Acts 8:15
Acts 8:15 in Multiple Translations
On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit:
Who, when they came there, made prayer for them, that the Holy Spirit might be given to them:
When they arrived they prayed for the converts in Samaria to receive the Holy Spirit.
Which whe they were come downe, prayed for them, that they might receiue the holy Ghost.
who having come down did pray concerning them, that they may receive the Holy Spirit, —
who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;
Who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit:
Who, when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.
When Peter and John arrived in Samaria, they prayed for those new believers in order that the Holy Spirit’s power would come to them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 8:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Acts 8:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
GRK
οιτινες
καταβαντες
προσηυξαντο
περι
αυτων
οπως
λαβωσιν
πνευμα
αγιον
οιτινες
hostis, hētis
G3748
who/which
Rel-NPM
καταβαντες
katabainō
G2597
to come/go down
Verb-2AAP-NPM
προσηυξαντο
proseuchomai
G4336
to pray
Verb-ADI-3P
περι
peri
G4012
about
Prep
αυτων
autos
G846
it/s/he
Pron-GPM
οπως
hopōs
G3704
that
Adv
λαβωσιν
lambanō
G2983
to take
Verb-2AAS-3P
πνευμα
pneuma
G4151
spirit/breath: spirit
Noun-ASN
αγιον
hagios
G40
holy
Adj-ASN
Greek Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Greek Word Reference — Acts 8:15
οιτινες
hostis, hētis
G3748
"who/which"
Rel-NPM
This word means 'who' or 'which' and is used to ask about someone or something's identity, like in Matthew 5:39. It's often used to make general statements.
Definition: ὅστις, ἥτις, ὅ τι (also written ὅ, τι and ὅτι; see LS, see word; WH, §411; Tdf., Pr., 111), in NT scarcely ever except in nom. (M, Pr., 91), the only instance of the oblique cases being found in ἕως ὅτου (see: ἕως), relative of indef. reference (related to simple ὅς as Lat. quisquis to qui), whoever, anyone who; __(a) of an indef. person or thing: in general statements, Mat.5:39, 41 13:12, and freq., Luk.14:27, Gal.5:4, al.; in relative sentences, Mat.7:26, Luk.15:7, Php.3:7, al.; πᾶς, with indic., Mat.7:24 10:32; ὅ ἄν (ἐάν), with subjc., Mat.12:50 13:12, Jhn.14:13, 1Co.16:2, Gal.5:10, al.; __(b) of a definite person or thing, indicating quality, "either generic, which, as other like things, or essential, which by its very nature" (Hort on 1Pe.2:11), who is such as: Mat.2:6 7:26, Luk.2:10 7:37, Jhn.8:53, Act.7:53, Rom.6:2, 1Co.3:17, Gal.4:24, Eph.1:23, al.; __(with) where the relative sentence expresses a reason, consequence, etc. (M, Pr., 92), seeing that he (it, they), and he (it, they): Luk.8:3 10:42, Act.10:47 11:28, Php.4:3, al.; __(d) as in Ionic and late Greek (Bl., §50, 1; M, Pr., l.with), differing but little from ὅς: Luk.2:4 9:30, Act.17:10, Rev.12:13. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 136 NT verses. KJV: X and (they), (such) as, (they) that, in that they, what(-soever), whereas ye, (they) which, who(-soever) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:17; Luke 2:4; 1 Peter 2:11.
καταβαντες
katabainō
G2597
"to come/go down"
Verb-2AAP-NPM
To come or go down, like Jesus coming down from heaven in John 3:13. It can also mean to fall down, as in Matthew 8:1. This verb is used to describe physical or spiritual descent.
