Simon attracted people to himself; he posed as a man of power and mystery. The gospel fixes our thoughts exclusively upon Jesus. We preach Him as Lord, and ourselves as servants for His sake. Simon's faith was spurious; he believed about rather than in Christ. John was sent with Peter to bring the fire of Pentecost to the very locality where formerly he and his brother had suggested that they should call fire from heaven to destroy. See Luke 9:54. May we not learn from this mission that some are specially qualified to lead others into the enjoyment of pentecostal blessing? In this service Peter used the power of the keys entrusted to him by the Master; and we may all do likewise when we lead others forward to claim that which awaits them in Christ Jesus.
Simon saw what an additional source of influence would accrue to him if only he could exert the same powers, but he had no idea of the spiritual conditions on which alone they could be obtained. Simony is the name for the practice of making gain by means of religion, 1 Timothy 6:5. Perhaps in Acts 8:22 does not indicate a doubt upon God's side, but upon Simon's side-whether his treacherous heart would ever be able to conform to the divine conditions. [source]
Chapter Summary: Acts 8
1By occasion of the persecution in Jerusalem, the church being planted in Samaria, 4by Philip the deacon, who preached, did miracles, and baptized many; 9among the rest Simon the sorcerer, a great seducer of the people; 14Peter and John come to confirm and enlarge the church; 15where, by prayer and imposition of hands giving the Holy Spirit; 18when Simon would have bought the like power of them, 20Peter sharply reproving his hypocrisy and covetousness, 22and exhorting him to repentance, 25together with John preaching the word of the Lord, return to Jerusalem; 26but the angel sends Philip to teach and baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch
Greek Commentary for Acts 8:17
Laid they their hands [επετιτεσαν τας χειρας] Imperfect active, repetition. The laying on of hands did not occur at the great Pentecost (Acts 2:4,Acts 2:33) nor in Acts 4:31; Acts 10:44 nor is it mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12; 14. It is mentioned in Acts 6:7 about the deacons and in Acts 13:3 when Barnabas and Saul left Antioch. And in Saul‘s case it was Ananias who laid his hands on him (Acts 9:17). Hence it cannot be concluded that the Holy Spirit was received only by the laying on of the hands of the apostles or by the hands of anyone. The so-called practice of “confirmation” appeals to this passage, but inconclusively. [source]
They received [ελαμβανον] Imperfect active, repetition as before and παρι πασσυ pari passu with the laying on of the hands. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 8:17
Acts 10:44The Holy Ghost fell [επεπεσεν το πνευμα το αγιον] Second aorist active indicative of επιπιπτω epipiptō old verb to fall upon, to recline, to come upon. Used of the Holy Spirit in Acts 8:16; Acts 10:44; Acts 11:15. It appears that Peter was interrupted in his sermon by this remarkable event. The Jews had received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4), the Samaritans (Acts 8:17), and now Gentiles. But on this occasion it was before baptism, as was apparently true in Paul‘s case (Acts 9:17.). In Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5 the hands of the apostles were also placed after baptism on those who received the Holy Spirit. Here it was unexpected by Peter and by Cornelius and was indubitable proof of the conversion of these Gentiles who had accepted Peter‘s message and had believed on Jesus Christ as Saviour. [source]
Acts 2:38The gift of the Holy Ghost [την δωρεαν του αγιου πνευματος] The gift consists (Acts 8:17) in the Holy Spirit (genitive of identification). [source]
Acts 2:38And be baptized every one of you [και βαπτιστητω εκαστος μων] Rather, “And let each one of you be baptized.” Change of number from plural to singular and of person from second to third. This change marks a break in the thought here that the English translation does not preserve. The first thing to do is make a radical and complete change of heart and life. Then let each one be baptized after this change has taken place, and the act of baptism be performed “in the name of Jesus Christ” In accordance with the command of Jesus in Matthew 28:19 No distinction is to be insisted on between εις το ονομα eis to onoma and εν τωι ονοματι en tōi onomati with βαπτιζω baptizō since εις eis and εν en are really the same word in origin. In Acts 10:48 εν τωι ονοματι Ιησου Χριστου en tōi onomati Iēsou Christou occurs, but εις eis to ονομα onoma in Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5. The use of ονομα onoma means in the name or with the authority of one as εις ονομα προπητου eis onoma prophētou (Matthew 10:41) as a prophet, in the name of a prophet. In the Acts the full name of the Trinity does not occur in baptism as in Matthew 28:19, but this does not show that it was not used. The name of Jesus Christ is the distinctive one in Christian baptism and really involves the Father and the Spirit. See