The Laying on of Hands

Acts 8:13-25

The Samaritans were a mixture of various ethnic groups that the Assyrians had brought in to occupy the old Kingdom of Israel after they went into captivity. Because God brought judgment for their failure to serve him, Jewish priests were brought in to teach them how to worship God. The Samaritans thus were a mixed people who worshiped God, and various other gods, as described in II Kings 17:28-34. In many respects they were like a lot of groups today with a religion composed of a mixture of idolatry and pseudo Christianity. The Jews shunned them.

Such societies are especially vulnerable to charlatans who pass themselves off as a powerful religious figure, using supposed miracles to convince people of supernatural power. Like many others, Simon had used the situation to set himself up as a spiritual power according to Acts 8:9-11. The Holy Spirit convicted him of his need of a savior, and he began to associate with Philip. He was especially intrigued that Philip could do real wonders that he could not even fake, and didn’t use it for his own benefit.

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

Hearing the reports about what was happening in Samaria, the church at Jerusalem sent Peter and John down to assist in establishing the church. While they had received salvation, the Samaritan Christians had not been yet been filled with the holy Spirit.

“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 8:14-17)

In the Old Testament, laying on of hands was a way of identifying with something. Leviticus 16:21-22 describes laying hands on the scapegoat, identifying him as the one who was to carry the guilt for the sins of Israel. “And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.” It was also used to identify the a person who was being blessed as Jacob did in blessing Joseph’s sons in Genesis 48, or one who was guilty of sin in Leviticus 24.

The seven deacons were already men filled with the Spirit when the apostles laid hands on them in Acts 6:6, identifying with them in their new ministry, and this passage and the story of Ananias coming to Paul are the only passages where any connection is made between the laying on of hands and receiving the Holy Spirit. It was not involved on the day of Pentecost, or when Peter spoke to the gentiles in Acts 10. Why in this passage?

The Samaritan woman in John 4:9 was surprised that Jesus would talk to her or ask for a drink because the Jews would have nothing to do with Samaritans. While Philip had come down, the Samaritans were still expecting to be viewed as inferior. For the apostles to touch them and identify with them would have a tremendous emotional impact, eliminating any lingering feelings of inferiority or doubt. Suddenly, the people are prepared for the filling of the Holy Spirit.

While emotions are only one part of human life, and is largely reactive, it is a very important part and greatly affects our spiritual attitudes. Touch is an essential ingredient for emotional health, giving us a sense of being connected, and is part of normal human interaction. The laying on of hands, sharing and identifying with certain events has tremendous psychological impact. Coupled with real spiritual power it is far more than just a psychological phenomenon, but as a ritual, offers only an immediate emotional sensation with no real spiritual benefit, similar to baptism for an unbeliever.

“And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 8:18-19)

When first saved, they still have the same old habits of thought they have learned. Simon had developed an habit of trying to promote himself, and being able to give the Holy Spirit would enable him to keep his prestige. It seemed like a profitable investment.

“But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.” (Acts 8:20-23)

Simon’s focus on advancing himself is very common. It is the source of competition and envy between pastors, missionaries, and church members, and between different churches and religious organizations. It is the same attitude Jesus described in Matthew 23:1-15. It is always the result of a heart that is not right with God, controlled by selfish carnal impulses.

“Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.” (Acts 8:24)

New Christians come into the church with many ungodly attitudes and customs derived from their culture and experiences. If ignored, they are deemed acceptable and become entrenched. The Holy Spirit enabled Peter to discern the problem before it became entrenched in Simons life, and confront him about it, resulting in repentance.

“And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.” (Acts 8:25)

Once the church was firmly established, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, stopping to preach in many of the surrounding villages along the way. We have no idea how long they spent, except that it seems to have been a considerable time. It was clearly not the typical evangelistic trip or missions trip of today.