If believing is enough

[RevDWW]

If believing is enough then why this narrative in Acts 8?

Acts 8:5 - 25 (KJV)
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 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.
8 And there was great joy in that city.
9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
12 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.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
25 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.

Why did they Apostles need to lay hands on them?
What was the evidence that the Holy Ghost was given?

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by RevDWW

If believing is enough then why this narrative in Acts 8?



Why did they Apostles need to lay hands on them?
What was the evidence that the Holy Ghost was given?

Believing or Faith in the bible does not mean what many people think. It does not mean a mere mental recognition that something is true. If that were the case the devils were believers.

[SDG]

What was Phillip thinking letting this guy who, btw, believed and was baptized .... tag along for a while .... and still had not prayed him thru????

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip,

[RevDWW]

So if they were baptized, that must have been water baptism, as the Holy Ghost baptism had not come on them yet. Correct?

[SDG]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Believing or Faith in the bible does not mean what many people think. It does not mean a mere mental recognition that something is true. If that were the case the devils were believers.

Exactly ... believing in hebraic sense means a lot more than mental assent ....

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

What was Phillip thinking letting this guy who, btw, believed and was baptized .... tag along for a while .... and still had not prayed him thru????

Discipleship......Jesus did it even when one was to sell Him out to death and another was going to deny Him. Wow what a concept!

[Felicity]

Of course believing isn't enough. Who said it was?

[SDG]

Originally Posted by RevDWW

Discipleship......Jesus did it even when one was to sell Him out to death and another was going to deny Him. Wow what a concept!

While his soul was at eternal risk???? Philip was pretty irresponsible then ....

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

While his soul was at eternal risk???? Philip was pretty irresponsible then ....

Haven't you heard of those that tarry for the Holy Ghost baptism for years? Do we run them off? Does the Physician run of those that are sick and in need? DA, you need to tighten it up a little........

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by Felicity

Of course believing isn't enough. Who said it was?

Can the First resurrection be obtained without the infilling of the Holy Ghost?