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]
This is a strange thing. Receiving the Holy Spirit is distinctly noted as a different experience than believing in Jesus.
We see pretty much the same thing with Saul of Tarsus. It would seem he was "converted" on the way to Damascus, however, it was not until he got to Damascus that Ananias came to him, laid his hands on him and imparted the Holy Spirit to him.
From what I can tell (at least from today's text), it would seem that the Holy Spirit was the power behind miracles.
Interestingly enough, we are not told (in today's text) that Saul of Tarsus, after receiving the Holy Spirit began to perform miracles. Instead, we are told he boldly preached Jesus.
On the other hand, we are told that Philip performed miracles and led people to Christ, but did not impart the Holy Spirit.
This is all very interesting and, I believe, telling. What it is telling about, I am still unsure, but it is certainly worth paying attention to!
Father, help me to see from the facts given in the book of Acts a little more clearly into the mechanics of salvation and receiving the Holy Spirit.
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