note on Matthew 28:19 for discussion of this point. “Luke does not give the form of words used in baptism by the Apostles, but merely states the fact that they baptized those who acknowledged Jesus as Messiah or as Lord” (Page). Unto the remission of your sins (eis aphesin tōn hamartiōn hūmōn). This phrase is the subject of endless controversy as men look at it from the standpoint of sacramental or of evangelical theology. In themselves the words can express aim or purpose for that use of eis does exist as in 1 Corinthians 2:7 εις απεσιν των αμαρτιων μων eis doxan hēmōn (for our glory). But then another usage exists which is just as good Greek as the use of εις eis for aim or purpose. It is seen in Matthew 10:41 in three examples εις δοχαν ημων eis onoma prophētouεις dikaiouεις ονομα προπητου δικαιου ματητου mathētou where it cannot be purpose or aim, but rather the basis or ground, on the basis of the name of prophet, righteous man, disciple, because one is, etc. It is seen again in Matthew 12:41 about the preaching of Jonah (εις το κηρυγμα Ιωνα eis to kērugma Iōna). They repented because of (or at) the preaching of Jonah. The illustrations of both usages are numerous in the N.T. and the Koiné{[28928]}š generally (Robertson, Grammar, p. 592). One will decide the use here according as he believes that baptism is essential to the remission of sins or not. My view is decidedly against the idea that Peter, Paul, or any one in the New Testament taught baptism as essential to the remission of sins or the means of securing such remission. So I understand Peter to be urging baptism on each of them who had already turned (repented) and for it to be done in the name of Jesus Christ on the basis of the forgiveness of sins which they had already received. The gift of the Holy Ghost The gift consists (Acts 8:17) in the Holy Spirit (genitive of identification). [source]
1 Timothy 4:14With the laying on of the hands [μετὰ ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν] Μετὰ implies that the prophetic intimations were in some way repeated or emphasized in connection with the ceremony of ordination. We note the association of prophecy with ordination in the setting apart of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:9,Acts 13:3); so that the case of Timothy has an analogue in that of Paul himself. Ἑπίθεσις layingon, imposition, also Acts 8:18; 2 Timothy 1:6; Hebrews 6:2, in each case with of hands. “The custom,” says Lange, “is as old as the race.” The Biblical custom rests on the conception of the hand as the organ of mediation and transference. The priest laid his hand on the head of the bullock or goat (Leviticus 1:4) to show that the guilt of the people was transferred. The hand was laid on the head of a son, to indicate the transmission of the hereditary blessing (Genesis 48:14); upon one appointed to a position of authority, as Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23); upon the sick or dead in token of miraculous power to heal or to restore to life (2 Kings 4:34). So Christ (Mark 6:5; Luke 4:40). In the primitive Christian church the laying on of hands signified the imparting of the Holy Spirit to the newly-baptized (Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6; comp. Hebrews 6:2). Hands were laid upon the seven (Acts 6:6). But the form of consecration in ordination varied. No one mode has been universal in the church, and no authoritative written formula exists. In the Alexandrian and Abyssinian churches it was by breathing: in the Eastern church generally, by lifting up the hands in benediction: in the Armenian church, by touching the dead hand of the predecessor: in the early Celtic church, by the transmission of relics or pastoral staff: in the Latin church, by touching the head. [source]
Hebrews 6:2 [] The other four items are qualitative genitives withδιδαχην didachēn(βαπτισμων επιτεσεως χειρων αναστασεως νεκρων κριματος αιωνιου baptismōnclass="normal greek">βαπτισμωνepitheseōs cheirōn class="translit"> anastaseōs nekrōn class="translit"> krimatos aiōniou ). The plural baptismōn “by itself does not mean specifically Christian baptism either in this epistle ( Hebrews 9:10 ) or elsewhere ( Mark 7:4 ), but ablutions or immersions such as the mystery religions and the Jewish cultus required for initiates, proselytes, and worshippers in general” (Moffatt). The disciples of the Baptist had disputes with the Jews over purification ( John 3:25 ). See also Acts 19:2 . “The laying on of hands” seems to us out of place in a list of elementary principles, but it was common as a sign of blessing ( Matthew 19:13 ), of healing ( Mark 7:32 ), in the choice of the Seven ( Acts 6:6 ), in the bestowal of the Holy Spirit ( Acts 8:17 .; Acts 19:6 ), in separation for a special task ( Acts 13:3 ), in ordination ( 1 Timothy 4:14 ; 1 Timothy 5:22 ; 2 Timothy 1:6 ). Prayer accompanied this laying on of the hands as a symbol. The resurrection of the dead (both just and unjust, John 5:29 ; Acts 24:15 ) is easily seen to be basal (cf. 1Cor 15) as well as eternal judgment (timeless and endless). [source]
What do the individual words in Acts 8:17 mean?
