Acts 8:4-25
GETTING STARTED:
● In Acts 1:8 – Jesus had laid out the progression of the Good News and where His
followers would go. Jerusalem, throughout Judea, In Samaria, and to the ends of
the earth. This is the story of the Good News coming to Samaria.
● Luke introduced Philip in chapter six as one of the seven who would help with the
widow distribution. Like Stephen – he had other ministry gifts. He operates in the
gift of evangelism. And chapter eight tells his story. It is important to see that the
12 apostles are not trying to control ministry – but through the Holy Spirit they
seek to release the gifts that God is giving to the body of Christ.
THE REALITY OF JESUS AND HIS POWER DRAW PEOPLE
● Philip does a great job of lifting up Jesus and allowing God to do miraculous
signs. As a result – many are saved and baptized.
● The ministry is powerful – evil spirits are cast out – lame people start walking and
the Kingdom of God is proclaimed – the name of Jesus Christ is exalted. This is
what revival looks like.
PETER AND JOHN COME TO LEND THEIR SUPPORT
● Good News travels fast and the leaders in Jerusalem send Peter and John to
check out what God is doing.
● They liked what they saw – but realized immediately something important was
missing. These followers had not yet received the fullness of the Holy Spirit. So
they prayed for them and they received.
● While it does not mention specifically that they speak in tongues when they
receive – Simon, the local sorcerer sees that they received when hands are laid
on them. He offers money to control this gift. This will be a problem.
TAKE NOTE: This is a very important passage that supports that salvation and the
Baptism in the Holy Spirit are separate works of Grace given from God.
THE SIMON SITUATION
● Before the Gospel of Jesus had taken over – Simon was the one everyone looked
to as a spiritual authority. He controlled the miracle scene.
● He was called the Great One – the Power of God. But then everyone was
introduced to the true Great One – Jesus and to what true miracles and power
look like. Even Simon himself became a believer and was baptized.
● But he couldn’t take not being in control. Look again at Acts 8:18-24.
● Peter set him straight with very direct language. Sometimes love requires bold
truth. It seems that Simon wanted to repent. Hopefully he is sincere.
● What is settled is this – the Holy Spirit is God – not a commodity to be controlled.
He comes to lead the church and empower the church – He will not be controlled
by manipulative people. WE PRAY – Breathe on us – bring life to us Holy Spirit.