Philip: Preacher Of Christ part 1

I believe that for all of us there are certain types and kinds of people that make us uncomfortable. It can be body type, smell, skin tone, piercings, tattoos or a host of other things. For whatever reason we get around a person and we are uncomfortable. We don’t want to talk to them or make eye contact. We know from Scripture that we are to preach the gospel to anyone and everyone. Yet, practically speaking, you and I often have self-imposed personal limits. When we are really honest, we must admit that there are people we don’t want to share the gospel with. When we read through the gospels one of the major clashes that Jesus had with the Pharisees was the company that Jesus kept. He was a friend of tax collectors, sinners, lepers, and prostitutes. He reached out to these people with kindness and the message of repentance. No one was excluded from Jesus’ ministry. What we find in Acts chapter 8 is a man who had the same attitude as Jesus.

In our study of Acts we come to the second section. The first section dealt with the gospel in Jerusalem. Now we learn of The Spread Of The Gospel In Judea And Samaria Chs. 8:4-11:18. Last week we learned about Stephen’s martyrdom and the persecution that led the early church to scatter. Warren Wiersbe writes that

The Spread Of The Gospel In Judea And Samaria Chs. 8:4-11:18

The “Everywhere” Preaching Ministry Of Philip Ch. 8:4-40

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Eight: A Church on the Move (Acts 8)

Persecution does to the church what wind does to seed: it scatters it and only produces a greater harvest.

What takes place in is exactly what Wiersbe describes. We learn here of The “Everywhere” Preaching Ministry Of Philip Ch. 8:4-40. This is going to be part 1 because there is too much here to get it all in one message. Philip teaches us a powerful lesson in the verses we will consider today. He teaches us that…

The gospel message breaks down all barriers.

The “Everywhere” Preaching Ministry Of Philip Ch. 8:4-40

Therefore.

We must be able and willing to share Christ with anyone.

Today we will be challenged by Philip’s example.

We find Philip being one of those scattered through persecution and then…

1. Preaching Christ In Samaria vv. 4-25

When the Babylonians took Israel captive, some people were carried off into exile and others were left in Israel. Those left in Israel intermarried with their captors and became known as the Samaritans. This group of people was hated by the pure blood Jews and viewed as traitors and betrayers. All that background makes what we are about to learn very important. As Philip preaches the Word we find…

a. The message authenticated by miracles vv. 4-13

The ability to do miracles was not widespread. The apostles could do them, Stephen did them, and now Philip. There are really two forms that the miracles take. The first is…

i. The miracle of healed bodies vv. 4-8

These miracles are preceded by preaching in vv. 4-5. The believers are scattered due to persecution. Though persecuted and suffering, they are not silent. V. 4 reveals that they preached the Word everywhere they went. “Preaching” is the Greek word εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō) meaning proclaim good news. To convey the Gospel. To bring the good news concerning the way of salvation by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

a. Preaching everywhere v. 4

8:4 – Everywhere they went they preached the Word.

Preaching – εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō) proclaim good news. To convey the Gospel v. — to bring the good news concerning the now present instantiation of Jesus’ divine dominion and way of salvation by His death and resurrection. Verb, present, middle, instrumental participle, plural, nominative.

Preaching – εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō)

They are evangelizing! Bringing the gospel to people even as they flee persecution. It states that they are preaching the Word. This is the Greek term logos. They are preaching the message about Christ. Who He is and what He has done.

Preaching word. Word = logos. Message about Christ. Who He is and what He has done.

This is the basis for what happens with Philip here. He is one of the ones who faces persecution. This persecution does not embitter him. He simply moves on and preaches the Word. We must not grow bitter when opposition arises. Use it as an opportunity to preach Christ. What is fascinating about Philip is the first place he goes to preach which we see in v. 5.

Philip, a Hellenistic Jew, goes to Samaria. This is how the gospel spreads to the Samaritans! Already we see how the gospel of Jesus Christ is breaking down societal barriers. Jews would normally have nothing to do with Samaritans. Yet this is the first place Philip goes after the persecution starts. Here we find a different word for “preach”. This is the Greek word κηρύσσω (kēryssō) meaning proclaim; preach. To announce or herald. To make known publicly and loudly.

Preach – κηρύσσω (kēryssō) proclaim; preach. to announce (herald) v. — to make known (important news) publicly and loudly (as if a herald). Finite verb, imperfect, active, indicative, third person, singular.

