By Andrew Williams
“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:14-17 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
This passage highlights the unity and care within the early church as the apostles, specifically Peter and John, traveled to Samaria to support the newly converted believers. The Samaritans had received the Gospel message and been baptized in the name of Jesus, but they had not yet experienced the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Peter and John’s willingness to journey to Samaria reflects the importance of discipleship and ensuring that believers grow in their faith. The laying on of hands and prayer were acts of ministry, demonstrating that the apostles trusted God to work through them to impart the Holy Spirit.
This event also reminds us of the relational nature of discipleship. The apostles didn’t leave new believers to figure things out on their own; instead, they came alongside them to encourage and empower them for the life of faith. It shows us that receiving the Holy Spirit isn’t just about personal experience—it’s part of being connected to the larger body of Christ and being equipped for God’s mission.
Peter and John’s actions remind us of the importance of being intentional in helping others grow in their faith. As disciples, we are called to journey alongside new believers, pray for them, and encourage them to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Their example also empowers us to seek God’s presence in every area of our lives, understanding that the Holy Spirit equips us to live boldly and serve faithfully. This passage reminds us of the need to redirect our focus from individualism to the shared mission of building and strengthening the body of Christ.
Take time this week to think about someone in your life who may be new to their faith or in need of spiritual encouragement. Reach out to them, pray with them, and help them grow in their relationship with God. If you feel distant from the Holy Spirit yourself, spend time in prayer asking God to fill you afresh with His Spirit, redirecting your focus to His presence and power in your life. Step into opportunities to minister to others, trusting that God will work through you to strengthen their walk with Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides me in my journey of faith. Help me to redirect my focus from just my personal walk to the shared mission of building up others in their faith. Teach me to walk alongside others, just as Peter and John did, encouraging them and praying for them to experience the fullness of Your Spirit. Use me as Your vessel to minister to others, and fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit so that I can serve You faithfully. I commit to being a disciple who strengthens and unites the body of Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
