Acts chapter 8:14-19:

Acts chapter 8:14-19:

V14-15: Hearing of the work in Samaria, the Apostles send Peter and John to seek to know if this is indeed of the Lord. Remember, it is a completely new departure, not yet endorsed by the Apostles. Is it truly a work of God’s grace? Peter and John are, it seems, quickly convinced, and pray for the converts to receive the Holy Spirit.

V16-17:  It seems God’s work in the Samaritan believers is ongoing – they have not yet received the Spirit, though they have truly believed in the Lord, and been baptised in His Name. But when Peter and John lay hands on them, they receive the Holy Spirit at once. This is best understood, I think, as God’s outward confirmation that these ” non-Jews ” have had the same experience as their Jewish brothers in all its fullness. We will see this again in the Gentile household of Cornelius in ch10. These early confirmations of salvation come to Samaritans and Gentiles are just that – not an ongoing pattern.

V18-19:  Now Simon comes into the picture again, surely casting doubt on his professed conversion. Amazed by the result of the Apostles laying on of hands ( there must have been tangible outward signs, perhaps like those on the Day of Pentecost ) he offers money to be given the same power. Clearly, he has no real understanding of God’s grace at work and what it means – the outward signs are what he wants. May we never be taken up with externals, of any kind, but pray and long to see real works of grace, to God’s glory.