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Acts Chapter Eight

Acts 8

Saul was present at Stephen's death and consenting to it. [1] This is the end of the first phase of the assembly of God-its history in immediate connection with Jerusalem and the Jews as the centre to which the work of the apostles related "beginning at Jerusalem"; carried on however in a believing remnant but inviting Israel as such to come into it as being nationally the object of the love and care of God but they would not. Some accessory events follow which enlarge the sphere of labour and maintain the unity of the whole previously to the revelation of the call of the Gentiles as such properly speaking and of the assembly as one body independent of Jerusalem and apart from the earth. These events are-the work of Philip in the conversion of Samaria and of the Ethiopian; that of Cornelius with Peter's vision that took place after the vocation of Saul who himself is brought in by a Jew of good report among the Jews as such; the labours of Peter in all the land of Canaan; and finally the connection established between the apostles at Jerusalem and the converted Gentiles at Antioch; the opposition of Herod the false king of the Jews and the care which God still takes of Peter and the judgment of God upon the king. Afterwards comes the direct work among the Gentiles having Antioch for its starting-point already prepared by the conversion of Paul through means and with a revelation that were quite peculiar. Let us follow the details of these chapters.

After the death of Stephen persecution breaks out. The victory gained by a hatred the accomplishment of whose object was allowed by Providence opens the floodgates to the violence of the Jewish leaders enemies to the gospel. The barrier that restrained them once broken the waves of passion overflow on all sides. People are often held back by a little remaining conscience by habits by a certain idea of the rights of others; but when the dykes are broken hatred (the spirit of murder in the heart) satiates itself if God permit by actions that shew what man is when left to himself. But all this hatred accomplishes the will of God in which man would perhaps otherwise have failed and which in some respects he could not or ought not even to have executed that is to say the will of God in sovereign judgment. The dispersion of the assembly was Israel's judgment-a judgment which the disciples would have found it difficult to declare and to execute by the communication of greater light to them; for whatever may be the blessing and energy in the sphere where the grace of God acts the ways of God in directing all things are in His own hand. Our part too in His ways as to those without is in grace.

The whole assembly then except the apostles is scattered. It is questionable also that the apostles did right in remaining and whether a more simple faith would not have made them go away and thus have spared the assembly many a conflict and many a difficulty in connection with the fact that Jerusalem continued to be a centre of authority. [2] The Lord had even said with Israel in view "When they persecute in one city flee into another"; and after His resurrection He commands them to go and disciple all nations. This last mission we do not find executed in the history of the Acts and the work among the Gentiles and as we see in Galatians 2 by a special agreement entered into at Jerusalem it fell into the hands of Paul being placed on an entirely new footing. The word tells us nothing of the accomplishment of this mission of the twelve towards the Gentiles unless it be the slight general intimation in the end of Mark. God is mighty in Peter toward the circumcision and in Paul towards the Gentiles. It may be said that the twelve were not persecuted. It is possible and I say nothing decided on the point; but it is certain that the passages which I have quoted have no fulfilment in the Bible history and that another arrangement another order of things took place in lieu of that which the Lord prescribed and that Jewish prejudices had in fact an influence resulting from this concentration at Jerusalem from which even Peter had the greatest difficulty to free himself.

Those who were scattered abroad preached the word everywhere but only to the Jews before some of them arrived at Antioch (chap. 11:19).

Philip however went down to Samaria and preached Christ to them and wrought miracles. They all give heed to him and are even baptised. A man who until then had bewitched them with sorcery so that they had said he was the great power of God even he also submits to the power which eclipsed his false marvels and convinced him so much the more of its reality as he was conscious of the falseness of his own. The apostles make no difficulty with regard to Samaria. The history of Jesus must have enlightened them in that respect. Moreover the Samaritans were not Gentiles. Still it was a Hellenist who preached the gospel there.

A new truth comes out here in connection with the regular process of the assembly-namely that the apostles conferred the Holy Ghost by means of prayer and the laying on of hands: a very important fact in the history of God's dealings. Moreover Samaria was a conquest which all the energy of Judaism had never been able to make. It was a new and splendid triumph for the gospel. Spiritual energy to subdue the world appertained to the assembly. Jerusalem was set aside: its day was over in that respect.

The presence of the power of the Holy Ghost acting in Peter preserves the assembly as yet from the entrance of hypocrites the instruments of Satan. The great and powerful fact that God was there manifested itself and made the darkness evident which circumstances had concealed. Carried along by the strong current Simon had yielded as to his intelligence to the authority of Christ whose name was glorified by Philip's ministry. But the true condition of his heart the desire of his own glory the complete opposition between his moral condition and all principle-all light from God-betrays itself in presence of the fact that a man can impart the Holy Ghost. He desires to buy this power with money. What a thought! It is thus that the unbelief which appears quite to pass away so that the things of God are outwardly received betrays itself by something which to one who has the Spirit is so grossly contrary to God that its true character is manifest even to a child taught by God Himself.

