Witnesses in Samaria

Introduction:

Attention Getting:

Textual Segment: In this passage, we now turn from Stephen to another of the 7 chosen to serve as deacons in , Philip. The church was scattered out from Jersualem due to persecution, but the apostles remained there. As they went, they proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our text today focuses on Philip as he caries the gospel to Samaria and the aftermath of his witness.

Background:

Samaria- Samaritans were 1/2 Jewish and 1/2 Gentile. The Assyrians had captured the Northern Kingdom, Israel, in 732 BC. They had deported many of the people and brought people from other lands to live what was once the Northern Kingdom. As they intermarried, the gap between Northern and Southern kingdom widened to be an insurmountable canyon.

Samaritans had their own temple, priesthood, and would not fraternize with the Jewish people, a feeling which was mutual.

Jesus had gone through Samaria in , something which was unheard of at the time. He had witnessed to a woman by a well and the first Samaritan convert had been made.

Now Philip runs from the frying pan into what might have been the fire as he goes to a people with whom he had little in common and shares with them the good news that Messiah had paid for sins through His death, and had risen again. That eternal life could be received by all who would answer His call and receive that gift by faith.

Relational Segment:

We live in a different world than Philip. The gospel has spread around the globe and we have the finished Bible in most of the languages. We broadcast the good news of Jesus via television, radio, and in recent years across the internet.

While the times may be different, our mission is still the same. While we go about our lives, we are to seek to make disciples of all people.

The Gospel Proclaimed

Acts 8:4–8 NKJV

Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.

Explanation:

A. Philip preached Christ

Acts 8:5 NKJV

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.

Acts 8:

The central message of all Christians in every church.

Jesus-

God in the flesh

Sinless life

Atoning Sacrifice

Resurrection

Call for repentance

They were challenge to receive the salvation by faith.

B. Multitudes were Converted

Acts 8:6 NKJV

And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

Acts 8:6–7 NKJV

And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.

Acts 8:6-

Salvation

They heeded with 1 accord

They had faith in God and were saved.

Deliverance

Many were cured by God’s power (much as during Jesus’ ministry)

signs often came to verify the message as it entered new territory.

The demonized were set free as demons were cast out.

C. The Sorcerer's Profession of Faith

Acts 8:8 NKJV

And there was great joy in that city.

D. The Sorcerer's Profession of Faith

Acts 8:9–13 NKJV

But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

i. Simon’s Past

Acts 8:9-

A. Simon’s Past

He loved the spotlight.

He had practiced sorcery and had claimed greatness.

some versions translate this as magic

A mixture of science and superstition including astrology, divination and the occult.

He had the people convinced he had the power of God.

People followed him because of his sorceries.

He had them deceived and this charlatan manipulated them.

Unclear if he had real power (which would have been demonic, or completely faked it.

ii. Simon joins in

B. Simon’s Conversion

Simon heard the same gospel and saw the same power of God displayed.

He believed and was baptized just as many others.

However, the as the narrative continues, serious doubts arise about his conversion.

His faith appears to be in the signs not the Scripture.

Application:

Psalm 126:6 NKJV

He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.

Psalm 126:5–6 NKJV

Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.

Psalm 126:

:

Like Philip.....

Like Philip.....

Like Philip.....

We must care for souls.

How concerned are you over the sins of others?

Do you care that they are lost and going to hell?

Have you ever cried over their condition?

We must sow the seed.

share the good news of Jesus with others

Friends, relatives, coworkers, neighbors

all need to hear the good news of Jesus

God will bring the harvest.

God is the one who draws people through the convicting power of the Holy Spirit.

He saves them and gives them new life.

New Church was Verified

Acts 8:14–17 NKJV

Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:14–19 NKJV

Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

:14-

Acts 8:14-17

Explanation:

A. Word reaches Jersualem

The Apostles heard of Philip’s ministry and the results.

Testimony had traveled back to Jerusalem of what God was doing.

B. Peter and John investigate

Two of the leaders came to see what God was doing.

They sought to verify that the church in Samaria was genuine, and not a false movement.

They felt responsible for the churches.

C. Samaritans receive the Holy Spirit

Peter and John lay hands on them and they are filled with the Spirit

This is one of only 3 instances where the indwelling of the Spirit happens at a separate time from salvation.

1. - On the Day of Pentecost was the first occasion.

There, the Holy Spirit baptized the 120 Jewish believers Jesus had left waiting for power.

2. Here: the 1/2 Jewish Samaritans receive the same Holy Spirit.

3. Later: Gentiles will receive the Spirit

Clear indication of the sameness of Samaritan and Jewish believers.

D. The Sorcerer's Sin

D. The Sorcerer's Sin

Acts 8:18–19 NKJV

And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 8:18–25 NKJV

And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

Simon’s actions reveal he still didn’t get it.

Acts 8:18-

Simon’s actions reveal he still didn’t get it.

He sought power and prestige his whole life.

Most say this shows he may never have really converted at all.

Only God knows the absolute truth of that.

The Scripture says, he believed and was baptized.

Either way, Simon at this point, slips into old habits and seeks the power of Peter and John.

He wants to be able to “work the Spirit trick”.

Peter’s Harsh Rebuke

Conclusion:

Acts 8:20–23 NKJV

But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”

Acts: 8:20-23

Peter condemns the notion that gifts of God can be bought with money.

Salvation is not for sale.

Neither are the gifts of the Holy Spirit

Peter advises repentance

Simon’s fear

Acts 8:24 NKJV

Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”

Acts 8:

He fears the consequences of judgement, but doesn’t appear to repent

Application:

He fears the consequence

While we rejoice when someone makes a profession of faith, we too should expect to see more.

Genuine faith brings a changed life

Simon’s actions cast serious doubts on the genuineness of his faith.

Romans 8:28–30 NKJV

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

God begins working to

God predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son.

Notice verse 30: the verbs are in past tense.

God is not bound by time.

He sees us glorified!

He sees us as we will be in eternity.

True faith in God, leads to a changed life.

Our very nature changes when we are born again.

Live for Him!

Conclusion

This morning, we have seen the spread of the gospel in Samaria. Genuine belief led to a new church being born in Samaria.

Our challenge is today is to sow the word like Philip through our words and lives.