King James Version

What Does Acts 8:15 Mean?

Acts 8:15 in the King James Version says “Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: — study this verse from Acts chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

Acts 8:15 · KJV


Context

13

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done . miracles: Gr. signs and great miracles

14

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15

Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16

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

17

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter and John prayed that the Samaritans 'might receive the Holy Ghost,' indicating a gap between their belief/baptism and reception of the Spirit. This unique situation served a specific purpose in redemptive history: demonstrating to Jewish believers that Samaritans received the same Spirit, preventing a separate Samaritan Christianity. Reformed theology sees this as exceptional - normally the Spirit comes at conversion (Romans 8:9). The apostles' prayer shows the Spirit's sovereign giving, not automatic reception through baptism alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This delay in receiving the Spirit was unusual, serving to unite Jewish and Samaritan believers. The similar delay for Cornelius (Acts 10) and the Ephesian disciples (Acts 19) each served specific purposes in showing God's acceptance of new groups into the church.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did God delay the Spirit's coming to the Samaritans until the apostles arrived?
  2. What does this teach about the relationship between baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit?
  3. How does the Spirit's coming demonstrate God's acceptance of new groups into His church?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
οἵτινες1 of 9

Who

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

καταβάντες2 of 9

when they were come down

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

προσηύξαντο3 of 9

prayed

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

περὶ4 of 9

for

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

αὐτῶν5 of 9

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅπως6 of 9

that

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

λάβωσιν7 of 9

they might receive

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

πνεῦμα8 of 9

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἅγιον·9 of 9

the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 8:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 8:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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