Acts 8:16
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
(For
G1063
γὰρ
(For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐπ'
upon
G1909
ἐπ'
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
οὐδενὶ
none
G3762
οὐδενὶ
none
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
5 of 17
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
αὐτῶν
of them
G846
αὐτῶν
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 17
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
ἐπιπεπτωκός
fallen
G1968
ἐπιπεπτωκός
fallen
Strong's:
G1968
Word #:
7 of 17
to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively)
βεβαπτισμένοι
baptized
G907
βεβαπτισμένοι
baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
10 of 17
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
ὑπῆρχον
they were
G5225
ὑπῆρχον
they were
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
11 of 17
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
the name
G3686
ὄνομα
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
14 of 17
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 2:38Then 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 19:2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.Matthew 28:19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Historical Context
Baptism 'in the name of Jesus' distinguished Christian baptism from John's baptism (Acts 19:5) and indicated submission to Christ's lordship. The formula used (whether Trinitarian or specifically Jesus' name) is debated among scholars.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the relationship between water baptism and the Spirit's baptism?
- Why does Scripture emphasize that the same Spirit came upon Samaritans as upon Jews?
- How do we avoid either exalting sacraments above the Spirit or minimizing their importance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Spirit had not yet 'fallen upon' any Samaritans though they had been baptized 'in the name of the Lord Jesus.' This separation of baptism from Spirit-reception was exceptional, not normative. The phrase 'fallen upon' suggests visible manifestation similar to Pentecost. Luke emphasizes this anomaly to show that even Samaritans - despised by Jews - received the identical Spirit. Reformed theology sees baptism as a sign and seal of the covenant, but the reality signified (Spirit's indwelling) is sovereignly given by God, not automatically conferred through the rite.