Samaria is thus brought into connection with the centre of the work of Jerusalem where the apostles still were. Already the Holy Ghost's being bestowed on the Samaritans was an immense step in the development of the assembly. Doubtless they were circumcised they acknowledged the law although the temple had in a certain degree lost its importance. The body of believers was more consolidated and so far as they still held to Jerusalem it was a positive gain; for Samaria by receiving the gospel entered into connection with her ancient rival as much as the apostles themselves were so and submitted to her. Probably the apostles during that time of persecution did not go to the temple. God had opened a wide door to them outside and thus made them ample amends in their work for the success of the rulers of Israel who had stopped it in Jerusalem; for the energy of the Spirit was with them. To sum up: that which is presented here is the free energy of the Spirit in others than the apostles and outside Jerusalem which had rejected it; and the relations maintained with the apostles and Jerusalem by their central action and the authority and power with which they were invested.

Having accomplished their work and themselves evangelised several villages of the Samaritans Peter and John return to Jerusalem. The work outside goes on and by other means. Philip who presents the character of prompt unquestioning obedience in simplicity of heart is called to leave his prosperous work with which all his personal importance (if he had been seeking it) was connected and in which he was surrounded with respect and affection. "Go " said the angel of the Lord "toward the south unto the way that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza." It was a desert. Philip's ready obedience does not think of the difference between Samaria and Gaza but of the Lord's will: and he goes. The gospel now extends to the proselytes from among the Gentiles and makes its way to the centre of Abyssinia. The Queen's treasurer is admitted among the disciples of the Lord by baptism which sealed his faith in the testimony of the prophet Isaiah; and he goes on his way rejoicing in the salvation which he had taken a toilsome journey from a far country to seek in legal duties and ceremonies but with faith in God's word in Jerusalem. Beautiful picture of the grace of the gospel! He carries away with him and to his home that which grace had bestowed on him in the wilderness-that which his wearisome journey to Jerusalem had not procured him. The poor Jews who had driven away the testimony from Jerusalem are outside everything. The Spirit of the Lord carries Philip far away and he is found at Azotus; for all the power of the Lord is at the service of the Son of man for the accomplishment of the testimony to His glory. Philip evangelises all the cities unto Caesarea.

Footnotes

[1] We may remark here that the sanctuary so to speak is open to all believers. The veil indeed was rent by the death of Christ but the grace of God was still acting towards the Jews as such and proposed to them the return of Jesus to the earth; that is to say outside the veil in the event of their repentance so that the blessing would then have been upon the earth-the times of refreshing by the coming of Christ which the prophets had announced. But now it is no longer a Messiah the Son of David but a Son of man in heaven; and by the Holy Ghost here below an opened heaven is seen and known and the great High Priest (standing as yet) at the right hand of God is not hidden behind a veil. All is open to the believer; the glory and He who has entered into it for His people. And this it appears to me is the reason why He is seen standing. He had not definitely taken His place as seated ('eis to dienekes'; in perpetuity) on the heavenly throne until the testimony of the Holy Ghost to Israel of His exaltation had been definitively rejected on earth. The free testimony of the Spirit which is developed here and afterwards is highly interesting without touching apostolic authority in its place as we shall see. As to the Jews till the High Priest comes out they cannot know that His work is accepted for the nation; as in the day of atonement they had to wait till he came out that they might know it. But for us the Holy Ghost is come out while He is within and we know it.

[2] This is no wise prevents the manifestation of the sovereign wisdom of God. The development of the doctrine of the assembly in its oneness and as the body of Christ was but so much the more perfect and unmixed as we find it taught by Paul; who was called outside of Judaism by the revelation of a heavenly Christ. Neither do these ways of sovereign wisdom in God make any change at all in the responsibility of man. The outward unity of the assembly was also preserved by this means by the connection kept up between the other places and Jerusalem until the work among the Gentiles outside Judaism made these connections extremely difficult and precarious. This however rendered the grace and the wisdom of God but so much the more apparent.

── John Darby《Synopsis of Acts》

Acts 8

Chapter Contents

Saul persecutes the church. (1-4) Philip's success at Samaria. Simon the sorcerer baptized. (5-13) The hypocrisy of Simon detected. (14-25) Philip and the Ethiopian. (26-40)

Commentary on Acts 8:1-4

(Read Acts 8:1-4)

Though persecution must not drive us from our work yet it may send us to work elsewhere. Wherever the established believer is driven he carries the knowledge of the gospel and makes known the preciousness of Christ in every place. Where a simple desire of doing good influences the heart it will be found impossible to shut a man out from all opportunities of usefulness.

