Acts 8:15

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

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}:

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

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

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

Acts 8:15 describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian church's expansion, specifically concerning the Samaritans who had believed Philip's preaching. The verse states, "Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:"

Context

This verse immediately follows the successful evangelistic efforts of Philip in Samaria. Philip had preached Christ, performed miracles, and many Samaritans had believed and been baptized (Acts 8:5-8). However, the narrative clarifies that while they had believed and were baptized in water, they had not yet experienced the specific outpouring of the Holy Spirit characteristic of the early church, as seen on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4). Hearing this, the apostles in Jerusalem sent Peter and John to Samaria to investigate and minister to these new believers. The "Who" in verse 15 refers to these two prominent apostles.

Key Themes

  • Receiving the Holy Spirit: The central theme is the impartation of the Holy Spirit. This event distinguishes belief and water baptism from the empowering presence of the Spirit, which was often accompanied by visible manifestations in the early church. It emphasizes the Holy Spirit's vital role in the life of a believer and the church.
  • Apostolic Authority and Oversight: The sending of Peter and John from Jerusalem highlights 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.
  • Church Unity and Expansion: This incident marks a significant step in the Gospel spreading beyond Jewish confines to the Samaritans, a people historically at odds with the Jews. The shared experience of receiving the Holy Spirit through the apostles fostered unity and demonstrated God's inclusive plan for salvation, breaking down barriers as prophesied in Acts 1:8.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Holy Ghost" used in the King James Version is an older English rendering of "Holy Spirit," derived from the Greek Pneuma Hagion (Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον). The verb "receive" (λαμβάνω - lambanō) implies taking hold of or accepting something offered. In this context, it signifies the believers' active reception of the Spirit's presence and power, mediated through the prayers and laying on of hands by the apostles.

Practical Application

Acts 8:15 reminds believers today of the indispensable work of the Holy Spirit in Christian life. While the exact manifestations and means of receiving the Spirit may vary, the core truth remains: the Holy Spirit empowers believers for witness, sanctification, and ministry. It underscores that true spiritual life is not merely intellectual assent or ritual but a dynamic relationship enabled by the indwelling Spirit. This passage 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.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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