Preach – κηρύσσω (kēryssō)

Philip walks into Samaria and proceeds to publicly and loudly proclaim the Messiah! Always bear in mind, when we say Christ, we are talking about the anointed one, the Messiah.

In Jesus and His disciples go to Sychar which is a city in Samaria. This is where Jesus has the well known conversation with the woman at the well. I want to look at just two verses in this encounter. (S).

John 4:25–26 NKJV

The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

I would like to believe that this woman spread the news about who the Messiah was. The pump has already been primed so to speak. As Philip comes in proclaiming the Christ, seeds have already been planted. What helps these seeds to take root is how Philip’s preaching is promoted by miracles in vv. 6-8. The first benefit of the miracles is seen in v. 6 as they cause people to listen to the message.

2. Preaching promoted by miracles vv. 6-8

Notice that they listen to what Philip has to say because of the miracles he performs. They hear his message, they see the miracles, and it lends credibility to what Philip is saying. The miracles are not an end in themselves. They pave the way for the proclamation of Jesus Christ! One of the problems with modern “miracle” movements is that the miracle is the end, it is the goal. The goal is never to be impressing people with signs and wonders. The goal is for those people to hear about Jesus Christ!

If the miracles are not a vehicle for the gospel then they are worthless.

The second benefit of the miracles is that people are healed in v. 7. The “unclean spirits” here are demons. They have possessed people and cry out as they leave. People paralyzed and lame are also healed. Verse 7 has something very interesting here by way of comparison and contrast. Go back to .

The “unclean spirits” here are demons. They have possessed people and cry out as they leave. People paralyzed and lame are also healed.

Verse 7 has something very interesting here by way of comparison and contrast. Go back to .

The Apostles heal everyone. Philip is not an Apostle. He’s one of the 7 from 6:5. So his power is different. He cannot heal everyone. Notice the repeated use of “many” here versus the “all” of 5:16. This is one of those testaments to the purpose of the sign gifts. They were to authenticate the ministry of the Apostles through whom God would give His written Word.

The “unclean spirits” here are demons. They have possessed people and cry out as they leave. People paralyzed and lame are also healed.

The result of these miracles and healings are found in v. 8. There is great joy in the city. I love this! When Christ comes into our lives bringing healing and transformation, there is joy! This is meant to be a defining characteristic of the Christian life! We have joy! We have peace in our trials, we have comfort in affliction, we have the ever-present Spirit of God dwelling inside of us! What do we have to be unhappy about? We even have the assurance that the difficulties and trials we face are for our good! We have absolutely every reason to be joyful!

c. Rejoicing through miracles v. 8

There is great joy in the city. I love this! When Christ comes into our lives bringing healing and transformation, there is joy! This is meant to be a defining characteristic of the Christian life! We have joy! We have peace in our trials, we have comfort in affliction, we have the ever-present Spirit of God dwelling inside of us! What do we have to be unhappy about? We even have the assurance that the difficulties and trials we face are for our good! We have absolutely every reason to be joyful!

What we are going to be informed of next is the scope of the transformation that has taken place. Luke, the author of Acts, wants us to know exactly what these people have been set free from. We have seen them experience the miracle of transformed bodies. Now we will learn of…

ii. The miracle of transformed lives vv. 9-13

What Luke describes here is something that we all experience when we come to Christ. At salvation the reality is that

1. Transformation is necessary vv. 9-11

Revealed in these verses are three reasons why it is necessary for those in Samaria. First, it is necessary Because of deception in v. 9. Here we are introduced to Simon. Simon was a sorcerer. “Practiced sorcery” is the Greek word μαγεύω (mageuō) meaning to practice magic. To practice sorcery. To perform magical spells that harness occult forces or evil spirits to produce unnatural effects in the world.

a. Because of deception v. 9

Here we are introduced to Simon. Simon was a sorcerer.

Practiced sorcery – μαγεύω (mageuō) practice magic. To practice sorcery v. — to perform magical spells that harness occult forces or evil spirits to produce unnatural effects in the world. Verb, present, active, circumstantial participle, singular, nominative.

Practiced sorcery – μαγεύω (mageuō)

Simon does magic through the power of Satan and demons. He amazes and astonishes the people setting himself up as someone great. The idea is that this is his own opinion of himself. This is deception! He has deceived these people into thinking he is great. When we come to Christ, all of us have lies we have believed that must be changed through the truth of Scripture. Let me give you a common lie that people believe. There is a mean God in the OT and a nice God in the NT. Scripture reveals that there is only one God! He deals with different people differently at different times, but He never changes. Another common lie is that good people go to heaven. Scripture reveals that only sinners go to heaven. How? Through the blood of Jesus Christ! Let me explain. All have sinned (). The penalty for sin is death. God’s gift is eternal life (). This life is only given to those who believe. Believe what? That Jesus paid the penalty for their sin. That He was buried. And that He rose again (). If we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we are saved ()!

