{When Paul had laid his hands upon them} (epithentos autois
tou Paulou cheiras). Genitive absolute of second aorist active
participle of epitith(886d)i. This act of laying on of the hands
was done in Samaria by Peter and John ( 8:16 ) and in Damascus in
the case of Paul ( 9:17 ) and was followed as here by the descent
of the Holy Spirit in supernatural power. {They spake with
tongues} (elaloun gl(9373)sais). Inchoative imperfect, began to
speak with tongues as in Jerusalem at Pentecost and as in
Caesarea before the baptism. {Prophesied} (eproph(8874)euon).
Inchoative imperfect again, began to prophesy. The speaking with
tongues and prophesying was external and indubitable proof that
the Holy Spirit had come on these twelve uninformed disciples now
fully won to the service of Jesus as Messiah. But this baptism in
water did not "convey" the Holy Spirit nor forgiveness of sins.
Paul was not a sacramentalist.