Money and power
Scripture reading for May 15: Acts 8
“Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for He had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you though you could obtain the gift of God with money!”” Acts 8:14-20
The church was growing rapidly and was now growing in Samaria. Jesus had visited their region and the woman at the well had shared Jesus with her fellow Samaritans. Now Philip, the deacon turned evangelist, had preached there and many had been baptized in the Name of Jesus. The apostles in Jerusalem, Peter and John, had come to see this church and build it up. They saw that these believers had not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, although they had been baptized in water. They laid their hands on them and prayed over them to receive the Gift of the Father, the Holy Spirit. Although it doesn’t specifically say, these so filled must have spoken in tongues and were filled with joy and boldness.
Simon, a former sorcerer, who had believed and was baptized watched the apostles. He went to Peter and John with money to purchase the ability to lay hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit. Peter and John rebuked him sharply. God’s Gift is never for sale! His heart was not right and he must quickly repent or perish! The Holy Spirit is received by faith through God’s grace to those who ask. (Luke 11:13)
From this passage, is it possible to have repented, believed, and been baptized in Jesus’ Name and still not be filled with the Holy Spirit? Was it necessary for the apostles to lay hands on them for their reception of the Holy Spirit? How do you know when you have received the Holy Spirit?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your Gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for the infilling of the Holy Spirit for empowering us to be a witness and pray effectively. Give me deeper insight into how to pray for those needing this Gift and how to help all believers to be filled. Amen.
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