Commentary on Acts 8:5-13

(Read Acts 8:5-13)

As far as the gospel prevails evil spirits are dislodged particularly unclean spirits. All inclinations to the lusts of the flesh which war against the soul are such. Distempers are here named the most difficult to be cured by the course of nature and most expressive of the disease of sin. Pride ambition and desire after grandeur have always caused abundance of mischief both to the world and to the church. The people said of Simon This man is the great power of God. See how ignorant and thoughtless people mistake. But how strong is the power of Divine grace by which they were brought to Christ who is Truth itself! The people not only gave heed to what Philip said but were fully convinced that it was of God and not of men and gave up themselves to be directed thereby. Even bad men and those whose hearts still go after covetousness may come before God as his people come and for a time continue with them. And many wonder at the proofs of Divine truths who never experience their power. The gospel preached may have a common operation upon a soul where it never produced inward holiness. All are not savingly converted who profess to believe the gospel.

Commentary on Acts 8:14-25

(Read Acts 8:14-25)

The Holy Ghost was as yet fallen upon none of these coverts in the extraordinary powers conveyed by the descent of the Spirit upon the day of Pentecost. We may take encouragement from this example in praying to God to give the renewing graces of the Holy Ghost to all for whose spiritual welfare we are concerned; for that includes all blessings. No man can give the Holy Spirit by the laying on of his hands; but we should use our best endeavours to instruct those for whom we pray. Simon Magus was ambitious to have the honour of an apostle but cared not at all to have the spirit and disposition of a Christian. He was more desirous to gain honour to himself than to do good to others. Peter shows him his crime. He esteemed the wealth of this world as if it would answer for things relating to the other life and would purchase the pardon of sin the gift of the Holy Ghost and eternal life. This was such a condemning error as could by no means consist with a state of grace. Our hearts are what they are in the sight of God who cannot be deceived. And if they are not right in his sight our religion is vain and will stand us in no stead. A proud and covetous heart cannot be right with God. It is possible for a man to continue under the power of sin yet to put on a form of godliness. When tempted with money to do evil see what a perishing thing money is and scorn it. Think not that Christianity is a trade to live by in this world. There is much wickedness in the thought of the heart its false notions and corrupt affections and wicked projects which must be repented of or we are undone. But it shall be forgiven upon our repentance. The doubt here is of the sincerity of Simon's repentance not of his pardon if his repentance was sincere. Grant us Lord another sort of faith than that which made Simon wonder only and did not sanctify his heart. May we abhor all thoughts of making religion serve the purposes of pride or ambition. And keep us from that subtle poison of spiritual pride which seeks glory to itself even from humility. May we seek only the honour which cometh from God.

Commentary on Acts 8:26-40

(Read Acts 8:26-40)

Philip was directed to go to a desert. Sometimes God opens a door of opportunity to his ministers in very unlikely places. We should study to do good to those we come into company with by travelling. We should not be so shy of all strangers as some affect to be. As to those of whom we know nothing else we know this that they have souls. It is wisdom for men of business to redeem time for holy duties; to fill up every minute with something which will turn to a good account. In reading the word of God we should often pause to inquire of whom and of what the sacred writers spake; but especially our thoughts should be employed about the Redeemer. The Ethiopian was convinced by the teaching of the Holy Spirit of the exact fulfilment of the Scripture was made to understand the nature of the Messiah's kingdom and salvation and desired to be numbered among the disciples of Christ. Those who seek the truth and employ their time in searching the Scriptures will be sure to reap advantages. The avowal of the Ethiopian must be understood as expressing simple reliance on Christ for salvation and unreserved devotion to Him. Let us not be satisfied till we get faith as the Ethiopian did by diligent study of the Holy Scriptures and the teaching of the Spirit of God; let us not be satisfied till we get it fixed as a principle in our hearts. As soon as he was baptized the Spirit of God took Philip from him so that he saw him no more; but this tended to confirm his faith. When the inquirer after salvation becomes acquainted with Jesus and his gospel he will go on his way rejoicing and will fill up his station in society and discharge his duties from other motives and in another manner than heretofore. Though baptized in the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost with water it is not enough without the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Lord grant this to every one of us; then shall we go on our way rejoicing.

── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Acts》

Acts 8

Verse 2

[2] And devout men carried Stephen to his burial and made great lamentation over him.

Devout men — Who feared God more than persecution. And yet were they not of little faith? Else they would not have made so great lamentation.

Verse 3

[3] As for Saul he made havock of the church entering into every house and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Saul made havoc of the Church — Like some furious beast of prey. So the Greek word properly signifies.

Men and women — Regarding neither age nor sex.

Verse 4

[4] Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Therefore they that were dispersed went every where — These very words are reassumed after as it were a long parenthesis chap. xi 19 Acts 11:19 and the thread of the story continued.

Verse 5

[5] Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ unto them.

Stephen — Being taken away Philip his next colleague (not the apostle ) rises in his place.

