Acts 8:15
New International Version
When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit,

New Living Translation
As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit.

English Standard Version
who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit,

Berean Standard Bible
On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.

Berean Literal Bible
who having come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

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

New King James Version
who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

New American Standard Bible
who came down and prayed for them that they would receive the Holy Spirit.

NASB 1995
who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

NASB 1977
who came down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

Legacy Standard Bible
who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

Amplified Bible
They came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit;

Christian Standard Bible
After they went down there, they prayed for them so that the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit because he had not yet come down on any of them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After they went down there, they prayed for them, so the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit.

American Standard Version
who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit:

Contemporary English Version
When the two apostles arrived, they prayed that these people would be given the Holy Spirit.

English Revised Version
who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Peter and John went to Samaria and prayed that the Samaritans would receive the Holy Spirit.

Good News Translation
When they arrived, they prayed for the believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

International Standard Version
They went down and prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.

Majority Standard Bible
On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.

NET Bible
These two went down and prayed for them so that they would receive the Holy Spirit.

New Heart English Bible
who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;

Webster's Bible Translation
Who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit:

Weymouth New Testament
They, when they came down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit:

World English Bible
who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
who having come down prayed concerning them, that they may receive the Holy Spirit—

Berean Literal Bible
who having come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

Young's Literal Translation
who having come down did pray concerning them, that they may receive the Holy Spirit, --

Smith's Literal Translation
Who, having gone down, prayed for them, that they receive the Holy Spirit.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who, when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when they had arrived, they prayed for them, so that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

New American Bible
who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Spirit,

New Revised Standard Version
The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Who, when they went down, prayed over them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they went down and prayed over them so that they would receive The Spirit of Holiness.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
who, when they had gone down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

Godbey New Testament
who, having come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.

Haweis New Testament
who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

Mace New Testament
who upon their arrival, prayed for them that they might receive the holy spirit.

Weymouth New Testament
They, when they came down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit:

Worrell New Testament
who, indeed, having come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;

Worsley New Testament
who when they were come down prayed for them that they might receive the holy Spirit: (for He was not yet fallen upon any of them,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Simon the Sorcerer
14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 On 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.…

Cross References
John 14:16-17
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever— / the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.

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.

Acts 19:2
and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” “No,” they answered, “we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

Luke 11:13
So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

John 7:39
He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.

Acts 10:44-45
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. / All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.

Acts 11:15-17
As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He had fallen upon us at the beginning. / Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ / So if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to hinder the work of God?”

Romans 8:9
You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:13
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.

Galatians 3:14
He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13-14
And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, / who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 3:16-17
I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, / so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,

1 John 3:24
Whoever keeps His commandments remains in God, and God in him. And by this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit He has given us.

1 John 4:13
By this we know that we remain in Him, and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit.

Isaiah 44:3
For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.


Treasury of Scripture

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

prayed.

Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 18:19
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

John 14:13,14
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son…

Jump to Previous
Arrived Ghost Holy Prayed Prayer Receive Spirit
Jump to Next
Arrived Ghost Holy Prayed Prayer Receive Spirit
Acts 8
1. By occasion of the persecution in Jerusalem, the church being planted in Samaria,
4. by Philip the deacon, who preached, did miracles, and baptized many;
9. among the rest Simon the sorcerer, a great seducer of the people;
14. Peter and John come to confirm and enlarge the church;
15. where, by prayer and imposition of hands giving the Holy Spirit;
18. when Simon would have bought the like power of them,
20. Peter sharply reproving his hypocrisy and covetousness,
22. and exhorting him to repentance,
25. together with John preaching the word of the Lord, return to Jerusalem;
26. but the angel sends Philip to teach and baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch.














