We discussed Chapter 8 of Acts this week in our ecumenical Bible study. After Philip has proclaimed the Messiah to and baptized the Samarians, Peter goes to lay hands on them to that they will receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. This is clearly the one of the origins of the sacrament of Confirmation. I spoke of the importance of recognizing that Grace is conferred on individuals through a minister. In this case it’s Peter, who was ordained by Jesus. Another participant read from a study Bible that Baptism, laying on of hands, and receipt of the Holy Spirit don’t always occur in the same order in Acts. The reference was from Chapter 10, where a the Holy Spirit is poured out on a group of Gentiles:
44 While Peter was still speaking these things, the holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word.
45 The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also,
46 For they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter responded,
47 “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the holy Spirit even as we have?”
48 He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
We can say that the Holy Spirit falling upon a group of people doesn’t mean that they have received sanctifying Grace in their souls, but what does it mean when Peter says, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the holy Spirit even as we have?” If you have any thoughts on this please email me.