Exploring the Scripture

Although today’s lection is short, it opens the door to many considerations about the gospel and mission of Jesus Christ. We will discuss two of those.

The first grows from an exploration of this passage’s setting. It tells how Peter and John came from Jerusalem to Samaria because the people “accepted the word of God” (v. 14). This event is significant because Jews and Samaritans hated each other. But when Christian leaders in Jerusalem, who were Jews, heard this news, they sent Peter and John to support the efforts in Samaria.

Philip, who fled from Jerusalem to escape persecution, went to Samaria, and began sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the people there. In Acts 8:5–12, we learn that Philip baptized many Samaritans.

The story importantly shows how the message and mission of Jesus are intended for everyone, not just certain groups. One of Jesus’s stories, now commonly known as the Good Samaritan, is just one example of this message. Jesus used this parable to answer the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Philip understood Jesus’s message and went to Samaria to reach out to people there.

Theologian Lee C. Barrett expressed it this way:

This episode (of Philip, Peter and John) functions as one more step on the journey of the inclusion of both Jews and non-Jews in the people of God. A primary characteristic of the Holy Spirit is its power to forge unity amid cultural, ethnic, and ideological difference and tension. The Holy Spirit is an inclusive Spirit that fosters fellowship and communication across human boundaries.

Community of Christ expresses this message in some Enduring Principles, such as Worth of All Persons, All Are Called, and Unity in Diversity. It also is expressed beautifully in two hymns in Community of Christ Sings: “For Everyone Born” (285), and “All Are Welcome” (276). We also can find this idea in many passages of the Doctrine and Covenants, such as 161:3a:

Open your hearts and feel the yearnings of your brothers and sisters who are lonely, despised, fearful, neglected, unloved. Reach out in understanding, clasp their hands, and invite all to share in the blessings of community created in the name of the One who suffered on behalf of all.

This understanding leads to the second idea from this brief passage. It suggests that Peter and John prayed for the Samaritans who had accepted the word of God “that they might receive the Holy Spirit” (v. 17). Philip had baptized these people of water, but “as yet, the Spirit had not come upon any of them” (v. 16). Peter and John wanted to ensure the Samaritans received all the blessings of life as disciples.

We remember Jesus’ experience in which “he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting upon him” (Matthew 3:16) after being baptized by John. That experience helps give background for being baptized of water and Spirit—the same that Peter and John came to offer the Samaritans.

Community of Christ offers this same ministry through baptism and confirmation sacraments. Of Water and Spirit, Community of Christ’s baptismand confirmation-preparation book, says:

Baptism of water is a personal expression of faith in Jesus Christ. This is how we first express our commitment to lifelong discipleship…. Confirmation (baptism of the Spirit) invites disciples into the life and mission of Community of Christ.

The team of Philip, Peter, and John showed what can happen when disciples reach out and become effective ministers of the sacraments. Community of Christ has been counseled to offer such ministry to:

Lovingly invite others to experience the good news of new life in community with Christ. Opportunities abound in your daily lives if you choose to see them.

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:1c

Project Zion Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. The good news of Jesus Christ is intended for all people.
2. Baptism of the Holy Spirit is important to becoming and being lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.

Questions to Consider

1. What can you remember about your baptism of the Holy Spirit (confirmation) that still speaks to you?
2. Read Doctrine and Covenants 164:3a–c. How does this passage speak to you about your commitment today? How might you encourage others to reflect on their commitment in the ways suggested by today’s passage?
3. Baptism of the Spirit is an important sacrament. When have you experienced the Holy Spirit at other times and in other ways that signal the Spirit is ever present?