Verse 9

[9] But there was a certain man called Simon which beforetime in the same city used sorcery and bewitched the people of Samaria giving out that himself was some great one:

A certain man — using magic - So there was such a thing as witchcraft once! In Asia at least if not in Europe or America.

Verse 12

[12] But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ they were baptized both men and women.

But when they believed — What Philip preached then they saw and felt the real power of God and submitted thereto.

Verse 13

[13] Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized he continued with Philip and wondered beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

And Simon believed — That is was convinced of the truth.

Verse 14

[14] Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God they sent unto them Peter and John:

And the apostles hearing that Samaria — The inhabitants of that country had received the word of God - By faith sent Peter and John - He that sends must be either superior or at least equal to him that is sent. It follows that the college of the apostles was equal if not superior to Peter.

Verse 15

[15] Who when they were come down prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

The Holy Ghost — In his miraculous gifts? Or his sanctifying graces? Probably in both.

Verse 18

[18] And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given he offered them money

Simon offered them money — And hence the procuring any ministerial function or ecclesiastical benefice by money is termed Simony.

Verse 21

[21] Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Thou hast neither part — By purchase nor lot - Given gratis in this matter - This gift of God.

For thy heart is not right before God — Probably St. Peter discerned this long before he had declared it; although it does not appear that God gave to any of the apostles a universal power of discerning the hearts of all they conversed with; any more than a universal power of healing all the sick they came near. This we are sure St. Paul had not; though he was not inferior to the chief of the apostles. Otherwise he would not have suffered the illness of Epaphroditus to have brought him so near to death Philippians 2:25-27; nor have left so useful a fellow labourer as Trophimus sick at Miletus 2 Timothy 4:20.

Verse 22

[22] Repent therefore of this thy wickedness and pray God if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Repent — if perhaps the thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee - Without all doubt if he had repented he would have been forgiven. The doubt was whether he would repent.

Thou art in the gall of bitterness — In the highest degree of wickedness which is bitterness that is misery to the soul; and in the bond of iniquity - Fast bound therewith.

Verse 26

[26] And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip saying Arise and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza which is desert.

The way which is desert — There were two ways from Jerusalem to Gaza one desert the other through a more populous country.

Verse 27

[27] And he arose and went: and behold a man of Ethiopia an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians who had the charge of all her treasure and had come to Jerusalem for to worship

An eunuch — Chief officers were anciently called eunuchs though not always literally such; because such used to be chief ministers in the eastern courts.

Candace queen of the Ethiopians — So all the queens of Ethiopia were called.

Verse 28

[28] Was returning and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

Sitting in his chariot he read the Prophet Isaiah — God meeteth those that remember him in his ways. It is good to read hear seek information even in a journey. Why should we not redeem all our time?

Verse 30

[30] And Philip ran thither to him and heard him read the prophet Esaias and said Understandest thou what thou readest?

And Philip running to him said Understandest thou what thou readest? — He did not begin about the weather news or the like. In speaking for God we may frequently come to the point at once without circumlocution.

Verse 31

[31] And he said How can I except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

He desired Philip to come up and sit with him — Such was his modesty and thirst after instruction.

Verse 32

[32] The place of the scripture which he read was this He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer so opened he not his mouth:

The portion of Scripture — By reading that very chapter the fifty-third of Isaiah many Jews yea and atheists have been converted. Some of them history records. God knoweth them all. Isaiah 53:7

Verse 33

[33] In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

In his humiliation his judgment was taken away — That is when he was a man he had no justice shown him. To take away a person's judgment is a proverbial phrase for oppressing him.

And who shall declare or count his generation — That is who can number his seed Isaiah 53:10; which he hath purchased by laying down his life?

Verse 36

[36] And as they went on their way they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said See here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

And as they went on the way they came to a certain water — Thus even the circumstances of the journey were under the direction of God. The kingdom of God suits itself to external circumstances without any violence as air yields to all bodies and yet pervades all.

What hindereth me to be baptized? — Probably he had been circumcised: otherwise Cornelius would not have been the first fruits of the Gentiles.

Verse 38

[38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

And they both went down — Out of the chariot. It does not follow that he was baptized by immersion. The text neither affirms nor intimates any thing concerning it.

Verse 39

[39] And when they were come up out of the water the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

The Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip — Carried him away with a miraculous swiftness without any action or labour of his own. This had befallen several of the prophets.

Verse 40

[40] But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

But Philip was found at Azotus — Probably none saw him from his leaving the eunuch till he was there.

── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on Acts》

Acts 8:1

Acts 8:1 represents an important principle of thermodynamics: “The greater the heat the greater the expansion.”

Chapter 8. Somaria

What You Are Reading
Do you Understand?

