Acts 8:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3748}, when they were come down {G2597}, prayed {G4336} for {G4012} them {G846}, that {G3704} they might receive {G2983} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}:

Complete Jewish Bible

who came down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Ruach HaKodesh.

Berean Standard Bible

On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.

American Standard Version

who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 8:15 describes the crucial moment when the apostles Peter and John, having traveled from Jerusalem to Samaria, prayed for the Samaritan believers who had already accepted the Gospel and been baptized by Philip. This prayer was specifically for these new converts to receive the Holy Spirit, an event distinct from their initial conversion and water baptism, signifying the full integration and empowerment of the Spirit within their lives and the burgeoning Samaritan church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment following the successful evangelistic outreach of Philip in Samaria, as detailed in [Acts 8:4-8](/acts/8-4-8 "Acts 8:4-8 - Philip's Ministry in Samaria"). Philip's preaching of Christ, accompanied by signs and wonders, led to widespread belief and water baptism among the Samaritans. However, the narrative explicitly states that while they believed and were baptized, "the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen on any of them" ([Acts 8:16](/acts/8-16 "Acts 8:16 - The Spirit Had Not Yet Fallen")). This prompted the apostles in Jerusalem, upon hearing the news of the Samaritan conversions, to dispatch Peter and John. Their arrival and subsequent actions in [Acts 8:14-17](/acts/8-14-17 "Acts 8:14-17 - Peter and John Sent to Samaria") underscore the apostolic oversight and the unique nature of Spirit reception in this early phase of the church's expansion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the early expansion of the Christian church beyond its Jewish origins. Samaritans were a people of mixed Jewish and Gentile descent, historically viewed with animosity by orthodox Jews, stemming from centuries of religious and ethnic conflict ([John 4:9](/john/4-9 "John 4:9 - Samaritan-Jewish Animosity")). The evangelization of Samaria, therefore, represented a significant breach of social and religious barriers, fulfilling Christ's commission to spread the Gospel to "Samaria and to the end of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). The sending of Peter and John from Jerusalem was crucial not only for the impartation of the Spirit but also for formally recognizing the Samaritans as legitimate members of the nascent Christian community, bridging the divide between Jerusalem and this new mission field.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the **reception of the Holy Spirit**, highlighting the Spirit's indispensable role in empowering believers and authenticating their inclusion into the body of Christ. This event distinguishes belief and water baptism from the empowering presence of the Spirit, often accompanied by visible manifestations in the early church, as seen on the [Day of Pentecost](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost"). Another key theme is **apostolic authority and oversight**, demonstrated by the apostles' unique role in confirming new believers and integrating them into the broader Christian community. Their presence served to validate the Samaritan conversion and ensure proper spiritual formation, linking these new converts directly to the apostolic foundation laid in Jerusalem. Finally, this incident powerfully illustrates **church unity and expansion**, as the shared experience of receiving the Holy Spirit through the apostles fostered unity and demonstrated God's inclusive plan for salvation, breaking down long-standing ethnic and religious barriers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _lambánō'_):** From G2983, meaning "to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively (properly objective or active, to get hold of; whereas δέχομαι is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while αἱρέομαι is more violent, to seize or remove)):--accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up)." In this context, _lambánō_ signifies an active reception or appropriation of the Holy Spirit, implying a conscious experience of His presence and power, rather than a passive offering.
* **Holy (Greek, _hágios'_):** From G40, meaning "sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):--(most) holy (one, thing), saint." This adjective describes the Spirit as distinct, set apart, and pure, emphasizing His divine nature and His role in sanctifying believers.
* **Ghost (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From G4151, meaning "a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind." In the KJV, "Ghost" is an archaic term for "Spirit." Here, it unequivocally refers to the third person of the Trinity, the divine Holy Spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who, when they were come down":** The "Who" (G3748, _hóstis_) refers specifically to Peter and John, the apostles sent from Jerusalem. "Come down" (G2597, _katabaínō_) indicates their descent from the higher elevation of Jerusalem to the region of Samaria, emphasizing the intentionality and authority of their mission from the central hub of the early church.
* **"prayed for them":** This phrase highlights the means by which the Holy Spirit was imparted. The apostles did not merely command the Spirit to come but interceded on behalf of the Samaritan believers (G4336, _proseúchomai_ for prayer; G4012, _perí_ for "for" or "on behalf of," and G846, _autós_ for "them"). This act of prayer underscores the divine initiative in the Spirit's bestowal, even when mediated through human instruments.
* **"that they might receive the Holy Ghost":** The purpose clause (G3704, _hópōs_, "that" or "in order that") clearly states the objective of the apostles' visit and prayer: the reception of the Holy Spirit (G2983, _lambánō_ for receive; G40, _hágios_ for Holy; G4151, _pneûma_ for Ghost/Spirit). This indicates that while the Samaritans had believed and been baptized, a distinct experience of the Spirit's empowering presence was yet to occur, which was deemed essential by the apostles.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Narrative Progression** to illustrate the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, moving the Gospel from Jerusalem to Samaria, fulfilling Christ's commission in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Scope of the Gospel's Spread"). The distinct stages of belief, water baptism, and Spirit reception are presented sequentially, highlighting the comprehensive nature of salvation and empowerment in the early church. There is also a clear **Emphasis** on the role of apostolic authority and prayer as the means through which the Holy Spirit was imparted, reinforcing the foundational structure of the early Christian community. Furthermore, the very act of Peter and John, representing the Jewish apostles, ministering to the Samaritans, carries profound **Symbolism** of unity and the breaking down of ethnic barriers within the new covenant community, demonstrating the universal reach of the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 8:15 is a foundational text for understanding the early church's experience of the Holy Spirit, illustrating that while belief and water baptism are vital components of conversion, there was often a subsequent, distinct experience of the Spirit's empowering presence. This passage does not necessarily establish a universal pattern for all believers across all times, but it clearly demonstrates God's sovereign and diverse ways of working, particularly in the unique context of the nascent church's expansion and the integration of new people groups. The apostles' involvement underscores the importance of spiritual authority and oversight in confirming and integrating new believers into the broader Christian community, ensuring doctrinal integrity and spiritual formation. It also highlights the Spirit's role in breaking down historical barriers, uniting diverse peoples into one body in Christ.

