06.27.2014 New Testament: Acts 8.14–17

To read the Bible in a year, read Acts 8.1–25 on June 27, In the year of our Lord 2014

By Don Ruhl

Something wonderful happened in Samaria. Philip preached the good news of the kingdom, and the Samaritans believed his message, were baptized into Christ, and had great joy. However, without the written New Testament, these new disciples of Christ were at great disadvantage. Therefore, see what happened next,

Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8.14–17). 

They then had the Spirit to reveal to them the fullness of the truth, and they had the ability to do good works that they otherwise would not have been able to do, in particular miracles. This kick started the Kingdom of God in Samaria.

The Spirit tells us to do good works and to bear fruit, which we can then use introduce people to the good news of the Kingdom of God.