Acts 8:16

(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

(For {G1063} as yet {G3768} he was {G2258} fallen {G1968} upon {G1909} none {G3762} of them {G846}: only {G3440}{G1161} they were {G5225} baptized {G907} in {G1519} the name {G3686} of the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}.)

For until then he had not come upon any of them; they had only been immersed into the name of the Lord Yeshua.

For the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

for as yet it was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

Commentary

Context

Acts 8:16 is part of the account of Philip's evangelistic ministry in Samaria. After the scattering of believers due to persecution in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1), Philip, one of the seven deacons, went to Samaria, a region historically at odds with Judea. He preached the Gospel, performed miracles, and many Samaritans believed and were baptized. This particular verse explains a crucial detail: while these new Samaritan believers had embraced Christ and undergone water baptism, they had not yet experienced the distinct outpouring of the Holy Spirit, such as seen at Pentecost. This unique circumstance prompted the apostles Peter and John to be sent from Jerusalem to Samaria.

Key Themes

  • The Holy Spirit's Distinct Work: The verse highlights that receiving the Holy Spirit was a separate, though often closely subsequent, event from water baptism in the early church. It emphasizes the sovereign timing and method of the Spirit's manifestation.
  • Baptism in the Name of Jesus: The phrase "baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" signifies a public declaration of allegiance to Jesus Christ, identifying with His death, burial, and resurrection. It represents a profound commitment to Christ's authority and identity, rather than a specific baptismal formula.
  • Apostolic Confirmation: The fact that Peter and John were sent to Samaria to lay hands on the new believers for them to receive the Holy Spirit underscores the apostolic authority and oversight in the early church's expansion, ensuring unity and proper recognition of the Spirit's work.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "he was fallen upon none of them" uses the Greek verb epipiptō (ἐπιπίπτω), which literally means "to fall upon" or "to fall on." This term is used to describe a powerful, often sudden, descent or manifestation, akin to the Holy Spirit's dramatic arrival at Pentecost (Acts 2:2). It signifies an overt, experienced presence of the Spirit, beyond mere indwelling.

Significance and Application

Acts 8:16 offers valuable insights into the dynamics of spiritual experience in the early church. It suggests that while water baptism is an essential step of obedience and identification with Christ, the reception of the Holy Spirit's empowering presence can be a distinct and discernible experience. This passage has contributed to various theological discussions regarding the "baptism of the Holy Spirit," whether it is simultaneous with conversion, a subsequent experience, or a continuous filling. For believers today, it serves as a reminder of:

  • The importance of both outward obedience (baptism) and inward spiritual transformation and empowerment.
  • The sovereign work of the Holy Spirit, who distributes gifts and manifestations as He wills.
  • The desire for the fullness of God's Spirit in our lives for effective witness and ministry, as exemplified by the Samaritans who eventually received the Spirit (Acts 8:17).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.

  • Acts 19:2

    He 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 28:19

    Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

  • Acts 19:5

    When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

  • Acts 19:6

    And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

  • Acts 11:15

    And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

  • Acts 11:17

    Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as [he did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
← Back