Only sinners redeemed, forgiven, and justified by the blood of Christ go to heaven!

These people needed to be transformed and set free from the deception that Simon was someone great. He wasn’t. That is the first reason transformation is necessary. Because of deception. The second reason is Because of delusion in v. 10.

That is the first reason transformation is necessary. Because of deception. The second reason is

b. Because of delusion v. 10

Simon has so thoroughly deceived them that they believe his power comes from God! They are delusional! This delusion has reached the point that they all pay careful attention to anything he says. Notice how specific Luke is here. They all heed him, from the least to the greatest. Everyone in Samaria was under this man’s power!

Everyone is saying that Simon is the great power of God. Not has, is. He is the physical manifestation of the power of God. That is what they believe. There is only one way to account for this level of deception and delusion. Turn to .

2 Corinthians 4:2–6 NKJV

But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

What these people need, what we all need, is for the light of the gospel; of the glory of Christ to shine on us! That is the only cure for the blindness imposed by Satan. These people are deceived and deluded. But there is a third reason they need transformation. It is needed Because of detainment in v. 11.

c. Because of detainment v. 11

They are in bondage to Simon, and ultimately to Satan, but they don’t even realize it! They listen to him because of his sorceries. They have listened to him for a long time.

So what does Philip do? He doesn’t come in and tell them how wrong they are! He doesn't come in and say they have been deceived, deluded, and detained by Simon! He doesn’t start screaming at them about how wrong magic and sorcery are! He preaches Christ to them! People who are ensnared by sin and blinded by Satan do not need information, they need transformation! Transformation only comes through faith in Jesus Christ! Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). What people need is to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ that they might be set free from sin and death! Philip understands this! He sees their need, and so he preaches Christ to them.

When they trust in Christ they discover that transformation is not only necessary,

2. Transformation brings freedom vv. 12-13

The people of Samaria experience freedom in two ways. First they are Freed from bondage to Simon in v. 12.

a. Freed from bondage to Simon v. 12

This verse starts with the word “but” which introduces a contrast. A change has taken place! They were in bondage through Simon’s deception, their delusion and subsequent detainment. But now! Now they have believed! Philip is preaching about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. People believe and are baptized.

Remember, “name” is a euphemism used to encompass all that a person is. Philip is preaching about who Jesus is and what He has done and they believe! They are set free. And they are not alone. Simon is Freed from bondage to Satan in v. 13.

b. Freed from bondage to Satan v. 13

Simon also believes and is baptised. We need to stress something here before we get into the rest of the story. The same words used to describe what takes place with the Samaritans are used to describe what takes place with Simon. Simon believes. Same Greek word that is used for the Samaritans believing. I believe that this is not a profession; this is a conversion. This is important because what happens later in the story has caused some people to say Simon was not a true believer. If he isn’t, then I believe we would have to argue that no one else in Samaria was either based on the words used. John Calvin put it this way.

Acts: Crossway Classic Commentaries Verses 5–13

The man who had infatuated the whole city with his tricks received the truth together with others. He had boasted of being God’s Great Power, but now he submitted himself to Christ. He was brought to the knowledge of the Gospel not just for his own sake, but to remove a stumbling-block that might otherwise have hindered the ignorant.

Acts: Crossway Classic Commentaries Verses 5–13

Joy is a fruit of faith.

8:13 – Simon believes. This is not a profession; this is a conversion.

Simon believes and is baptized and continues with Philip. This word “continued” is interesting. It is the Greek word προσκαρτερέω (proskartereō)meaning be devoted to. To persevere in some activity or cause to the point of devotion.

Continued – προσκαρτερέω (proskartereō)

Simon has been set free from the bondage of Satan! The result is that he sticks to Philip like glue. As he is with Philip he sees what the real power of God looks like. This man who had amazed others is now amazed himself as he sees what God can do. This is the power of the gospel! Simon was the last person anyone would expect to come to Christ! And yet, he does.

This is the power of the gospel! Simon was the last person anyone would expect to come to Christ! And yet, he does.

The conviction of the Holy Spirit reaches even the hardest of hearts!

