Acts 8:17

Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Then {G5119} laid they {G2007} their hands {G5495} on {G1909} them {G846}, and {G2532} they received {G2983} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}.

Then, as Kefa and Yochanan placed their hands on them, they received the Ruach HaKodesh.

Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Commentary

Acts 8:17 describes a pivotal moment in the early church's expansion, specifically concerning the Samaritans who had believed Philip's preaching.

Context

Prior to this verse, Philip the evangelist had gone down to Samaria, proclaiming Christ and performing miracles, leading to many conversions and baptisms (Acts 8:12). However, despite their belief and baptism, these Samaritan believers had not yet received the Holy Spirit in a manifest way. Upon hearing this, the apostles in Jerusalem, Peter and John, were sent to Samaria. This highlights the early church's concern for unity and the proper reception of spiritual gifts, bridging the gap between Jewish and Samaritan believers.

Key Themes

  • Reception of the Holy Spirit: This verse clearly shows the bestowal of the Holy Spirit following belief and water baptism. While often accompanying conversion, the Spirit's reception could sometimes be distinct, as seen here and in Acts 19:1-6. It signifies empowerment for witness and spiritual life.
  • Apostolic Authority: The fact that Peter and John, leading apostles, were sent and laid hands on the Samaritans underscores the unique role of the apostles in authenticating and guiding the early church's growth, especially as the Gospel spread to new groups.
  • Laying on of Hands: This act was a common practice in the early church, signifying identification, blessing, commissioning, healing, and here, the impartation of the Holy Spirit. It's a physical act with profound spiritual significance, often associated with the bestowal of spiritual gifts or authority.
  • Inclusion of Samaritans: This event was crucial for breaking down long-standing ethnic and religious barriers between Jews and Samaritans, demonstrating that the Holy Spirit is for all who believe, regardless of their background. It foreshadows the broader gentile inclusion seen later in Acts.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Holy Ghost" is synonymous with "Holy Spirit," translating the Greek term Pneuma Hagion (Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον). This refers to the third person of the Trinity, God's active presence and power at work in believers.

Practical Application

For believers today, Acts 8:17 reinforces the vital role of the Holy Spirit in Christian life, empowering us for witness, guiding us into truth, and manifesting spiritual gifts. While the specific manifestation of Spirit reception varied in Acts, the underlying truth is that all genuine believers receive the Spirit upon conversion (Romans 8:9). This passage also reminds us of the importance of Christian unity and the breaking down of societal barriers within the body of Christ, as God's Spirit transcends all human divisions. The practice of laying on of hands continues in various forms today, symbolizing prayer, blessing, and dedication within the church.

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

Cross-References

  • Acts 19:6 (10 votes)

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

  • Acts 6:6 (8 votes)

    Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them.

  • 2 Timothy 1:6 (6 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore 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 8:18 (5 votes)

    And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

  • Acts 2:4 (4 votes)

    And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

  • Hebrews 6:2 (3 votes)

    Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

  • Numbers 8:10 (3 votes)

    And thou shalt bring the Levites before the LORD: and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites: