Turning the World Upside Down: The Gospel Rolls On: Acts 8:5-25

I. The Gospel Rolls on With Examination vs. 5-17

A. Phillip was a double outcast in Jerusalem. He was a Hellenistic Jew, and a Christian. So Phillip fit right in with all the other outcast.

B. The Samaritans had been receptive of Jesus to start with, so Phillip’s preaching was well-recieved. The Samaritans were the outcast of their day. They were half-breeds whose religion got twisted. They in many ways remind me of people who have been hurt by church. Outcast, who love a Jesus, they have gotten Him twisted by bad theology, teaching, and hurtful experiences.

C. Phillip was a deacon turned preacher. He was doing miracles that the Holy Spirit was empowering, but he wasn’t an Apostle. This is showing that Yahweh was working through anyone, not just the Apostles.

D. Simon was a sorceror, who claimed to be a god. He would be someone who played with magic and the occult, but was losing his following when Phillip came to town. (Kenneth Copeland ex)

E. Simon the Samaritan was a false convert. He was a constant fixture with Phillip, but not for the right reasons. Someone whose gifts far exceed their character.

F. The reason they had not reiceved the Holy Spirit at salvation, like all the rest, is because they could have easily went their own temple, and priest. They only beleived in the Pentetuech (first 5 books of the Bible). This sign was for the Jews and the for the apostles as well.

II. The Gospel Rolls on in Spite of Imitation vs. 18-24

A. Simon tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, because he was a cheap imitation. He wanted power not forgiveness, much like the joyboys on TBN.

B. Peter offers Simon repentance, but it is rebuffed. People who ask you to pray fro their forgiveness, don’t want forgiveness. They want to live their life the same way, only without the eternal consequences.

C. Irenaeus (a.d. 180) speaks of him as the father of Gnosticism. Simony is named after him. It is the act of buying a religious office, or favor.

III. The Gospel Rolls on With Concession vs. 25

A. The Apostles got on board and started doing the same thing that Phillip was doing, because they saw that it was right.

B. Many people have been skeptical of people and movements. Rightly so. But when you find out God is in it, then you can give it your blessing or miss out on revival. (Chuck Smith and the Jesus Movement ex)