Acts 8:1-25
Q.1. How did the church respond to the death of Stephen? What was the result of the persecution that broke out against the church? What part did Saul play? – (Acts 8:1-4)
It is ironic that religion can be so hostile toward other believers. This was all the more difficult for believers to accept, since the gospel flowed out of Judaism built on the Old Testament revelation. The apostles had been beaten. However, Stephen was the first to be martyred. The stoning of Stephen devastated the church. It also heralded a turning point in the escalation of persecution. Saul’s part was irrational, as he ravaged the church and dragged off believers from the privacy of their homes (see Acts 8:1-3 c.f. 1 Tim.1:12-13). However, like trying to stamp out a fire, the persecution actually spread the flame – … and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles … Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word (Acts 8:1c & 4). According to Jesus, the gospel was to have been proclaimed – … in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth (1:8). Persecution brought about obedience to Christ’s wider plan. Luke records that the apostles stayed home at Jerusalem. This was a lay movement.
Q.2. Who was Philip? What was odd about his response to the persecution? What difference did his ministry make to the city of Samaria? – (Acts 8:5-8 c.f. 6:5; Jn.4:9; 8:48)
Philip was one of the seven, chosen to be a server at Jerusalem. After the persecution, he was the first missionary. He eventually settled at Caesarea, where Paul stayed with his four prophetess daughters – … entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him (Acts 6:5; 21:8-9). Jews and Samaritans did not normally relate, so when the Jewish leaders called Jesus a Samaritan, it was meant as a gross insult (see Jn.4:9; 8:48). However, Christ had gripped Phillip’s heart, so he crossed the cultural barriers erected by men. His preaching of Christ, accompanied by signs and wonders brought – … much rejoicing in that city (Acts 8:8 c.f. 8:5).
Q.3. What reputation did Simon, the Magician have? What drew him to the preaching of Philip? How did Simon reveal his true colours? – (Acts 8:9-19)
Simon practiced magic and was highly influential – claiming to be someone great (Acts 8:9). In fact – 10 … from smallest to greatest, they were giving attention to him, saying, “This man is what is called the Great Power of God.” 11 And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts (Acts 8:10-11). Simon attached himself to Philip, because he was impressed with his undeniable signs and wonders … and the response of the masses. It is reported that – Even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed (Acts 8:13). However, the evidence shows that Simon was touched by the sensational signs, rather than the gospel of salvation. When Peter and John ministered at Samaria, Simon offered money, in order to gain the power that marked Philip and Peter’s ministries (see Acts 8:18-19).
Q.4. Why did the apostles send Peter and John to Samaria? How did God confirm the inclusion of the Samaritans into the church? Why did Peter withstand Simon? – Acts 8:14-25 c.f. Mt.16:19; Jn.20:23)
The gospel was always intended for all nations (see Mt.28:19; Mk.16:15; Acts 1:8; Gen.12:3; 22:18). During His time on earth, Jesus had made Peter and the apostles the custodians of the gospel (see Mt.16:19; Jn.20:23). In order for the church to be one, the apostles had to embrace, give their stamp of approval, and extend the hand of fellowship beyond Jerusalem. God withheld the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit from the Samaritans, until the apostles’ representatives, Peter and John had laid their hands on them (see Acts 8:14-17). God gave them special discernment. In the process, Peter exposed the unbroken heart of Simon the magician saying – 20 … “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you (Acts 8:20-22). We don’t know what happened to Simon. Philip continued to do the work of an evangelist in the villages of the Samaritans (see Acts 8:25).