Acts of the Apostles - session 4
Acts 8 - 9
As we read the account of Simon, the Sorcerer, one fact stands out. He wanted to receive the power of the Holy Spirit for his own gain! He had had a following because he was able to amaze people with his magic. Those that were impressed by him said he was a man of "the divine power, known as the Great Power" (Acts 8:10). Simon was evidently "side-lined" by Philip's popularity, especially for the signs and miracles that sprang up around him. Simon, himself, believed and was baptized (Acts 8:13). When Peter and John arrived to lay hands on those who were baptized , Simon "showed his hand" . . . He offered them money and said,
Give me also this ability, so I can lay hands on everyone to receive the Holy Spirit.
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I'm sure he thought this would be a well-paying profession for him.
Peter denied Simon's request. Here was someone who SAID he believed, and was actually baptized in the name of Jesus, but his "heart was not right before God." Peter said, "Repent and perhaps the Lord will forgive you." (Acts 8:21-22) Simon asked then to pray for him, but the rest of his story was not written down.
Philip had an interesting encounter with an important official from Ethiopia. The Holy Spirit directed Philip to approach him. The man was reading an ancient manuscript of Isaiah. Many Ethiopians of that day were like the Samaritans. The Hebrews considered them out-casts, but they still retained some of their Old Testament heritage. Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading. The reply came, "How can I unless someone explains it to me?" (Acts 8:31) He was reading from Isaiah 53:7-8. He invited Philip to sit with him and travel with him. It was a wonderful part of Isaiah that Philip could use to lead the Ethiopian towards conversion. As they traveled together, the man saw a body of water and asked to be baptized. After this was accomplished, Philip was "taken up" by the Holy Spirit. That part of his mission was over. Philip continued to preach the Good News in many towns.
Peter denied Simon's request. Here was someone who SAID he believed, and was actually baptized in the name of Jesus, but his "heart was not right before God." Peter said, "Repent and perhaps the Lord will forgive you." (Acts 8:21-22) Simon asked then to pray for him, but the rest of his story was not written down.
Philip had an interesting encounter with an important official from Ethiopia. The Holy Spirit directed Philip to approach him. The man was reading an ancient manuscript of Isaiah. Many Ethiopians of that day were like the Samaritans. The Hebrews considered them out-casts, but they still retained some of their Old Testament heritage. Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading. The reply came, "How can I unless someone explains it to me?" (Acts 8:31) He was reading from Isaiah 53:7-8. He invited Philip to sit with him and travel with him. It was a wonderful part of Isaiah that Philip could use to lead the Ethiopian towards conversion. As they traveled together, the man saw a body of water and asked to be baptized. After this was accomplished, Philip was "taken up" by the Holy Spirit. That part of his mission was over. Philip continued to preach the Good News in many towns.
Remember when Jesus told His disciples He would send the Holy Spirit who would "guide them into all truth" (John 16:12). This is always an example to me that shows the Holy Spirit at work through someone like Philip to guide someone else into all truth. This should be an inspiration to all of us.
Chapter 9 of Acts is well worth reading!! You've probably heard about Paul's conversion, but it is quite dramatic and startling to actually read it for yourself. Here was a man so caught up into stamping out Christianity that he searched for those to be killed. Yes, he HAD held the robe of Stephen when he was stoned to death. My inclination is to believe that this just enticed him to find more Christians like Stephen to expose them. Saul (as he was called by the Greeks) was still "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples" (Acts 9:1)
Read chapter 9, verses 1-31, then contact us with your reaction to this account.
Chapter 9 of Acts is well worth reading!! You've probably heard about Paul's conversion, but it is quite dramatic and startling to actually read it for yourself. Here was a man so caught up into stamping out Christianity that he searched for those to be killed. Yes, he HAD held the robe of Stephen when he was stoned to death. My inclination is to believe that this just enticed him to find more Christians like Stephen to expose them. Saul (as he was called by the Greeks) was still "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples" (Acts 9:1)
Read chapter 9, verses 1-31, then contact us with your reaction to this account.