Part 6 The Holy Ghost in Samaria

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8

"... And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles." - Acts 8:1

"As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word." - Acts 8:3-4 KJV

What Jesus said of Samaria was about to be fulfilled!

"Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them." - Acts 8:5

"And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city." - Acts 8:6-8

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." - Acts 8:12

They were baptized in Jesus name – yet they had not received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

"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.)" - Acts 8:14-16

Receiving the Holy Ghost is so important, that the apostles sent Peter and John on a special trip from Jerusalem to Samaria to pray for the people to receive the Holy Ghost!

"Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." - Acts 8:17

"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