Impressing a Witch

In chapter 8 of Acts, as a result of persecution, Philip was driven out of Jerusalem. He went to a city in Samaria and preached and performed miracles until every person surrendered to Jesus as Savior.

Even the town magi (sorcerer) got saved. His name was Simon, but his neighbors called him, “The great power of God.” He claimed that he was great.

When he saw Philip’s miracles, he was astonished. He followed Philip around, watching him.

Philip was not an apostle. Apostles in Jerusalem sent Peter and John to Samaria, and they laid hands on the new believers and they received the Holy Spirit.

Even though Simon wanted to fool his neighbors with miracles into honoring him, and had seen Philip doing many real miracles, he was more impressed by seeing people receive the Holy Spirit.

What is the church missing because of the rarity of apostles laying hands on new believers so that they receive the Holy Spirit?