I. The Church Persecuted and Scattered

1. A Great Persecution
2. Except the Apostles
3. Scattered to Preach the Word

II. Philip Proclaim the Christ

1. Healing and Driving Out Evil Spirits
2. Conquer Evil Ways
3. The Apostles Confirmation

III. The Salvation of the Ethiopian Eunuch

1. The Guidance of the Holy Spirit
2. Preach Jesus
3. Baptized and Going On

── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
 
Chapter Eight General Review
 
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
 
1) To note the spread of the gospel into Judea and Samaria
as foretold
 by Jesus (cf. Ac 1:8)
 
2) To review the conversions of the Samaritans and the Ethiopian eunuch
 
3) To examine the apostolic ministry of imparting the Spirit through the
 laying on of hands
 
SUMMARY
 
Following the martyrdom of Stephen
the church in Jerusalem was severely
persecuted. Prominent in leading the persecution was young Saul
going
so far as to enter homes and dragging men and women off to prison (1-3).
 
This led to the dispersion of the church throughout Judea and Samaria

though the apostles remained in Jerusalem. Those who were scattered
went everywhere preaching the Word
including Philip (one of the seven
men selected to help needy widows
cf. 6:5). Preaching Christ and
performing miracles
many Samaritans believed and were baptized

including a sorcerer named Simon. When the apostles heard that the
Samaritans had received the Word
they sent Peter and John to impart the
Spirit through the laying on of hands. When Simon tried to buy the
ability to impart spiritual gifts
Peter strongly rebuked him and told
him to repent and pray for forgiveness. Peter and John eventually made
their way back to Jerusalem
preaching the gospel in many villages of
the Samaritans (5-25).
 
Philip was then told by an angel to go along the road between Jerusalem
and Gaza where he saw a man reading in his chariot
who happened to be a
eunuch and treasurer of Queen Candace of Ethiopia. Told by the Spirit
to overtake the chariot
Philip heard him reading from the prophet
Isaiah. Invited to explain the passage in Isaiah (cf. Isa 53:7-8)

Philip proceeded to preach Jesus to him. When they came to some water

the eunuch requested to be baptized and Philip did so upon hearing his
confession of faith. When they came up out of the water
the Spirit
caught Philip away and the eunuch resumed his journey with great joy.
Philip was later found at Azotus
and continued to preach in the cities
until he came to Caesarea (26-40).
 
OUTLINE
 
I. AFTERMATH OF STEPHEN'S DEATH (1-4)
 
 A. THE CHURCH PERSECUTED (1-3)
 1. Saul consents to Stephen's death
 2. A great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem
 a. Christians scattered throughout Judea and Samaria
 b. Except the apostles
 3. Stephen buried and lamented by devout men
 4. Saul makes havoc of the church
imprisoning men and women
 
 B. THE CHRISTIANS PREACHING (4)
 1. Those scattered abroad went everywhere
 2. Preaching the word
 
II. CONVERSION OF THE SAMARITANS (5-25)
 
 A. PHILIP AT SAMARIA (5-13)
 1. Preaches Christ to them
 2. Multitudes give heed to the word
seeing the miracles he did
 a. Casting out unclean spirits
 b. Healing the paralyzed and lame
 c. Creating great joy in the city
 3. Background on Simon the sorcerer
 a. Previously practiced sorcery
astonishing the people

 claiming to be great
 b. To whom people gave heed
calling him "the great power of
 God"
 4. Many Samaritans converted
 a. Believed Philip preaching concerning the kingdom of God and
  the name of Jesus
 b. Were baptized
both men and women
 5. Simon also believes and is baptized
 a. Continued with Philip
 b. Amazed with the signs and miracles that were done
 
 B. PETER AND JOHN AT SAMARIA (14-25)
 1. Peter and John sent to Samaria
 a. By the apostles at Jerusalem
 b. Who heard the Samaritans received the word of God
 2. Peter and John impart the Holy Spirit
 a. Praying for the Samaritans
for they had only been baptized
 in the name of Jesus
 b. Laying hands on them
whereby they received the Holy Spirit
 3. Simon tries to buy the gift of imparting the Spirit
 a. He saw that it was imparted by the laying on of the
 apostles' hands
 b. He offered Peter and John money for the same gift
 c. Peter strongly rebukes Simon
 1) For thinking the gift of God could be purchased with
 money
 2) He had no part in this matter
for his heart was not
 right in the sight of God
 d. Peter counsels Simon
 1) To repent and pray for forgiveness
 2) For he is poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity
 3) Simon pleads with Peter to pray for him
 4. Peter and John return to Jerusalem
 a. After testifying and preaching the word of the Lord
 b. After preaching the gospel in many of the villages of the
 Samaritans
 
III. CONVERSION OF THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH (26-40)
 
 A. PHILIP SENT TO THE EUNUCH (26-29)
 1. An angel of the Lord tells Philip to go south toward Gaza
 2. In a desert area he sees a man in a chariot
 a. A man of great authority
 1) A eunuch from Ethiopia
 2) In charge of the treasury of Candace
queen of Ethiopia
 b. A religious man
 1) Had traveled to Jerusalem to worship
 2) Reading from Isaiah on his return home
 3. The Spirit tells Philip to overtake the chariot
 
