Good morning,
Acts 8 showcases how God can use even persecution to spread His word. It reminds us of the transformative power of the Gospel, its availability to everyone, and the importance of genuine belief. Philip’s unwavering obedience, the openness of the Ethiopian eunuch, and the striking correction of Simon the sorcerer all serve to underscore the extraordinary growth and challenges of the early church.
Acts 8:5-40
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. (Acts 8:35)
Philip’s Ministry and Simon the Sorcerer (v4-25)
Philip preaches in Samaria (v5-8)
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.8 And there was great joy in that city.
Philip’s ministry to Simon the sorcerer and Peter’s rebuke of Simon the sorcerer(v9-25)
Simon believes (v9-13)
9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.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.
Simon’s rebuke by Peter (v14-25)
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.25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Those scattered preach the word wherever they go. Particularly, Philip goes to Samaria, where he preaches Christ and performs miracles, bringing joy to the city. Many Samaritans believe and are baptized, including Simon, a man formerly known for sorcery. Seeing the apostles Peter and John bestow the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, Simon offers money to possess this power, leading to Peter’s stern rebuke.(Bible Hub chapter summary Acts 8)
Philip witnesses to the Ethiopian Eunuch (v26-40)
Philip sent (v26-27)
26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
Philip’s witness (v28-40)
28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
An angel of the Lord directs Philip to the road from Jerusalem to Gaza, where he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official and a man of authority. Philip explains Isaiah’s prophecy that the eunuch was reading, leading to the eunuch’s baptism and conversion. Subsequently, the Spirit takes Philip away, and he continues to preach the Gospel in other towns. (Bible Hub chapter summary Acts 8)
Acts 8 presents the expansion of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem, driven largely by persecution. It introduces us to Philip’s successful ministry in Samaria, the account of Simon the sorcerer, and the significant conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. The chapter offers a multifaceted view of the early church’s experience: persecution, miracles, conversions, and challenges. (Bible Hub chapter summary Acts 8)
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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