Thenthey began layingthehandsuponthemandthey received[the] SpiritHoly
Greek Commentary for Acts 8:17
Imperfect active, repetition. The laying on of hands did not occur at the great Pentecost (Acts 2:4, Acts 2:33) nor in Acts 4:31; Acts 10:44 nor is it mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12; 14. It is mentioned in Acts 6:7 about the deacons and in Acts 13:3 when Barnabas and Saul left Antioch. And in Saul‘s case it was Ananias who laid his hands on him (Acts 9:17). Hence it cannot be concluded that the Holy Spirit was received only by the laying on of the hands of the apostles or by the hands of anyone. The so-called practice of “confirmation” appeals to this passage, but inconclusively. [source]
Imperfect active, repetition as before and παρι πασσυ pari passu with the laying on of the hands. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 8:17
Second aorist active indicative of επιπιπτω epipiptō old verb to fall upon, to recline, to come upon. Used of the Holy Spirit in Acts 8:16; Acts 10:44; Acts 11:15. It appears that Peter was interrupted in his sermon by this remarkable event. The Jews had received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4), the Samaritans (Acts 8:17), and now Gentiles. But on this occasion it was before baptism, as was apparently true in Paul‘s case (Acts 9:17.). In Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5 the hands of the apostles were also placed after baptism on those who received the Holy Spirit. Here it was unexpected by Peter and by Cornelius and was indubitable proof of the conversion of these Gentiles who had accepted Peter‘s message and had believed on Jesus Christ as Saviour. [source]
The gift consists (Acts 8:17) in the Holy Spirit (genitive of identification). [source]
Rather, “And let each one of you be baptized.” Change of number from plural to singular and of person from second to third. This change marks a break in the thought here that the English translation does not preserve. The first thing to do is make a radical and complete change of heart and life. Then let each one be baptized after this change has taken place, and the act of baptism be performed “in the name of Jesus Christ” In accordance with the command of Jesus in Matthew 28:19 No distinction is to be insisted on between εις το ονομα eis to onoma and εν τωι ονοματι en tōi onomati with βαπτιζω baptizō since εις eis and εν en are really the same word in origin. In Acts 10:48 εν τωι ονοματι Ιησου Χριστου en tōi onomati Iēsou Christou occurs, but εις eis to ονομα onoma in Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5. The use of ονομα onoma means in the name or with the authority of one as εις ονομα προπητου eis onoma prophētou (Matthew 10:41) as a prophet, in the name of a prophet. In the Acts the full name of the Trinity does not occur in baptism as in Matthew 28:19, but this does not show that it was not used. The name of Jesus Christ is the distinctive one in Christian baptism and really involves the Father and the Spirit. See note on Matthew 28:19 for discussion of this point. “Luke does not give the form of words used in baptism by the Apostles, but merely states the fact that they baptized those who acknowledged Jesus as Messiah or as Lord” (Page). Unto the remission of your sins (eis aphesin tōn hamartiōn hūmōn). This phrase is the subject of endless controversy as men look at it from the standpoint of sacramental or of evangelical theology. In themselves the words can express aim or purpose for that use of eis does exist as in 1 Corinthians 2:7 εις απεσιν των αμαρτιων μων eis doxan hēmōn (for our glory). But then another usage exists which is just as good Greek as the use of εις eis for aim or purpose. It is seen in Matthew 10:41 in three examples εις δοχαν ημων eis onoma prophētouεις dikaiouεις ονομα προπητου δικαιου ματητου mathētou where it cannot be purpose or aim, but rather the basis or ground, on the basis of the name of prophet, righteous man, disciple, because one