Definition: κατα-βαίνω [in LXX chiefly for יָרַד ;] to go or come down, descend. __1. Of persons: Mat.3:16 24:17, Luk.2:51 6:17 10:31 17:31 19:5-6, Jhn.4:47, 49 4:51 5:7, Act.7:34 8:15 10:20 20:10 23:10 24:1, 22 Eph.4:10. before ἀπό, Mat.8:1 14:29 27:40, 42 Mrk.3:22 15:30, Luk.10:30, Jhn.6:38, Act.25:7, 1Th.4:16; ἐκ, Mat.17:9; ἐκ τ. οὐρανοῦ, Mat.28:2, Mrk.9:9, Jhn.1:32 3:13 6:33, 41-42 6:50-51, 58 Rev.10:1 18:1 20:1; εἰς, Mrk.1:10, Luk.10:30 18:14, Jhn.2:12, Act.7:15 8:38 14:25 16:8 18:22 25:6, Rom.10:7, Eph.4:9; ἐπί, with accusative loc., Jhn.6:16; with accusative of person(s), Luk.3:22, Jhn.1:33, 51; ἐν, Jhn.5:4; πρός, with accusative of person(s), Act.10:21 14:11, Rev.12:12. __2. Of things: σκεῦος, Act.10:11 11:5; βροχή, Mat.7:25, 27; λαῖλαψ, Luk.8:23; before ἀπό, Luk.9:54, Act.8:26, Jas.1:17; ἐπὶ τ. γῆν, Luk.22:44 (WH, R, mg., reject); ἐκ τ. οὐρανοῦ before ἀπό, Rev.3:12 21:2, 10; id. before εἰς, Rev.13:13; ἐπί, with accusative of person(s), Rev.16:21. Fig., κ. ἕως ᾄδον, Mat.11:23, Luk.10:15, WH, txt., Tr., mg. (καταβιβασθήση, T, WH, mg., RV), (cf. συν-καταβαίνω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 80 NT verses. KJV: come (get, go, step) down, fall (down) See also: 1 Thessalonians 4:16; John 6:58; James 1:17.
προσηυξαντο
proseuchomai
G4336
"to pray"
Verb-ADI-3P
To pray to God, as Jesus did in Matthew 6:5-7 and Luke 1:10, or to worship Him
Definition: προσ-εύχομαι [in LXX chiefly for פָּלַל hith. ;] to pray (always of prayer to God, or in cl., to gods): absol., Mat.6:5-7, 9 14:23 19:13 26:36, 39 26:41, 44, Mrk.1:35 6:46 11:24-25 13:33 (WH, E, txt., om.) Mrk.14:32, 38-39 Luk.1:10 3:21 5:16 6:12 9:18, 28-29 11:1-2 18:1, 10 22:44 (WH, E, mg., om.), Act.1:24 6:6 9:11 10:9, 30 11:5 12:12 13:3 14:23 16:25 20:36 21:5 22:17 28:8, 1Co.11:4-5 14:14, 1Th.5:17, 1Ti.2:8, Jas.5:13, 18; before λέγων, Mat.26:39, 42, Luk.22:41; with dative instr., 1Co.11:5 14:14-15; μακρά, Mat.23:14 (WH, R, txt., om.), Mrk.12:40, Luk.20:47; ἐν πνεύματι (ἁγίῳ), Eph.6:18, Ju 20; προσευχῇ π. (a Hebraism, see: προσευχή), Jas.5:17; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.18:11, Rom.8:26; before ἐπί, with accusative of person(s), Jas.5:14; with dative of person(s), Mat.6:6, 1Co.11:13; before περί, with genitive, Act.8:15, Col.1:3 4:3, 1Th.5:25, 2Th.1:11 3:1, Heb.13:18; ὑπέρ, Mat.5:44 Luk.6:28, Col.1:9, Jas.5:16; before ἵνα, Mat.24:20, Mrk.13:18 14:35, Luk.22:46, 1Co.14:13; τοῦτο ἵνα, Php.1:9; with inf., Luk.22:46; before τοῦ, with inf. (Bl., § 71, 3), Jas.5:17.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 82 NT verses. KJV: pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer See also: 1 Corinthians 11:4; Luke 6:28; Hebrews 13:18.
περι
peri
G4012
"about"
Prep
The Greek word for about or around, used in various contexts such as place, cause, or time. It is often translated as 'about' or 'concerning' in the KJV, and appears in many passages, including Matthew 2:8 and John 16:26.
