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 (v5-25)
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 gets saved, baptized, and is following Philip’s ministry. When he sees all the miracles, he wonders how they were all done. He still had a lot to learn.
His past life will cause him to make a request that the Apostle Peter rebukes.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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