God is fully capable of softening that hardened heart you have been praying for. Don’t give up! The miracles of healed bodies and transformed lives authenticate the message that Philip has been preaching. They know that Jesus is the Messiah because they have seen His power displayed through the miracles of Philip. Just as the message is authenticated by the miracles we have…

The miracles of healed bodies and transformed lives authenticate the message that Philip has been preaching. They know that Jesus is the Messiah because they have seen His power displayed through the miracles of Philip. Just as the message is authenticated by the miracles…

b. The conversion authenticated by the Holy Spirit vv. 14-25

According to Scripture one of the evidences of salvation is the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. If someone does not have the Spirit, they are not saved. The book of Acts is transitional in nature and therefore we have the Holy Spirit coming differently than He does today. What Luke records for us here is how…

i. The Holy Spirit comes to Samaritans vv. 14-17

Again, this highlights the transitional nature of Acts. We are seeing the establishment of the Apostles who would later establish the Word. Also being stressed here is that the Samaritans were saved just as the Jews were. This is necessary because of the hostility between Jews and Samaritans. For us today, the Holy Spirit comes at moment of belief. According to Luke’s account, there are two things necessary in this transitional time for the Holy Spirit to come. First we learn that He comes Through prayer in vv. 14-15.

1. Through prayer vv. 14-15

We are introduced to the ones praying in v. 14. The apostles hear what is taking place and they send Peter and John. This is not some sort of an inspection mission. At this point it seems like the only way the Holy Spirit came was through the apostles. This is evidenced by what they do immediately after their arrival in v. 15. They pray for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit! This word for “pray” is a petition. They are asking God to to send the Holy Spirit to the Samaritan believers. This is a pretty big step for Jews to take! Again we see prejudice laid aside for the sake of the gospel.

After they are done praying, we see that the Holy Spirit comes Through the laying on of hands in vv. 16-17.

2. Through the laying on of hands vv. 16-17

Verse v. 16 explains why this was necessary. The Holy Spirit hadn’t come upon them. They had not yet been baptized by the Spirit (spiritual baptism) they had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (physical baptism). And so in v. 17 they lay hands on them and the Holy Spirit comes. Interestingly enough, there are no sign miracles that accompany the coming of the Spirit here. They do not speak in tongues. Why not? Probably because they all spoke the same language, therefore tongues were not needed. The way the Holy Spirit comes in this passage raises the question of why? Why is this so important? For three reasons. First, to authenticate and establish the authority of the apostles. Why? So that when they pen the Word of God it is understood to come with God’s authorization and authority! Second, to demonstrate that Samaritans and Jews were both included in this newly revealed program of God. There was a danger of this turning into sects of Christianity. This danger is avoided by having the apostles come. Third, because of . Let me explain. How many of you have heard about Peter being given the keys to the kingdom of heaven? Please turn to where this takes place.

because of . Let me explain. How many of you have heard about Peter being given the keys to the kingdom of heaven? Please turn to where this takes place.

Matthew 16:18–19 NKJV

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

b. The conclusion v. 17

There are two false doctrines that have arisen from this passage. The first is that Peter is the pope or “father” of the church. That is not true because Jesus was talking about himself. Peter is a stone. Jesus is the Rock. The second false doctrine is that Peter will be sitting at the gate of heaven with the “keys” allowing or barring people from entrance to heaven. This is false because according to Revelation the gates of heaven are never closed! Also, I believe that Scripture makes it very clear what the keys given to Peter really are.

The keys given to Peter are used as he is present when the three people groups of the world receive the Holy Sprit. We see this take place for the Jews in . For the Samaritans here. And for the Gentiles in . Peter comes down with John to be Jesus’ instrument in opening this door. Samaritans are brought into the body of Christ through the coming of the Holy Spirit by the agency of Peter and John.

Peter and the keys to the kingdom. Jews - . Samaritans - here. Gentiles - .

Peter comes down with John to be Jesus’ instrument in opening this door. Samaritans are brought into the body of Christ through the coming of the Holy Spirit by the agency of Peter and John.

The Holy Spirit comes to the Samaritans. He comes to those hated by the Jews! He comes to the social outcasts, the ones rejected by everyone else. God is calling us to lay aside our prejudice. To cast off our ideas of who is and who is not worthy of the gospel!

He is calling all men everywhere to repent, and you and I are to be His mouthpiece.

