Acts 8:14-17 (NRSV)
Read Acts 8:14-17 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. Verse 15The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit Verse 16(for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Verse 17Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Devotion
There is SO much speaking happening in this passage. Philip had preached the good news of Jesus to the Samaritans, and they had received it with joy. Then someone reported to the disciples that Samaria—apparently as a whole!—had received the word/Word of God. Jesus had said that the disciples would be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and now Samaria (Acts 1:8). But the Samaritans had not yet received power from the Holy Spirit.
Peter and John went down to Samaria to lay hands on the newly baptized Samaritans, so that they would receive the Holy Spirit as well—so that the Samaritans would be empowered to do the works set out for them in God’s word. Receiving the Holy Spirit allows the Samaritans to become part of the community of the God who speaks—they testify, speak God’s word, and preach (Acts 8:25).
Prayer
Speaking God, help us to hear and to respond to your voice. Cause us to speak your words a little louder and welcome the Holy Spirit. We seek the comfort of your voice! Amen.
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