Several years after the experience of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Church was still growing greatly. Saul was legally taking Christians captive and the apostles were stationed in Jerusalem. It was during this time that Philip went to Samaria as an evangelist or missionary and preached Christ to the Samaritans. He had great success!
In Acts 8:6 the Bible says that “the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.”
Then in verse 12, it says that “they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.”
If this would have happened today, most evangelists would have thought they had one of the greatest revivals ever. Look what had happened.
First of all, they heeded the things spoken by Philip. In other words they believed what he said and acted on it. Then miracles took place. And unclean spirits, or demons, were cast out and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. This was a supernatural time. These things were happening daily and in verse eight the Bible says that there was great joy in that city.
So, here’s the point. They heard the gospel about Jesus and the kingdom of God, they believed what they heard, they acted on what they believed, miracles and healings took place, there was great joy and in verse 12, and all the men and women who believed were baptized. By all New Testament standards these people were Christians. They met all the requirements to be born again.
But then, in verse 14, we find where the news of this great evangelistic crusade got to Jerusalem. Keep in mind that at that time there was no Internet, no fax machines and no wire services. News traveled slowly.
So, after much time had passed and the news finally did get to the apostles in Jerusalem, the apostles decided to send Peter and John to Samaria. But why? Why would Peter and John need to go if the people of Samaria had already accepted Jesus and His teachings and were baptized?
We find the answer starting with verse 14, “Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”
When we open the Word of God and read experiences like this one that happened in Samaria, we must read God’s Word in truth. Too often when we read passages like this, we try to mold and twist them to fit the man-made doctrines of our own denominations.
This should not be. We should approach the Word of God openly, without preconceived ideas of what we want to hear. We must accept everything that God’s Word says. Only then will we know the heart of God.
Ask yourself this question. If you find something in God’s Word that goes against your tradition, will you change your belief? Will you deny the truth of God’s Word in order to keep the man-made doctrines and traditions that you have become accustomed to?
Jesus said, “If you abide in my Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
The truth is there is a second experience after salvation that’s referred to in Acts 8:14 as receiving the Holy Spirit. We know this is true because God’s Word says it. And God’s Word always take dominion over the words of man.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.