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INFILLINGS IN SAMARIA

Act 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy
Ghost:

the Holy Spirit, just like salvation and every gift of God, has already been given. The prayer is not
for the Holy Spirit to fall are come on them; He has already come in chapter 2, on the day of
Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is already present and desires to fill these new believers.

The hindrance is not the Holy Spirit, but the will of the people. They need to be taught and prayed
for to receive the Holy Spirit. This is the key to everything in the Christian life. Everything has
been given in grace (2 Peter 1:3). Faith responds and receives the grace, the gifts which have
already been given.

Peter and John are not prejudice against these people and neither are the leaders at Jerusalem
(at this time). They are happy and rejoice with the Samaritans when they hear of their new births
and the revival which hits the city. Peter and John are joyous when these new converts received
the same Holy Spirit and the same experience they had received at Pentecost.

Act 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of
the Lord Jesus.)

Philip had ministered to them the new birth, healings, miracles, and baptism.

Act 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Peter and John laid hands on the Samaritan believers and they received the Holy Spirit. The
assumption can be made that the infilling of the Samaritan believers was accompanied by
speaking in tongues. Simon would have sought while the apostles had because there had been
some manifestation.

SIMON TRIES TO BUY POWER

Act 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was
given, he offered them money,

Simon now wants the popularity and position of prominence he once held in Samaria returned
to him and offers money to have this power.

Act 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the
Holy Ghost.

God does give this authority, but never to exalt a man, and never for money.

Act 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that
the gift of God may be purchased with money.