Samaria had received the word of God.

Acts 8:14-17, Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

We learned from the story of Jesus and the woman at the well, that Jews had no dealings with Samaritans. Yet Jesus tells us that it was a Samaritan who was truly a loving neighbor, making him the hero! And the woman at the well’s testimony brought her entire village to know Him. And by faith now the good news of Jesus Christ comes to the region, where many come to know a Him and are baptized in His name, and receive His Holy Spirit striking down forever this ancient animosity. The gospel levels the playing field for all, for their is no one who is worthy on his own merits. There is only one who is worthy, and it is by His grace and mercy that we all are received and adopted as children of God! He bids us who are “weak and heavy laden” to come into His rest!

We thank You that it is not by works of righteousness which we have done, but by Your great mercy that You have saved us and given us a place in Your family along with all other nations of the world!

ESV Lectionary