Definition: περί, prep. with genitive, accusative (in cl. also with dative; cf. M, Pr., 105f.), with radical sense round about (as distinct from ἀμφί, on both sides). __I. C. genitive, __1. of place, about (poët.). __2. Causal, about, on account of, concerning, in reference to: Mat.2:8, Mrk.1:44, Luk.4:38, Jhn.16:26, Act.28:21, al. mult.; τὰ περί, with genitive, the things concerning one, one's state or case: Mrk.5:27, Act.1:3 28:15, Eph.6:22, al.; at the beginning of a sentence, περί, regarding, as to, 1Co.7:1, al.; in the sense on account of (Mat.26:28, 1Co.1:13, al.), often with ὑπέρ as variant (cf. M, Pr., 105). __II. C. accusative, __1. of place, about, around: Mat.3:4, Mrk.1:6, Luk.13:8, Act.22:6, al.; οἱ περί, with accusative of person(s), of one's associates, friends, etc., Mrk.4:10, Luk.22:49, Jhn.11:19, Act.13:13; οἱ περὶ τ. τοιαῦτα ἐργάται, Act.19:25; metaphorically, about, as to, concerning: 1Ti.1:19 6:4 2Ti.2:18 3:8, Tit.2:7; τὰ περὶ ἐμέ, Php.2:23; αἱ περὶ τ. λοιπὰ ἐπιθυμίαι, Mrk.4:19. __2. Of time, in a loose reckoning, about, near: Mat.20:3, 5 6, 9 27:46, Mrk.6:48, Act.10:3, 9 22:6. __III. In composition: round about (περιβάλλω, περίκειμαι), beyond, over and above (περιποιέω, περιλείπω), to excess (περιεργάζομαι, περισσεύω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 305 NT verses. KJV: (there-)about, above, against, at, on behalf of, X and his company, which concern, (as) concerning, for, X how it will go with, ((there-, where-)) of, on, over, pertaining (to), for sake, X (e-)state, (as) touching, (where-)by (in), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:4; Acts 26:2; 1 Peter 1:10.
αυτων
autos
G846
"it/s/he"
Pron-GPM
This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.
Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.
οπως
hopōs
G3704
"that"
Adv
This word means 'that' or 'how' and is used to show the manner or purpose of something, like in Matthew 6:2 and Acts 9:17. It can also mean 'in order that' or 'to the end that'.
Definition: ὅπως __I. Relat. adv. of manner, as, how: with indic., Luk.24:20. __II. Conj., with subjc. (in cl. also with opt., indic.: so in Mat.26:59, LT, Tr.), in order that, to the end that, that; __1. final, denoting purpose or design (in which the original idea of modality has been merged): after pres., Mat.6:2, al.; pf., Act.9:17, al.; impf., Act.9:24; aor., Act.9:2, al.; plpf., Jhn.11:57; fut., Mat.23:35; imperat., Mat.2:8, al.; ὅ. μή (M, Pr., 185), Mat.6:18, Luk.16:26, Act.20:16, 1Co.1:29; ὅ. πληρωθῇ, Mat.2:23 8:17 13:35; ὅ. ἄν (B1., § 65, 2; WM, § 42, 5), Luk.2:35, Act.3:19 15:17, Rom.3:4 (cf. Gen.12:13, Psa.59:7. 1Mac 1032, al.). __2. After verbs of asking, exhorting, etc.: Mat.9:38, Luk.7:3, Jas.5:16, al. (in late writers its place is often taken by the correl. πῶς, which see) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 56 NT verses. KJV: because, how, (so) that, to, when See also: 1 Corinthians 1:29; Luke 11:37; 1 Peter 2:9.
λαβωσιν
lambanō
G2983
"to take"
Verb-2AAS-3P
To take or receive something, like in Matthew 26:26, where Jesus takes bread and breaks it. It can also mean to accept or obtain something, and is often translated as receive or accept in the KJV.