Philip has preached the gospel to these people. Peter and John have arrived and the Holy Spirit has come. Everything seems great! However, there is some clarification needed. It needs to be made clear that…

ii. The Holy Spirit comes through faith vv. 18-25

We arrive now at a difficult and sometimes abused passage of Scripture. It is one of those passages where what you see is very much colored by the theological lens you are looking through. If that statement is confusing to you, we are going to give clarity as we go here. There are four lessons about faith in these verses. The holy Spirit comes through faith and Faith avoids misuse in vv. 18-19.

1. Faith avoids misuse vv. 18-19

In v. 18 we find Simon misusing money. By way of reminder, Simon was a sorcerer. He had enjoyed great influence in this city and had done amazing things through the power of Satan. He has trusted in Christ, He has been baptized, and v. 17 makes it clear that he has received the Holy Spirit. This is a blood bought believer. This is a child of God through faith. You may disagree with me. But please reserve judgment until we’re done. I believe Simon is a Christian. But this Christian is confused. He has some sin in his life that needs to be dealt with and the evidence of that comes out here.

a. Misusing money v. 18

He sees that the apostles give the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands and he wants this ability. So he offers them money. This is revealed to be a misuse of the Spirit. Look at v. 19. Simon wants to be able to give the Holy Spirit through laying on hands. Not understanding how these things work, he offers the apostles money. “Power” could also be translated “authority”. It is possible that he is seeking to regain the influence lost.

Simon wants to be able to give the Holy Spirit through laying on hands. Not understanding how these things work, he offers the apostles money.

Power could also be translated authority. It is possible that he is seeking to regain the influence lost.

I believe this request comes from a sincere desire to see people have the Holy Spirit. However, his methods are what Peter calls into question here. The sin he has harbored in his heart has altered his perception and made him unable to properly understand both grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit. This brings us to the second lesson about faith. Faith assures proper motivation in vv. 20-23.

2. Faith assures proper motivation vv. 20-23

Though he may not have been aware of it, Simon’s motivation is wrong. This is revealed in vv. 20-21. Simon has a money problem and a heart problem. The gift of God cannot be purchased! Money doesn’t give someone a particular spiritual gift. God’s gifts are just that, gifts. Peter declares that this request demonstrates that Simon’s heart is not right. It is important to note that Peter says Simon doesn’t have part or portion in this matter, not salvation, but ability to give the Holy Spirit. Salvation is not even the topic of discussion, therefore it doesn’t fit the context.

a. Revealing improper motivation vv. 20-21

The heart is the issue here. The actions may be right, the words may be right, everything may seem perfect externally; but if the heart is not right, nothing is right.

God doesn’t want outward conformity! He wants your heart!

Not some of it, not most of it, all of it! Though Simon is a new believer and is misunderstanding, his request reveals a desire for self elevation. From the phrasing of his request in v. 19 it almost seems as though he wanted to give the Spirit to anyone, believer or not. Simon’s heart is not right. This is a situation in which any of us can easily find ourselves. Our hearts must be right! We cannot serve the Lord with full devotion if we are simultaneously seeking to promote ourselves!

Having exposed the improper motive, Peter explains how to regain proper motivation in vv. 22-23. The first step is necessary repentance in v. 22. It is important to notice that Peter tells Simon to repent and be forgiven. Not believe and be saved! This is misunderstood when we view repentance as synonymous with salvation. While repentance is part of salvation it is also something that can take place after salvation when a believer sins (Rev. 2-3).

ii. The heart problem v. 21

8:21 – Part and portion in this matter, not salvation, but ability to give the HS.

b. Regaining proper motivation vv. 22-23

i. Necessary repentance v. 22

8:22 – Repent and be forgiven. Not believe and be saved!

To be fair, argument can be made for Simon not being a believer. When Peter says he has no part in this matter, the word used is “logos”. Often this refers to the gospel. So that is a possibility. I believe the preponderance of evidence points to Simon being a believer. Regardless, Peter says that what he needs to do is repent. In doing so there will be a necessary removal of the things described in v. 23.

Theological lens. What lens? Lens that says believer cannot or will not be guilty of this. The problem is that Biblical evidence suggests the opposite. Especially when we examine the Corinthian epistles.

ii. Necessary removal v. 23

Bitterness and iniquity have bound Simon’s heart! Peter looks with eyes tuned by the Holy Spirit to see beyond the physical and he sees the condition of Simon’s heart. He is poisoned and imprisoned by bitterness and unrighteousness! These sins have left him blind to some important Spiritual realities. He needs to repent! To change his mind and his direction and be released from bitterness and iniquity. When we are ensnared by sin, repentance is what we need. How do we have our mind and direction changed? Is it through will power and determination? No. has the answer for us (S).

