ACC ~ Acts 8 v14

ONLY APOSTLES CAN CONFER THE HOLY SPIRIT. BEDE: Arator explains it beautifully, “Peter frequently made John his comrade because a virgin is pleasing to the church.” It must be noted that the Philip who preached the gospel to Samaria was one of the seven, for if he had been the apostle [Philip], he would have been able to lay hands on them himself so that they might receive the Holy Spirit. “For this is reserved only to those of pontifical rank. When priests baptize, whether in a bishop’s presence or not, they are permitted to anoint those who are baptized with chrism, but because it was consecrated by a bishop, they are not allowed to make the sign of the cross on the forehead with this same oil. This is reserved to the bishops alone when they transmit the Spirit, the Paraclete,” to those who are baptized. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 8.14.

Acts