SEV Biblia, Chapter 8:15
los cuales venidos, oraron por ellos, para que recibiesen el Espíritu Santo;
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 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.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 15. Who when they were come down , etc.] 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 extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost, as to be able to speak with tongues, to prophesy and work miracles: they might pray for them all, that they might have a larger measure of grace, and more spiritual light and knowledge; and that they might be established in the doctrines of the Gospel, and hold fast the profession of their faith unto the end; but it can hardly be thought that they should pray for them all, both men and women, that they might have the above extraordinary gifts, which were not necessary to them all: and that these are meant by the Holy Ghost is clear from what follows, since he was not yet fallen on any of them, which cannot be understood in any other sense; and seeing it was something visible, which Simon could discern, and therefore cannot mean internal grace, and an increase of that.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 14-25 - The Holy Ghost was as yet fallen upon none of these coverts, in the extraordinary powers conveyed by the descent of the Spirit upon the da of Pentecost. We may take encouragement from this example, in prayin to God to give the renewing graces of the Holy Ghost to all for whose spiritual welfare we are concerned; for that includes all blessings. N man can give the Holy Spirit by the laying on of his hands; but we should use our best endeavours to instruct those for whom we pray Simon Magus was ambitious to have the honour of an apostle, but care not at all to have the spirit and disposition of a Christian. He wa more desirous to gain honour to himself, than to do good to others Peter shows him his crime. He esteemed the wealth of this world, as i it would answer for things relating to the other life, and woul purchase the pardon of sin, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and eterna life. This was such a condemning error as could by no means consis with a state of grace. Our hearts are what they are in the sight of God, who cannot be deceived. And if they are not right in his sight our religion is vain, and will stand us in no stead. A proud an covetous heart cannot be right with God. It is possible for a man to continue under the power of sin, yet to put on a form of godliness When tempted with money to do evil, see what a perishing thing mone is, and scorn it. Think not that Christianity is a trade to live by in this world. There is much wickedness in the thought of the heart, it false notions, and corrupt affections, and wicked projects, which mus be repented of, or we are undone. But it shall be forgiven, upon ou repentance. The doubt here is of the sincerity of Simon's repentance not of his pardon, if his repentance was sincere. Grant us, Lord another sort of faith than that which made Simon wonder only, and di not sanctify his heart. May we abhor all thoughts of making religio serve the purposes of pride or ambition. And keep us from that subtl poison of spiritual pride, which seeks glory to itself even from humility. May we seek only the honour which cometh from God.
Greek Textus Receptus
οιτινες 3748 R-NPM καταβαντες 2597 5631 V-2AAP-NPM προσηυξαντο 4336 5662 V-ADI-3P περι 4012 PREP αυτων 846 P-GPM οπως 3704 ADV λαβωσιν 2983 5632 V-2AAS-3P πνευμα 4151 N-ASN αγιον 40 A-ASN
Robertson's NT Word Studies
8:15 {That they might receive} (hopws labwsin). Second aorist active subjunctive of lambanw, final clause with hopws. Did they wish the Samaritan Pentecost to prove beyond a doubt that the Samaritans were really converted when they believed? They had been baptized on the assumption that the Holy Spirit had given them new hearts. The coming of the Holy Spirit with obvious signs (cf. #10:44-48) as in Jerusalem would make it plain.