 B. PHILIP PREACHES JESUS TO THE EUNUCH (30-40)
 1. Philip approaches the eunuch
 a. Hears him reading from Isaiah - Isa 53:7-8
 b. Asks him if he understands what he is reading
 c. The eunuch desires help in understanding the subject of the
 passage
 2. Philip preaches to the Eunuch
 a. Beginning with that scripture
He preached Jesus to him
 b. Coming to some water
the eunuch requests baptism
 c. Baptism requires faith in Jesus
which the eunuch confesses
 d. Both go into the water
and Philip baptizes the eunuch
 3. Following the baptism
 a. The Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away so the eunuch saw
 him no more
 b. The eunuch went on his way rejoicing
  c. Philip was later found at Azotus
and preached in all the
 cities till he came to Caesarea
 
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
 
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
 - Aftermath of Stephen's death (1-4)
 - Conversion of the Samaritans (5-25)
 - Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch (26-40)
 
2) Who consented to Stephen's death? (1)
 - Saul
 
3) What happened at that time? What was the result? (1)
 - A great persecution against the church
 - The church was scattered throughout Judea and Samaria
except the
 apostles
 
4) What was Saul doing? (3)
 - Making havoc of the church
dragging men and women off to prison
 
5) What did those who were scattered do? (4)
 - They went everywhere preaching the word
 
6) Who went to Samaria and preached Christ to them? (5)
 - Philip (cf. Ac 6:5)
 
7) How did the multitudes respond? Why? (6)
 - They heeded the things spoken by Philip
 - Because of the miracles he did
 
8) What kind of miracles did Philip perform? (7)
 - Casting out unclean spirits
healing the paralyzed and lame
 
9) Who had the Samaritans previously heeded? (9-11)
 - Simon the sorcerer
 
10) What things did Philip preach that the Samaritans believed? (12)
 - The kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ
 
11) How did the Samaritans respond to Philip's preaching? (12)
 - With faith and baptism
 
12) Who else believed and was baptized? (13)
 - Simon the sorcerer
 
13) Who was sent to Samaria by the apostles? Why? (14-16)
 - Peter and John; that the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit
 
14) How was the Holy Spirit imparted to the Samaritans? (17-18)
 - By the laying on of the apostles' hands
 
15) What did Simon try to do? (18-19)
 - Purchase the ability to impart the Spirit by the laying on of hands
 
16) Why did Peter refuse and then rebuke Simon for his offer? (20-23)
 - Thinking that the gift of God could be purchased with money
 - His heart was not right; he was poisoned by bitterness and bound by
 iniquity
 
17) What did Peter tell Simon to do in order to be forgiven? What did
 Simon ask? (22)
 - To repent and pray; for Peter to pray for him
 
18) As Peter and John returned to Jerusalem
what did they do? (25)
 - Preached the gospel in many of the villages of the Samaritans
 
19) Where was Philip told to go next? Who told him? (26)
 - To go south along the road from Jerusalem to Gaza; an angel of the
 Lord
 
20) Who did Philip see? What was the man doing? (27-28)
 - An Ethiopian eunuch
the treasurer of Queen Candace
 - Returning from Jerusalem where he gone to worship
sitting in his
 chariot and reading from Isaiah
 
21) Who told Philip to overtake the chariot? (29)
 - The Spirit
 
22) When Philip heard him reading
what did he ask? How did the eunuch
 respond? (30-31)
 - "Do you understand what you are reading?"
 - "How can I
unless someone guides me?"
 
23) Where in Isaiah was the eunuch reading? (32-33)
 - Isaiah 53:7-8
 
24) What did the eunuch want to know? (34)
 - Was Isaiah writing of himself
or some other man
 
25) Beginning from that passage
what did Philip preach? (35)
 - Jesus
 
26) When they came to water
what did the eunuch ask? How did Philip
 respond? (36-37)
 - "See
here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"
 - "If you believe with all your heart
you may."
 
27) How did Philip baptize the eunuch? (38-39)
 - They both went down into the water
Philip baptized him
they both
 came up out of the water
 
28) What happened when they came up out of the water? What did the
 eunuch do? (39)
 - The Spirit caught Philip away
so the eunuch saw him no more
 - He went on his way rejoicing
 
29) Where was Philip found? What did he then do? (40)
 - Azotus; preached in all the cities until he came to Caesarea

The Samaritans (8:4-25)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. With the preaching of the gospel and its reception by many
the 
 Lord's church grew rapidly in Jerusalem...
 a. 3000 souls were added after the first gospel sermon - Ac 2:41
 b. Following the second sermon
the number grew to about 5000
 - Ac 4:4
 