Psalm 119:9–11 NKJV

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

The solution to sin is not greater determination or effort. The solution to sin lies in greater time spent with Jesus. If we want to be free from the bondage of sin in our daily lives, we must spend time in the Word and in prayer.

We have seen that faith avoids misuse and assures proper motivation. The third lesson about faith here is that Faith alters wrong motion in v. 24.

3. Faith alters wrong motion v. 24

Simon indicates a change of direction here. Pray to the Lord for me. This is an interesting word for prayer. “Pray” is the Greek word δέομαι (deomai) meaning ask; request; beg; pray. To pray to God, conceived of as begging Him for something indispensable or necessary.

Pray – δέομαι (deomai)

“Lord” is the idea of master. You don’t make demands of a master. You beg and plead. That is what Simon acknowledges here. Jesus is the master! He is Lord! As such we do not command Him, we entreat Him.

Simon asks Peter to plead on his behalf that he would escape these sins. The indication is that this situation and rebuke is enough for Simon. I believe he was transformed and sought Christ after this point. When sin enters our lives, we need a change of direction. We need to alter the wrong motion and get back on track. This is accomplished through confession. (S).

1 John 1:9 NKJV

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Confession is agreeing with God about the nature of our sin. We agree that it is what He calls it, sin, and then we live differently. As we do we learn the final lesson about faith. Faith accelerates momentum in v. 25.

4. Faith accelerates momentum v. 25

They testify and preach the Word. The idea here is that they are bearing witness to the truth of what Philip has declared. They proclaim the message of the Gospel. Then, as the travel back to Jerusalem, they preach in many smaller cities of Samaria. Again we have evidence of them laying aside prejudice for the sake of the gospel. This is what we are to do. Lay aside prejudice and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ! Additionally, we have them preaching the gospel anywhere and everywhere they happen to be. The gospel message is gaining momentum through the faithful proclamation of the early church!

Despite persecution and suffering, and sometimes because of it, the gospel is moving forward! The believers are preaching and teaching everywhere they go. They are laying aside prejudice in recognition that all need to hear the good news of who Jesus is and what He came to do.

Conclusion

After persecution, suffering, imprisonment, and death; we find the early church faithfully preaching Christ in a hostile culture.

a. The sensitivity of a heart to Christ vv. 26-29

Philip arrives in a town full of people normally hated and shunned. He doesn’t see through the eyes of prejudice. Looking through eyes enlightened by the Holy Spirit, Philip sees sinners in need of a Savior.

8:26-29 – May we all develop this kind of sensitivity to the HS and His prompting.

i. Sensitive to the Spirit’s call v. 26-27a

Our culture is becoming increasingly hostile to the truth of God’s Word. We live in a country divided by racism and hate. Before us today lies a decision.

ii. Sensitive to the Spirit’s knowledge vv. 27b-28

Will we see through the eyes of prejudice?

iii. Sensitive to the Spirit’s command v. 29

Or.

b. The preparation of a heart for Christ vv. 30-35

Will we see with eyes enlightened by the Holy Spirit?

i. Prepared through seeking vv. 30-31

Outside these walls lies a world bound and trapped by sin. What is needed is the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are His mouthpiece, will we speak? Sinners who are lost and dying cannot afford Christians who don’t live like Christ and don’t speak of Him! A drowning man needs a life preserver. A sinner bound in sin needs a Savior.

8:30-31 – Lord sets this up!

1. Seeking God v. 30

Who will you tell about Jesus this week?

2. Seeking guidance v. 31

May we proclaim Christ as we practice what He preached.

ii. Prepared through scripture vv. 32-33

Acts 8:4–25 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. 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. 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.” 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.

1. Scripture and the Lamb v. 32

2. Scripture and the death v. 33

iii. Prepared through speaking vv. 34-35

1. Speaking of confusion v. 34

2. Speaking of Christ v. 35

c. The dedication of a heart to Christ vv. 36-39

8:36-37 – VARIANT – NASB footnotes, ESV & NIV – remove v. 37. At this point spend time discussing this? Text and translation?

i. Displayed through desire v. 36

ii. Displayed through declaration v. 37

8:38-40 – Baptism involves immersion. It is for believers (v. 37). HS teleports Philip. Not normative! V. 40 – Preached where he was.

iii. Displayed through decision v. 38

iv. Displayed through delight v. 39

3. Preaching Christ In Azotus v. 40

a. The work of the Spirit v. 40a

b. The work of Philip v. 40b

Conclusion

Related Media

Related Sermons