Definition: λαμβάνω, [in LXX chiefly for לקח, also for אחז ,לכד ,נשׂא, etc. ;] __1. to take, lay hold of: absol., Mat.26:26, Mrk.14:22; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.5:40 26:52, al. mult.; with accusative of person(s), Mat.21:35, Mrk.12:3, al.; pleonastic λαβών (M, Pr., 230; Bl., §74, 2), Mat.13:31 14:19, al.; so also indic., Mrk.7:27, Jhn.19:1, 40 Rev.8:5, al.; metaphorically, with accusative of thing(s), ἀφορμήν, Rom.7:8, 11; ὑδόδειγμα, Jas.5:10; id. with accusative of person(s), φόβος, Luk.7:16; πνεῦμα, Luk.9:39; πειρασμός, 1Co.10:13; aoristic pf. (M, Pr., 145, 238; BL, §59, 4), Rev.5:7 8:5, al. __2. to receive: absol., opposite to αἰτεῖν, Mat.7:8, al.; διδόναι, Mat.10:8, Act.20:35; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.27:6, Mrk.10:3o, al. mult.; with accusative of person(s), Jhn.6:21 13:20 19:27, 2Jo.10; ῥαπίσμασιν (a vulgarism; Bl., §38, 3), Mrk.14:65; metaphorically, τ. λόγον, Mat.13:20, Mrk.4:16; τ. μαρτυρίαν, Jhn.3:11; τ. ῥήματα, Jhn.12:48; πρόσωπον (Heb. נָשָׂא פָּנִים, Dalman, Words, 30), Luk.20:21, Gal.2:6; ζωὴν αἰώνιον (Dalman, op. cit., 124f.), Mrk.10:30 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀντι-, συν-αντι- (-μαι), ἀπο-, ἐπι-, κατα-, μετα-, παρα-, συν-παρα-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, συν-περι-, ὑπο-λαμβάνω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 248 NT verses. KJV: accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up) See also: 1 Corinthians 2:12; John 10:18; 1 Peter 4:10.
πνευμα
pneuma
G4151
"spirit/breath: spirit"
Noun-ASN
The Greek word for spirit or breath refers to the vital principle or mental disposition of a person, as seen in John 3:8 and 1 Corinthians 5:5. It can also mean a superhuman spirit, like the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:2.
Definition: πνεῦμα, -τος, τό, [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for רוּחַ ;] __1. of air in motion; __(a) wind: Jhn.3:8; pl., Heb.1:7 (LXX); __(b) breath: π. ζωῆς, Rev.11:11; π. τοῦ στόματος, figuratively, 2Th.2:8 (cf. Ps 32 (33)6). __2. Of the vital principle, the spirit (Arist., Polyb., al.): Luk.8:55, Jhn.19:30, Act.7:59, al.; opposite to σάρξ, Mat.26:41, Mrk.14:38, 1Co.5:5, al.; to σῶμα, Rom.8:10, 1Co.6:17 7:34, 1Pe.4:6; to ψυχή, Php.1:27, Heb.4:12; τὸ π. καὶ ἡ ψ. καὶ τ. σῶμα, 1Th.5:23 (M, Th., in l.); dative, τῷ π., in spirit, Mrk.2:8 8:12, Jhn.11:33 13:21, Act.18:25, Rom.12:11, 1Co.7:34, 1Pe.3:18, al.; of the human spirit of Christ, Rom.1:4, 1Ti.3:16. __3. spirit, i.e. frame of mind, disposition, influence: Luk.1:17, Rom.8:15, 1Co.4:21, Gal 6:1, Eph.2:2, 2Ti.1:7, 1Jn.4:6, al. __4. An incorporeal being, a spirit: Luk.24:37, 39 Act.23:8; π. ὁ θεός, God is spirit, Jhn.4:24; πατὴρ τῶν π., Heb.12:9; of disembodied human beings, Heb.12:23, 1Pe.3:19 (ICC, in l.; DB, iii, 795); of angels. Heb.1:14; of demons or evil spirits, Mat.8:16, Mrk.9:20, Luk.9:39, al.; π. πύθυωνα, Act.16:16; πνεύματα δαιμονίων, Rev.16:14; π. δαιμονίου ἀκαθάρτου, Luk.4:33; π. ἀσθενείας (Bl., §35, 5), Luk.13:11; π. ἀκάθαρτον, Mat.10:1, Mrk.1:23, Luk.4:36, Act.5:16; π. ἄλαλον (καὶ κωφόν), Mrk.9:17, 25; πονηρόν, Luk.7:21, Act.19:12, al. __5. Of the Holy Spirit, π. ἅγιον, τὸ ἅ. π., τὸ π. τὸ ἅ. τὸ π., π. (the article as a rule being used when the Spirit is