2. What was the gospel message that sparked the conversion of so many?
 a. One that centered on Jesus Christ
proclaiming His death

 resurrection
exaltation
and eventual return!
 b. A message that expected the following response from those who 
 heard...
 1) Faith in Jesus as both Lord and Christ - e.g.
Ac 2:36
 2) Repentance from sin - e.g.
Ac 2:38; 3:19
 3) Turning to God
with baptism for the remission of sins as the
 first step - e.g.
Ac 2:38
41; 3:19
 
3. Preaching this message was not without controversy...
 a. Some took issue with the message of Christ's resurrection 
 - Ac 4:1-3
 b. Persecution against the church in Jerusalem became progressively
 worse
 1) Peter and John were at first simply threatened - Ac 4:21
 2) Soon after all the apostles were beaten - Ac 5:40
 3) Then Steven was stoned to death - Ac 6:8-7:60
 c. Steven's death led to widespread persecution
and the dispersal 
 of many Christians from Jerusalem - Ac 8:1-3
 
4. But as Christians were scattered abroad
so was the gospel!
 a. The Christians went everywhere
"preaching the word" - Ac 8:4
 b. Among those was the evangelist Philip
whose preaching provides
 us with two examples of conversion
 1) "The Samaritans" - Ac 8:4-25
 2) "The Ethiopian Eunuch" - Ac 8:26-40
 
[In this study
we shall examine "The Samaritans"
whose example of
conversion and follow-up is one of the more challenging ones found in
the Acts...]
 
I. THE CONVERSION OF THE SAMARITANS
 
 A. PHILIP'S MINISTRY AT SAMARIA - Ac 8:4-13
 1. He preached Christ to them - Ac 8:5
 2. Multitudes heeded the things he spoke - Ac 8:6a-12
 a. Having heard and seen the miracles which he did
 1) Such as casting out unclean spirits
healing the
 paralyzed and lame
 2) Though previously they had been impressed by a sorcerer
 named Simon
 b. They believed Philip as he preached about the kingdom of
  God and the name of Jesus Christ
 c. They were baptized
both men and women
 3. Even Simon the sorcerer was converted - Ac 8:13
 a. He too believed and was baptized
 b. He continued with Philip
amazed at the miracles and signs
 Philip was doing
 
 B. THE FOLLOW-UP BY PETER AND JOHN - Ac 8:14-25
 1. The apostles sent Peter and John upon hearing of the
 conversion of the Samaritans - Ac 8:14
 2. Peter and John imparted the Spirit to the Samaritans - Ac 8:
 15-17
 a. While the Samaritans had been baptized
they had not
 received the Spirit
 b. Through prayer and the laying on of the apostles' hands

 they received the Spirit
 3. This power to impart the Spirit became a stumblingblock for
 Simon - Ac 8:18-24
 a. He sought to buy the ability to impart the Spirit - Ac 8:
 18-19
 b. Peter rebukes him strongly
and calls upon him to repent
 - Ac 8:20-23
  c. Simon asks Peter to pray for him - Ac 8:24
 4. Peter and John preached the gospel in many villages in Samaria
 on their return to Jerusalem - Ac 8:25
 
[The example of the Samaritans' is really quite remarkable
and for 
several reasons. This is the first preaching of the gospel to those not
fully Jews (Samaritans were half-breeds
and disdained by most Jews; 
cf. Jn 4:9). But also because of the questions that are raised
some
of which I hope to address as I offer...]
 
II. SOME OBSERVATIONS
 
 A. CONCERNING THE CONVERSION OF THE SAMARITANS...
 1. The gospel message preached by Philip
 a. We are told that he preached "Christ" - Ac 8:5
 1) This undoubtedly included Christ's death
resurrection

 etc.
 2) I.e.
the same things Peter preached about Christ in 
 Acts 2 and 3
 b. We are told that he preached "the things concerning the 
 kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ" - Ac 8:12
 1) What things concerning "the kingdom of God"?
 a) John
Jesus
and the apostles had earlier taught the
 kingdom was "at hand" - cf. Mt 3:1; 4:17; 10:7
 b) Later
Paul and John wrote of the kingdom as present 
  - Co 1:13; Re 1:9
 -- As the expression "kingdom of God" literally means 
 the "reign of God"
it is likely that Philip spoke of
 the rule and reign of God now present in the Person 
  of His Son Jesus Christ - cf. Mt 28:18; Ac 2:36; 5:31
 2) What things concerning "the name of Jesus Christ"?
 a) Most likely that repentance and remission of sins 
 were now being proclaimed in His name - Lk 24:47
 b) And from the response of the Samaritans
we conclude
 that included whatever Jesus commanded - cf. Ac 8:12
 with Mk 16:16
 2. The response of the Samaritans
 a. Note first that they "heeded the things spoken by Philip"

 implying obedience on their part - Ac 8:6; cf. He 5:9
 b. Later we are told that they "believed" and "were baptized"
 - Ac 8:12
 1) Like Peter
Philip faithfully fulfilled the Lord's 
 commission - Mk 16:15-16
 2) Heeding the things spoken by Philip therefore included
 baptism
 
