ACTS SERIES: EVANGELIZATION OF SAMARIA  AND THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH – CHAPTER 8

Chapter 8 opens with fellow believers of Stephen mourning his death, taking his body and burying it. Also, Saul, a persecutor of the believers who was introduced to us in Acts 7, appeared zealous in his persecution of them, for he went into their houses, dragging and placing them in prison.

In Acts 1:8, prior to the ascension, Jesus said to his disciples, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” It had been eight years since the ascension, and most of the witnesses remained in Jerusalem; therefore, God allowed great persecution to come to the church in Jerusalem, which caused the disciples to scatter to other regions.

Philip, one of the seven men appointed a deacon to handle the church business, went to Samaria and preached the gospel there. Experiencing the miracles, healings, and deliverance from unclean spirits, the Samaritans responded positively with great joy to the Word. Additionally, dwelling in Samaria was a sorcerer named Simon who, through his actions, bewitchment and self-aggrandizement, caused the people to think he had power with God. He and the Samaritans who believed Philip’s preaching concerning the name of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God were baptized.

When the apostles received word that the Samaritans had become believers, they sent Peter and John down to Samaria, who, when they arrived, prayed for the people to receive the Holy Spirit. And when they laid hands on the people, they received.

 Amazed at how this happened, Simon offered money to Peter and John to have this ability bestowed on him. However, Peter told him, “Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Unfortunately, instead of repenting, Simon requested Peter to pray that nothing he had just heard would come to pass. Having completed their preaching ministry assignment in Samaria and surrounding villages, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, an angel of the Lord instructed Philip to go southward on the road from Jerusalem to the desert of Gaza. In his travels, Philip sees an Ethiopian eunuch in charge of his Queen Candace treasury sitting in his chariot reading Esaias the prophet. Prompted to approach the eunuch, when he heard what he was reading, Philip said, “Understandest thou what thou readest?” to which the eunuch replied, “How can I, except some man should guide me?” Philip then got on the chariot and sat with the eunuch, expounding Isaiah 53:32-33 and its correlation to the ministry of Jesus Christ.

When they came to a place where there was water, the eunuch asked Philip, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” And Philip replied, “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.” So, the eunuch who believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God got in the water with Philip and was baptized. Immediately coming out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away to Azotus, and from there, he preached in all the cities until he reached Caesarea. Meanwhile, the eunuch who saw Philip no more went on his way rejoicing.

I close this blog with these nuggets:

Persecution caused the believers to move beyond Jerusalem.

God will confirm His Word with signs and wonders.

Hearing and seeing miracles ignited faith and belief in Jesus.

Experiencing the Word in actions results in joy

People are joyous when suffering individuals are delivered from their painful situations.

When God uses you, remain humble.

Believers need discernment to know when occult practices are being practiced among them.

Beware of deceptive spirits.

Don’t stop at baptism; also, receive the Holy Spirit.

The gift of the Holy Spirit comes from God, not man.

Bestowal of the Holy Spirit cannot be purchased.

Eventually, the intent of your heart will be exposed.

Not everyone understands the word; some need to be taught.

God will give direction on how to evangelize the lost.

Minister the Word as you travel along.

Teach and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.