regarded as a Person or a Divine Power, and omitted when the reference is to an operation, influence or gift of the Spirit; see WM, 151:5; Bl., §46, 7): anarth., Mat.1:18 3:11, 16 4:1, Mrk.1:8 (Swete, in l.), ib.10, Luk.1:15, Jhn.7:39, Act.19:2, Rom.5:5, 1Co.2:4, al.; with art., Mat.4:1 12:31, 32 Mrk.1:10 3:29, Luk.2:26, Jhn.7:36 14:26, Act.4:31 5:3, Rom.8:16, al.; (τὸ) π. (τοῦ) θεοῦ, Mat.3:16, Rom.8:9, Eph.3:16, 1Jn.4:2, al.; τὸ π. τ. πατρός, Mat.10:20; π. θεοῦ ζῶντος, 2Co.3:3; (τὸ) π. τοῦ κυρίου, Luk.4:18, Act.5:9 8:39; τὸ π. Ἰησοῦ, Act.16:7; Χριστοῦ, Rom.8:9; Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, Php.1:19; τὸ π. τ. ἀληθείας, Jhn.15:26 16:13, 1Jn.4:6; λείγει (μαρτυρεῖ) τὸ π. (τὸ ἅγιον), Act.21:11 28:25, 1Ti.4:1, Heb.3:7 10:15, Rev.14:13; before τ. ἐκκλησίαις, Rev.2:7, 11 17, 29, 3:6, 12, 22; ἐν τ. π., Luk.2:27; κατὰ πνεῦμα, Rom.8:4, 5; ἐξ ὕδατος καὶ π., Jhn.3:5, διὰ πνεύματος αἰωνίου, Heb.9:14; ἐν ἁγιασμῷ πνεύματος, 2Th.2:13, 1Pe.1:2; ἓν π., 1Co.12:13, Eph.2:18 4:4; ὁ δὲ κύριος τὸ π. ἐστιν, 2Co.3:17; of that which is effected or governed by the Spirit, opposite to γράμμα, Rom.2:29 7:6, 2Co.3:6. SYN.: νοῦς, which in NT is contrasted with π. as "the action of the understanding in man with that of the spiritual or ecstatic impulse" (DB, iv, 612); ψυχή — the usual term in cl. psychology—in NT, "expresses man as apart from God, a separate individual, π. expresses man as drawing his life from God" (DB, 1-vol., 872). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 350 NT verses. KJV: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind See also: 1 Corinthians 2:4; Acts 7:59; 1 Peter 1:2.
αγιον
hagios
G40
"holy"
Adj-ASN
In the Bible, this word means holy or set apart, describing God and things dedicated to Him. It appears in Luke 1:49 and John 17:11, highlighting God's purity and majesty.
Definition: ἅγιος, -α, ον (τό ἅγός, religious awe; ἅζω, to venerate), [in LXX chiefly for קֹ֫דֶשׁ ;] primarily, dedicated to the gods, sacred (Hdt.; rare in Att., never in Hom., Hes. and Trag., who use ἁγνός), hence, holy, characteristic of God, separated to God, worthy of veneration. __1. Its highest application is to God himself, in his purity, majesty, and glory: Luk.1:49, Jhn.17:11, Rev.4:8. Hence __(a) of things and places which have a claim to reverence as sacred to God, e.g. the Temple: Mat.24:15, Heb.9:1; __(b) of persons employed by him, as angels: 1Th.3:13; prophets, Luk.1:70; apostles, Eph.3:5. __2. Applied to persons as separated to God's service: __(a) of Christ, Mrk.1:24, Jhn.6:69, Act.4:30; __(b) of Christians, Act.9:13, Rom.1:7, Heb.6:10, Rev.5:8. __3. In the moral sense of sharing God's purity: Mrk.6:20, Jhn.17:11, Act.3:14, Rev.3:7. __4. Of pure, clean sacrifices and offerings: 1Co.7:14, Eph.1:4. SYN.: ἁγνός, pure, both in ceremonial and spiritual sense; ἱερός (sacer), sacred, that which is inviolable because of its (external) relation to God; ὅσιος (sanctus as opposite to nefas), that which is based on everlasting ordinances of right. (Cf. Tr., Syn., §lxxxviii; DB, ii, 399 f.; Cremer, 34, 594-601; MM, VGT, see word) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 228 NT verses. KJV: (most) holy (one, thing), saint See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Colossians 1:26; 1 Peter 1:12.
