THE SAMARIA PROGRESSION
ACTS 8:12-17 NKJV
12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.
14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
The gospel was starting to spread. When serious persecution hit the church in Jerusalem, the believers had to get out of town. They took the gospel with them.
Phillip went to Samaria and preached Jesus. This was a new venue for the gospel. Before this time, no one was reaching out to anyone but the Jews.
As Phillip preached, the people believed the message of Jesus and the kingdom of God. They believed and were baptized in water. Miracles were taking place, and even the town witch doctor, Simon, received the Lord and was baptized.
When the apostles who were left in Jerusalem heard about the Samaritans receiving the word of God, they were glad. And they sent Peter and John to them.
Peter and John came for one purpose. They were sent to Samaria to pray for the new believers that they would receive the Holy Spirit. So, they prayed for these Samaritan believers and laid hands on them, and the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit.
To the early church receiving the Holy Spirit was very important. The church took off after the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2.
The early church believed Jesus when He spoke to them about being empowered by the Holy Spirit. They wanted the new believers in Samaria to receive that same gift.
APPLICATION:
This is a very enlightening progression. The people of Samaria turned to Jesus and were baptized. Then Peter and John prayed for them to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit after they were saved.
These are two separate and distinct events.
When we are born again, we receive Jesus, and the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. When we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, He comes upon us to equip us for service in God’s Kingdom.
If the early church needed the Holy Spirit’s power, how much more us today?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, please reveal to me the Holy Spirit's role in my life. I desire more power to be a better witness of Jesus and to serve You in a greater way.