7 of 9
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
Historical Context
This delay in receiving the Spirit was unusual, serving to unite Jewish and Samaritan believers. The similar delay for Cornelius (Acts 10) and the Ephesian disciples (Acts 19) each served specific purposes in showing God's acceptance of new groups into the church.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did God delay the Spirit's coming to the Samaritans until the apostles arrived?
- What does this teach about the relationship between baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit?
- How does the Spirit's coming demonstrate God's acceptance of new groups into His church?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter and John prayed that the Samaritans 'might receive the Holy Ghost,' indicating a gap between their belief/baptism and reception of the Spirit. This unique situation served a specific purpose in redemptive history: demonstrating to Jewish believers that Samaritans received the same Spirit, preventing a separate Samaritan Christianity. Reformed theology sees this as exceptional - normally the Spirit comes at conversion (Romans 8:9). The apostles' prayer shows the Spirit's sovereign giving, not automatic reception through baptism alone.