* [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Repentance, Baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Spirit")
* [Acts 19:1-6](/acts/19-1-6 "Acts 19:1-6 - Paul and the Ephesian Disciples")
* [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 8:15 serves as a powerful reminder of the Holy Spirit's indispensable role in the life of every believer and the church as a whole. While the specific timing and manifestations of receiving the Spirit may vary, the core truth remains: the Holy Spirit is essential for empowering believers for witness, sanctification, and effective ministry. This passage encourages us to earnestly seek the Spirit's presence and power, recognizing that a vibrant Christian life is not merely intellectual assent or ritualistic observance, but a dynamic relationship enabled by the indwelling and empowering Spirit. It also subtly points to the importance of spiritual leadership and connection within the church, ensuring that new believers are discipled and integrated into the body of Christ, guided by sound doctrine and spiritual authority, fostering unity and mutual edification.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the distinct reception of the Holy Spirit in Acts 8:15 challenge or affirm my understanding of conversion and spiritual growth?**
* **In what ways do I actively seek and rely on the Holy Spirit's empowerment in my daily life and ministry?**
* **How can the church today better facilitate the spiritual formation and integration of new believers, drawing lessons from the apostolic oversight seen in this passage?**
* **Considering the historical tension between Jews and Samaritans, what barriers might the Holy Spirit be calling me or my community to break down for the sake of the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Samaritans not receive the Holy Spirit immediately upon belief or baptism, as seen in other New Testament conversions?**

Answer: The narrative in [Acts 8](/acts/8 "Acts 8 - Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch") presents a unique situation in the early church's expansion. While in many cases, the Holy Spirit was received concurrently with belief or baptism (e.g., [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Peter's Pentecost Sermon")), the delay in Samaria, requiring the presence and prayer of Peter and John, served several strategic purposes. Theologically, it underscored the authority of the Jerusalem apostles in validating and integrating this new, ethnically distinct group into the nascent Christian community, ensuring unity and preventing schism. Practically, it demonstrated that the Gospel was truly breaking down the ancient animosity between Jews and Samaritans, as the Spirit's outpouring, mediated by Jewish apostles, confirmed their shared status in Christ. It's not necessarily a universal pattern for all conversions but a specific, divinely orchestrated event for the unique circumstances of the early church's expansion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 8:15, with its focus on the reception of the Holy Spirit, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. The Holy Spirit, whom the Samaritans received, is the very Spirit promised by Christ to His disciples as the "Helper" or "Advocate" ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Jesus Himself, having completed His redemptive work on the cross and ascended to the Father, is the one who "poured out" the Spirit ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Jesus Exalted, Spirit Poured Out")), thereby empowering His church to continue His mission. The apostles, Peter and John, acted as Christ's appointed representatives, mediating this divine gift, much as Christ Himself had promised to build His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). The Spirit's reception in Samaria signifies Christ's universal Lordship and the breaking down of all barriers through His atoning work, bringing all peoples, Jew and Samaritan alike, into one body, which is His church ([Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14-18 "Ephesians 2:14-18 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the event in Acts 8:15 is not merely about a spiritual experience, but about the ongoing, post-resurrection work of Christ through His Spirit, uniting and empowering His people for the glory of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

John 16:23

¶ And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you.

John 16:24

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Philippians 1:19

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

John 14:13

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

John 14:14

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do [it].

Matthew 18:19

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.