Acts 8:14
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John:
American King James Version (AKJV)
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John:
American Standard Version (ASV)
Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Now when the Apostles at Jerusalem had news that the people of Samaria had taken the word of God into their hearts, they sent to them Peter and John;
Webster's Revision
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John:
World English Bible
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
English Revised Version (ERV)
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Clarke's Acts 8:14 Bible Commentary
The word of God - The doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ.
They sent unto them Peter and John - There was no individual ruler among the apostles - there was not even a president of the council; and Peter, far from being chief of the apostles, is one of those sent, with the same commission and authority as John, to confirm the Samaritans in the faith.
Barnes's Acts 8:14 Bible Commentary
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 should be aided from abroad.
Peter - This shows that "Peter" had no such authority and primacy as the Roman Catholics claim for him. He exercised no authority in "sending" others, but was himself "sent." He was appointed by their united voice, instead of claiming the power himself of directing "them."
And John - Peter was ardent, hold, zealous, rash; John was mild, gentle, tender, persuasive. There was wisdom in uniting them in this work, as the talents of both were needed; and the excellencies in the character of the one would compensate for the defects of the other. It is observable that the apostles sent "two" together, as the Saviour had himself done. See the notes on Mark 6:7.
Wesley's Acts 8:14 Bible Commentary
8:14 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.
