ACTS 8:12-15,17-20
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 [the sorcerer ] 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.
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.
It seems that Philip had a glorious revival in Samaria. Hundreds of people must have been
saved, and scores healed. And all of these folks received the Holy Ghost: "Then laid they their
hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost" (Acts 8:17). Notice that all of these
Samaritans received the Holy Ghost without waiting, praying, or agonizing — and they
received without exception or disappointment.
Cornelius and His Household
The Word gives us another account of people getting saved and filled with the Holy Spirit
without tarrying or waiting.
Reading Acts chapters 10 and 11, we see how an angel appeared to Cornelius and told him to
send to Joppa, and to inquire in the house of a certain individual for Simon Peter "Who shall
tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be SAVED" (Acts 11:14).
Neither Cornelius nor his household was saved. They were Gentiles who had become Jewish
proselytes. A person can't be saved without hearing the gospel. Those of Cornelius' household
didn't know that Jesus had died for the sins of mankind and was raised from the dead for our
justification.
Therefore, Peter preached to them about Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection (Acts 10:3443). They believed the gospel message (Rom. 10:9,10), and they were born again while Peter
was preaching (Acts 11:14). Then they received the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues before
Peter even finished his message.
ACTS 10:44,45
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the
word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed [ the Jewish Christians] were
astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that ON THE GENTILES ALSO WAS
POURED OUT THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST