Lesson 4628

 (Lesson 4628)(10-05-24) Acts 8:13-17 

   Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” 

   The Samaritans’ delayed reception of the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 8:12, suggests an error in Philip’s message compared to what Peter preached at Pentecost and to the household of Cornelius. Peter’s complete gospel, to those who believed it, resulted in immediate Spiritual baptism into Christ’s death, burial and resurrection without the necessity of extra actions such as prayer by the apostles or the laying on of their hands. It is very important to note that Peter recommended water baptism only after the believers had already been redeemed and had received the Holy Ghost through faith alone. That implies that Philip’s message lacked key doctrinal elements for full belief.  
This topic will be further discussed as these lessons continue. ~