I don't see how the people of Samaria received any gifts. They were chrismated by Peter and received the Holy Spirit.
No, they were most likely baptized by Philip and any other companions not mentioned (see verse 12-13). Peter didn't join them until after they were baptized. Peter WAS the one, along with John (see verse 14) that laid hands so they could receive miraculous gifts though. See further for more explanation.
Note that the Apostles had to "lay hands" on the people for them to receive that power.
In context, if we need an Apostle to be saved, we are in serious trouble since there are no apostles alive since Johns death (died after writing the book of Revelation). John was the last apostle. So with that in mind, the context of this clearly refers to miraculous gifts.
See Acts 8 again here
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 himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered,
beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Philip is not an apostle nor does Philip have the power to lay hands to pass on miracles. Notice later that the apostles are the ones that had to come and lay hands
See more now here for further understanding of context
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:
16 (
For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
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.
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
This all is speaking of miraculous power received by laying of hands. Man cannot lay hands and give salvation to people. Only obedience to the gospel does one receive salvation. Once such "obedience" is to be baptized 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; and the many many other verses in support of this.
Acts 2:38 is Peter himself baptizing and chrismating.
Is that important "who" baptizes?
Or is the act of non saved, becoming saved, the key in Acts 2:38?
Nowhere in the bible does it say a Christian has to be the one baptizing. However, being baptized is the only way to become a Christian.
It is the only way one can have remission of sins AND receive the Holy Spirit (salvation not miraculous gifts)
It is the only way one can BE IN Christ Galatians 3:27
It is the only way, of those IN Christ, to receive spiritual blessings Ephesians 1:3