Study Notes — Acts 8:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Acts 8:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Acts 8:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 8:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 8:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Acts 8:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 8:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 8:15
- Cambridge Bible on Acts 8:15
- Barnes' Notes on Acts 8:15
- Sermons on Acts 8:15
Context — Simon the Sorcerer
13Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip closely and was astounded by the great signs and miracles he observed.
14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.
15On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.
16For the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 2:38 | Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. |
| 2 | John 16:23–24 | In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. Truly, truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. |
| 3 | John 14:13–14 | And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it. |
| 4 | Philippians 1:19 | because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance. |
| 5 | Matthew 18:19 | Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. |
Acts 8:15 Summary
This verse, Acts 8:15, shows us that the apostles prayed for the believers in Samaria to receive the Holy Spirit, which is a separate experience from being baptized, as seen in Acts 2:38. The Holy Spirit is what gives us power to live a life that pleases God, as seen in Romans 8:13, and to be witnesses for Jesus, as seen in Acts 1:8. We can ask God to fill us with the Holy Spirit, just like the apostles prayed for the Samaritan believers, and trust that He will give us what we need to live a life that honors Him, as promised in Luke 11:13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the apostles need to pray for the believers in Samaria to receive the Holy Spirit?
The apostles prayed for the believers to receive the Holy Spirit because, although they had been baptized, the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon them, as seen in Acts 8:16, and this is in line with the pattern seen in Acts 2:38 and Acts 10:47 where the Holy Spirit is received after baptism.
Is the laying on of hands necessary for receiving the Holy Spirit?
The laying on of hands, as seen in Acts 8:17, is not necessarily a requirement for receiving the Holy Spirit, but it is an act of commission and blessing, as also seen in Acts 6:6 and Acts 13:3, and can be a means of imparting spiritual gifts and blessings.
What is the significance of the Holy Spirit falling upon the believers in Samaria?
The Holy Spirit falling upon the believers in Samaria signifies the inclusion of the Samaritans in the body of Christ, as prophesied in Ezekiel 36:27 and Joel 2:28, and marks the beginning of the spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem, in fulfillment of Acts 1:8.
How does this event relate to our own experience of receiving the Holy Spirit?
This event in Acts 8:15 reminds us that receiving the Holy Spirit is a separate experience from salvation, as seen in Acts 19:1-6, and that we should seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, as commanded in Ephesians 5:18, in order to live a life empowered by God.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the role of prayer in the life of a believer, especially in regards to receiving the Holy Spirit?
- How does the experience of the Samaritan believers compare to our own experience of receiving the Holy Spirit, and what can we learn from their example?
- In what ways can we, like the apostles, be instruments of blessing and impartation of the Holy Spirit to others, as seen in Acts 8:15-17?
- What does this verse teach us about the relationship between baptism and the reception of the Holy Spirit, and how does this relate to our own understanding of these sacraments?
