Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 8:14

"Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:" — Acts 8:14 (ASV)

They sent. That is, the apostles delegated 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 they sent them was probably that there would be a demand for more work than Philip could provide. A church was to be founded, which required their presence, and it was important that they should be present to organize it and build it up.

The harvest had occurred in Samaria, of which the Savior 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 the regular pastor of a people can do, and it is proper that he should be aided by others from outside.

Peter. This shows that Peter had no such authority and primacy as the Roman Catholics claim for him. He exercised no authority of 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, bold, zealous, and rash; John was mild, gentle, tender, and persuasive. There was wisdom in uniting them in this work, as the talents of both were needed, and the strengths in the character of one would compensate for the weaknesses of the other. It is observable that the apostles sent two together, as the Savior had himself done (see the notes on Mark 6:7).

The reasons why this additional aid was sent to Samaria were probably these:

1. To assist Philip in a great work—in the harvest which he was there collecting.

2. To give the sanction of the authority of the apostles to what he was doing.

3. To confer on the converts the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:17).