Acts 8:14

“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem, etc.] Not that there were some at Jerusalem, and some elsewhere; for they all tarried at Jerusalem, when the rest of the ministers of the word were scattered abroad; though it is possible, that by this time, some of them might have departed from hence; but it seems more probable, that they were as yet all here: these heard that Samaria had received the word of God; that is, they heard that the Samaritans, who only received the five books of Moses, and that not the Hebrew, but their own copy of them, now received not only the whole Bible, but the Gospel of Christ, as preached by Philip; which they might hear by a letter, or messengers sent from…”

“the apostles . . . sent Peter and John--showing that they regarded Peter as no more than their own equal.”

“They sent - That is, the apostles “deputed” two of their number. This shows conclusively that there was no “chief” or ruler among them. They acted as being equal in authority. The reason why they sent Peter and John was probably that there would be a demand for more labor than Philip could render; a church was to be founded, and it was important that persons of experience and wisdom should be present to organize it, and to build it up. The “harvest” had occurred in Samaria, of which the Saviour spoke John 4:35, and it was proper that they should enter into it. In times of revival there is often more to be done than can be done by the regular servant of a people, and it is proper that he…”

“And the apostles hearing that Samaria - The inhabitants of that country, had received the word of God - By faith, sent Peter and John - He that sends must be either superior, or at least equal, to him that is sent. It follows that the college of the apostles was equal if not superior to Peter. Acts 8:15”

“8:14-17 When the apostles sent two of their own to Samaria, it was an amazing step in overcoming prejudice (cp. Matt 10:5; Luke 9:52-54; John 4:9; 8:48). Then, it was even more amazing that Peter and John prayed that the new Samaritan believers would receive the Holy Spirit. This event parallels the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-47) and marks the spread of the Holy Spirit’s power from Judea to Samaria (1:8).”

“when: Act 8:1, Act 11:1, Act 11:19-22, Act 15:4; Th1 3:2 received: Act 2:41, Act 17:11; Mat 13:23; Joh 12:48; Th1 2:13; Th2 2:10 Peter: Act 3:1-3; Gal 2:9 Acts 8:15”