Acts 8:17
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 10
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρας
their hands
G5495
χεῖρας
their hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
4 of 10
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ἐπ'
on
G1909
ἐπ'
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 10
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλάμβανον
they received
G2983
ἐλάμβανον
they received
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
8 of 10
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
Cross References
Acts 19:6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.Acts 6:6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.2 Timothy 1:6Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.Acts 8:18And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,Acts 2:4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.Hebrews 6:2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.Acts 9:17And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.Romans 1:11For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;Numbers 27:18And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;
Historical Context
Laying on of hands was used in the Old Testament for blessing (Genesis 48:14) and for conferring office (Numbers 27:18). In the apostolic church, it accompanied gifts of the Spirit, healing, and ordination, signifying identification and authorization.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the purpose of laying on of hands in Scripture?
- How did the visible reception of the Spirit confirm the Samaritan believers' inclusion?
- What does this teach about the unity of all believers regardless of ethnic background?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The apostles laid hands on the Samaritans, and 'they received the Holy Ghost.' This apostolic act confirmed the Samaritan believers as full members of Christ's church. The laying on of hands symbolized apostolic authorization and blessing. Reformed theology recognizes this as a transitional event establishing that salvation comes to all peoples equally - neither Jews nor Samaritans have preference. The visible reception of the Spirit (evidently manifested outwardly, given Simon's observation in v.18) authenticated the Samaritan mission.