is, etc. It is seen again in Matthew 12:41 about the preaching of Jonah (εις το κηρυγμα Ιωνα eis to kērugma Iōna). They repented because of (or at) the preaching of Jonah. The illustrations of both usages are numerous in the N.T. and the Koiné{[28928]}š generally (Robertson, Grammar, p. 592). One will decide the use here according as he believes that baptism is essential to the remission of sins or not. My view is decidedly against the idea that Peter, Paul, or any one in the New Testament taught baptism as essential to the remission of sins or the means of securing such remission. So I understand Peter to be urging baptism on each of them who had already turned (repented) and for it to be done in the name of Jesus Christ on the basis of the forgiveness of sins which they had already received. The gift of the Holy Ghost The gift consists (Acts 8:17) in the Holy Spirit (genitive of identification). [source]
Μετὰ implies that the prophetic intimations were in some way repeated or emphasized in connection with the ceremony of ordination. We note the association of prophecy with ordination in the setting apart of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:9, Acts 13:3); so that the case of Timothy has an analogue in that of Paul himself. Ἑπίθεσις layingon, imposition, also Acts 8:18; 2 Timothy 1:6; Hebrews 6:2, in each case with of hands. “The custom,” says Lange, “is as old as the race.” The Biblical custom rests on the conception of the hand as the organ of mediation and transference. The priest laid his hand on the head of the bullock or goat (Leviticus 1:4) to show that the guilt of the people was transferred. The hand was laid on the head of a son, to indicate the transmission of the hereditary blessing (Genesis 48:14); upon one appointed to a position of authority, as Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23); upon the sick or dead in token of miraculous power to heal or to restore to life (2 Kings 4:34). So Christ (Mark 6:5; Luke 4:40). In the primitive Christian church the laying on of hands signified the imparting of the Holy Spirit to the newly-baptized (Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6; comp. Hebrews 6:2). Hands were laid upon the seven (Acts 6:6). But the form of consecration in ordination varied. No one mode has been universal in the church, and no authoritative written formula exists. In the Alexandrian and Abyssinian churches it was by breathing: in the Eastern church generally, by lifting up the hands in benediction: in the Armenian church, by touching the dead hand of the predecessor: in the early Celtic church, by the transmission of relics or pastoral staff: in the Latin church, by touching the head. [source]
The other four items are qualitative genitives withδιδαχην didachēn(βαπτισμων επιτεσεως χειρων αναστασεως νεκρων κριματος αιωνιου baptismōnclass="normal greek">βαπτισμωνepitheseōs cheirōn class="translit"> anastaseōs nekrōn class="translit"> krimatos aiōniou ). The plural baptismōn “by itself does not mean specifically Christian baptism either in this epistle ( Hebrews 9:10 ) or elsewhere ( Mark 7:4 ), but ablutions or immersions such as the mystery religions and the Jewish cultus required for initiates, proselytes, and worshippers in general” (Moffatt). The disciples of the Baptist had disputes with the Jews over purification ( John 3:25 ). See also Acts 19:2 . “The laying on of hands” seems to us out of place in a list of elementary principles, but it was common as a sign of blessing ( Matthew 19:13 ), of healing ( Mark 7:32 ), in the choice of the Seven ( Acts 6:6 ), in the bestowal of the Holy Spirit ( Acts 8:17 .; Acts 19:6 ), in separation for a special task ( Acts 13:3 ), in ordination ( 1 Timothy 4:14 ; 1 Timothy 5:22 ; 2 Timothy 1:6 ). Prayer accompanied this laying on of the hands as a symbol. The resurrection of the dead (both just and unjust, John 5:29 ; Acts 24:15 ) is easily seen to be basal (cf. 1Cor 15) as well as eternal judgment (timeless and endless). [source]