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CONVERSIONS IN SAMARIA

Act 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and
the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Philip preaches three things: Christ (verse five), the kingdom of God (verse 12), and the name of
Jesus (verse 12).

Act 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip,
and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Coming from a background of sorcery, Simon has seen spiritual signs through demons. Now he
is observing the true signs from God and is able to recognize the difference between the two.
Simon is converted and strongly desire’s to operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He follows
Philip closely to learn how he is able to perform these miracles.

Act 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the
word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

Hearing about the conversion of the Samaritans (the first Gentiles to be converted), Peter and
John were sent to the converts and prayed for them to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Peter and John are gifted by the Holy Spirit in leading others into the infilling. Philip is gifted in
leading others into the new birth and getting them healed. Philip’s weakness is getting people
filled with the Holy Spirit. These disciples serve as a reminder that we all need each other as
team members in the body of Christ. One person is not gifted to operate in all areas.

8:14 A Spirit-Filled Revival, HOLY SPIRIT FULLNESS. Peter and John’s concern for the
Samaritan revival directly relates to their desire that those born of the Holy Spirit also
received the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The text and their ministry clearly differentiate
water baptism (verses 12, 16) from receiving the Holy Spirit’s fullness (verse 17). The
apostles laid hands on the converts, and they received the Holy Spirit with miracle signs.
This attracted the interest of Simon the sorcerer (verses 18-19), who desired the same
power demonstrated by the apostles as they laid hands on the converts. For the apostles,
the Holy Spirit fullness was no small matter; their focus and approach were dedicated
toward guaranteeing the transmission of the power of Pentecost among new believers.
They obviously felt the need for every believer to become equipped with power, as sure
as each of them had received new life in Christ and obeyed Him in water baptism. Such
leadership is still needed in the church today.