Gill's Exposition on Acts 8:15
Who when they were come down,.... To the city of Samaria, where Philip was, and these converts dwelt: prayed for them; for some of them, unto God: that they might receive the Holy Ghost; the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 8:15
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 8:15
They; Peter and John. Prayed for them; in this particular they did not pray for all that believed, amongst whom there were several women, . That they might receive the Holy Ghost; those extraordinary gifts of tongues, of prophesying of working miracles, &c. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 8:15
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: Ver. 15. The Holy Ghost] That is, those extraordinary gifts of tongues, healing, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 8:15
(15) Prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.—The prayer clearly pointed to such a gift of the power of the Spirit as had been bestowed on the Day of Pentecost. It assumed that such gifts had been received by the disciples generally at Jerusalem, and that they were distinct from the new birth of water and the Spirit (John 3:5) which was given through baptism. The Apostles looked on the Samaritans as qualified for that higher gift as well as for admission into the kingdom, and it was given to them, and not to Philip in his subordinate position as an evangelist, to be the channels of communicating it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 8:15
Verse 15. When they were come down] The very same mode of speaking, in reference to Jerusalem formerly, obtains now in reference to London. The metropolis in both cases is considered as the centre; and all parts, in every direction, no matter how distant, or how situated, are represented as below the metropolis. Hence we so frequently hear of persons going up to Jerusalem: and going down from the same. So in London the people speak of going down to the country; and, in the country, of going up to London. It is necessary to make this remark, lest any person should be led away with the notion that Jerusalem was situated on the highest ground in Palestine. It is a mode of speech which is used to designate a royal or imperial city. Prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.] It seems evident from this case, that even the most holy deacons, though full of the Holy Ghost themselves, could not confer this heavenly gift on others. This was the prerogative of the apostles, and they were only instruments; but they were those alone by which the Lord chose to work. They prayed and laid their hands on the disciples, and God sent down the gift; so, the blessing came from God by the apostles, and not from the apostles to the people.
But for what purpose was the Holy Spirit thus given? Certainly not for the sanctification of the souls of the people: this they had on believing in Christ Jesus; and this the apostles never dispensed. It was the miraculous gifts of the Spirit which were thus communicated: the speaking with different tongues, and those extraordinary qualifications which were necessary for the successful preaching of the Gospel; and doubtless many, if not all, of those on whom the apostles laid their hands, were employed more or less in the public work of the Church.
Cambridge Bible on Acts 8:15
15. who, when they were come down, &c.] It is clear from the whole history that the special gift of the Holy Ghost, bestowed at this period on the Christian converts in various places, was not given except through the Apostles. The case of Ananias, sent by God’s special command to Saul, differs from all others. Peter could promise it (Acts 2:38) to those who should repent and be baptized, but the Samaritan converts whom Philip had made received no share of such powers till the arrival of Peter and John. But the Apostles make it manifest by their prayer that the gift was not theirs either to impart or withhold, but was “of God,” as Peter calls it (Acts 8:20).
Barnes' Notes on Acts 8:15
Were come down - To Samaria. Jerusalem was generally represented as “up,” or “higher” than the rest of the land, Matthew 20:18; John 7:8.
Sermons on Acts 8:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
3. Empowered by the Spirit by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the necessity of being empowered by the Holy Spirit, which is a distinct experience from the indwelling of the Spirit that occurs at conversion. He explains |
|
Day 36, Acts 8 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on how God's redemptive purposes can be seen in what may initially appear as misfortunes, using the Jerusalem persecution as an example. He highlights the im |
|
|
Day 82, Acts 18:18-28 & 19 by David Servant | David Servant delves into Paul's third missionary journey, highlighting the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit after believing in Jesus, as seen in Ephesus with the 12 baptize |
|
We Need a Clean Heart (Romans 6:6) by Ernest O'Neill | Ernest O'Neill shares his personal journey of struggling with inward sins and the constant battle to control his thoughts and feelings, despite outwardly appearing as a model Chris |
|
The Believable Christian by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead preaches on the importance of fellowship in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, using Acts 8:5-25 as a background. He emphasizes the need to preach Christ in all aspect |
|
The Holy Ghost Was Not Yet Given by G.W. North | G.W. North emphasizes the significance of baptism in the name of Jesus during His earthly ministry, arguing that without a distinguishing name, the practice would have been meaning |
|
Revival on the Isle of Lewis by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a revival that took place in a parish. The revival began when four young girls, aged 16, prayed for their head |