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NASB | Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, both men and women. |
Bible Question:
Out of the miry clay, According to your note, I got the impression that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is something above and beyond one's salvation experience and it is some sort of special power given to some selected believers for furthering the gospel, correct? If so, I have another question. Why then Phillip having the power to heal sicks and chase out demon-spirited (sounds like he had the power of Apostle) could not (or did not) lay his hand for these Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit? |
Bible Answer: Greetings, Yes the baptism of the Holy Spirit is different from receiving salvation. When you are baptized with the Holy Spirit you receive the power of the Holy Spirit (Act 1:8). Power is transated 'dunamis' in Greek which means strength power, ability. So being baptized with the Spirit gives the believer a power or ability that he did not have before. This power ia a gift from God (Luke 11:13; Acts 8:20) and is available to ALL believers who ask for it. It is used in all sorts of ways - for furthering the gospel (Acts 1:8), for prayer (Rom 8:26), for comfort (Acts 9:31), ability to speak what needs to be heard (Luke 12:12), helper (John 14:26), to speak in tongues (Acts 2:4), and joy (Rom 14:17). Peter was an evangelist. He hasd the gift of healings and working of miracles. As to why he didn't lay his hands on them John Gills Exposition of the bible puts it this way "Philip; who though he had these gifts, yet had not a power to lay on hands, and thereby convey them unto others; he perceived that this was purely apostolical". Hope this gives you a better understanding. If you have more questions feel free to ask. prayon |