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The Holy Spirit and the Anointing

Why Did Peter and John Lay Hands on Believers in Samaria?

In Acts 8, Samaritan believers receive the Holy Spirit after Peter and John pray and lay hands on them. The account marks the gospel's movement into Samaria and shows the Jerusalem apostles recognizing what God is doing there.

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Peter and John lay hands on a believer as Christians in Samaria pray.

Published by Vince Baker Ministries ·

“Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.”

Acts 8:17 · KJV

What had already happened in Samaria?

Philip preached Christ, people believed, and they were baptized. The apostles heard that Samaria had received the word of God and sent Peter and John. Luke distinguishes those events from the later reception of the Spirit in this particular account.

What went wrong with Simon?

Simon offers money for the ability to confer the gift. Peter rebukes him and calls him to repentance. The incident helps readers recognize what spiritual authority looks like when someone treats a gift of God as property or a way to increase status.

Put it into practice

Read Acts 8:14–24 beside Acts 10:44–48. List what happens in what order in each scene. Then name the One who gives the gift in both accounts.

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Questions & answers

Frequently asked questions

Does Acts 8 say the Samaritans spoke in tongues?

It does not identify the outward sign Simon saw. Acts 10 and 19 explicitly mention tongues.

Does receiving the Spirit always require laying on of hands?

Acts records that practice in some scenes. In Acts 10, the Spirit falls as Peter is speaking.