On their arrival
This phrase marks a significant moment in the early church's expansion. The "arrival" refers to Peter and John, two of the apostles, who were sent from Jerusalem to Samaria. The Greek word for "arrival" (παραγίνομαι, paraginomai) implies coming alongside or being present. This highlights the importance of apostolic authority and presence in the early church, ensuring that the new believers in Samaria were integrated into the wider Christian community. Historically, this reflects the church's mission to transcend cultural and ethnic boundaries, as Samaritans were traditionally viewed with suspicion by Jews.

they prayed
Prayer is a central theme in the book of Acts, often preceding significant events or the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for "prayed" (προσεύχομαι, proseuchomai) indicates a deep, earnest communication with God. This act of prayer by Peter and John underscores the dependence on divine intervention and guidance in the mission of the church. It serves as a model for believers, emphasizing that spiritual empowerment and growth are rooted in prayerful reliance on God.

for them
The "them" refers to the new Samaritan believers who had accepted the word of God through Philip's preaching. This inclusion of Samaritans is a pivotal moment in the early church, as it demonstrates the breaking down of long-standing barriers between Jews and Samaritans. Theologically, it signifies the universality of the gospel message and the inclusivity of God's kingdom, where all are invited to partake in the blessings of the Holy Spirit.

to receive
The Greek word for "receive" (λαμβάνω, lambanō) implies an active acceptance or taking hold of something offered. In this context, it suggests that the Holy Spirit is a gift that must be willingly accepted by the believers. This highlights the cooperative relationship between divine grace and human response in the process of spiritual empowerment and transformation.

the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, essential for the life and mission of the church. In the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit's role is prominent, empowering believers for witness and service. The reception of the Holy Spirit by the Samaritans marks a new phase in the church's expansion, fulfilling Jesus' promise in Acts 1:8 that the disciples would be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This event underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who unites diverse groups into one body and equips them for the mission of spreading the gospel.

(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.

Verse 15. - That they might receive the Holy Ghost. Why was it needful that two apostles should come down to Samaria and pray, with laying on of hands, for the newly baptized that they might receive the Holy Ghost? There is no mention of such prayer or such imposition of hands in the case of the first three thousand who were baptized. They were told by St. Peter, "Be baptized every one of you, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38), and they were baptized, and doubtless did receive the Holy Ghost, Neither is there any mention of such things in the case of the subsequent thousands who were baptized at Jerusalem on the apostles' preaching. Why, then, was it so in Samaria? To answer this question, we must observe the difference in the circumstances. The baptisms at Jerusalem were performed by the apostles themselves. The Holy Ghost was given upon their promise and assurance. But in Samaria the preaching and the baptizing were done by the scattered disciples. There was a danger of many independent bodies springing up, owing no allegiance to the apostles, and cemented by no bonds to the mother Church. But Christ's Church was to be one - many members, but one body. The apostolate was to be the governing power of the whole Church, by the will and ordinance of Christ. Hence there was a manifest reason why, when the gospel spread beyond Judaea, these visible spiritual gifts should be given only through the laying on of the apostles' hands, and by the intervention of their prayers. This had a manifest and striking influence in marking and preserving the unity of the Church, and in marking and maintaining the sovereignty of the apostolic rule. For precisely the same reason has the Catholic and Apostolic Church in all ages (Acts 19:5, 6; Hebrews 6:2) maintained the rite of confirmation, "after the example of the holy apostles." Besides the other great benefits connected with it, its influence in binding up in the unity of the Church the numerous parishes of the diocese, instead of letting them become independent congregations, is very great. Observe, too, how prayer and the laying on of hands are tied together. Neither is valid without the other. In this case, as at Pentecost, the extraordinary gift of the Holy Ghost was conferred. In confirmation, now that miracles have ceased, it is the ordinary and invisible grace of the Holy Spirit that is to be looked for.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
On their arrival,
καταβάντες (katabantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2597: To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend. From kata and the base of basis; to descend.

they prayed
προσηύξαντο (prosēuxanto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4336: To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.

for
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

them
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

to
ὅπως (hopōs)
Conjunction
Strong's 3704: From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).

receive
λάβωσιν (labōsin)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

[the] Holy
Ἅγιον (Hagion)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

Spirit.
Πνεῦμα (Pneuma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.


Links
Acts 8:15 NIV
Acts 8:15 NLT
Acts 8:15 ESV
Acts 8:15 NASB
Acts 8:15 KJV

Acts 8:15 BibleApps.com
Acts 8:15 Biblia Paralela
Acts 8:15 Chinese Bible
Acts 8:15 French Bible
Acts 8:15 Catholic Bible

NT Apostles: Acts 8:15 Who when they had come down prayed (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 8:14
Top of Page
Top of Page