 B. CONCERNING THE CONVERSION OF SIMON THE SORCERER...
 1. Was Simon truly converted?
 a. Many deny that he was
because of what happened afterward
 b. But Luke (the author) says Simon "also believed"
 1) I.e.
he believed just as the others did
 2) Therefore his faith was just as real as the rest of the
 Samaritans
 c. While there may be many fanciful traditions concerning 
 Simon outside of the Bible
the indication of Scripture is
 that his conversion was sincere
 2. Simon is an example of how fallen Christians can be restored
  a. He was told to "repent" and "pray" - Ac 8:22
 b. When a Christian sins
therefore
he needs not to be 
 baptized again
but to repent and pray
confessing his 
 sins- cf. 1 Jn 1:9
 -- Simon reveals how quickly Christians can be overtaken in sin

 but also how they can obtain forgiveness and be restored!
 
 C. CONCERNING THE FOLLOW-UP BY PETER AND JOHN...
 1. Many questions are raised by what we read...
 a. Why is it that the Samaritan's received baptism by Philip

 but not the Spirit?
 b. What does it mean "that they might receive the Holy 
 Spirit"?
 c. What did the apostles have that Philip did not?
 -- The challenge is to reconcile what we read here with what
 is revealed elsewhere
 2. As I seek to understand this passage
the following 
 observations are made...
 a. Whatever Luke meant to "receive the Holy Spirit"...
 1) It required the apostles' laying on of hands
 a) Philip could not impart it
making it necessary for
 the apostles to come
 b) Simon could see that it was through the apostles' 
 laying on of hands the Spirit was given - Ac 8:18
 2) It was something visible or audible
 a) It caught Simon's attention
who sought to buy the 
 ability to impart it
 b) It was clearly something miraculous (perhaps speaking
 in tongues)
 -- But was it actually the Spirit Himself
or something the
 Spirit gives?
 b. Elsewhere we learn that one receives the Spirit upon 
 obedience to the Gospel
 1) As indicated in Ac 2:38; 5:32; 1 Co 12:13; Ep 1:13-14;
 Ga 4:6
 2) Whose indwelling is necessary to being a Christian - Ro
 8:9-11
 -- Since the Samaritans had been baptized (Ac 8:12
16)
I
 believe it is fair to assume that they had received the
 Spirit Himself as any Christian would
 3. Therefore I offer the following explanation...
 a. The expression "receive the Holy Spirit" is a metonymy for
 receiving a miraculous gift from the Spirit
 1) Metonymy - A figure of speech in which one word or 
 phrase is substituted for another with which it is 
 closely associated
 2) E.g.
as in Washington for the United States government
  or of the sword for military power
 -- What the Samaritans had not received
then
were any 
 miraculous spiritual gifts that the Spirit bestowed 
 - cf. 1 Co 12:1-11
 b. The apostles had the ability to impart spiritual gifts
 1) Paul hoped to impart such a gift to the Romans - Ro 1:11
 2) He had imparted such a gift to Timothy - 2 Ti 1:6
 c. The ability to impart spiritual gifts was limited to the 
 apostles
which explains:
 1) Why Philip could perform miracles
but not pass the 
 ability on to others
 a) The apostles had laid hands on him earlier - Ac 6:5-6
 b) Like Steven
Philip could then do miracles - Ac 6:7;
 8:6-7
 2) Why it was necessary for Peter and John to come
 a) If spiritual gifts came simply by praying
why send 
 for Peter and John?
 b) It took an apostle for the spiritual gifts to be 
 imparted
 d. It was this ability to impart spiritual gifts that Simon 
 wanted to buy!
 1) He was not content to receive a spiritual gift
 2) He wanted that apostolic ability to impart spiritual
 gifts! - Ac 8:19
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. The conversion of the Samaritans is simple and straightforward...
 a. We learn that when Christ is preached
believed
and heeded

 people will be baptized - cf. Ac 8:5-6
12
 b. What we read in verse 12 is as simple and direct as the
 commission under which Philip preached:
 
 "But when they believed Philip as he preached the things
 concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ

 both men and women were baptized." - Ac 8:12
 
 "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved" - Mk 16:16
 
2. The follow-up of the Samaritans may be challenging...
 a. It has been described as one of the most extraordinary passages
 in Acts
 1) It has been used to teach all sorts of conflicting doctrine
 related to confirmation
sanctification
and spiritual gifts
 2) We must be careful not to draw conclusions that are contrary
 to the rest of the Scriptures
 b. But we can still glean important lessons concerning conversion
 1) Conversion requires that one "heed" (obey) the Word of God
 2) Such obedience involves believing and being baptized
 3) Conversion does not remove the temptation to sin
 4) When we fall
restoration does not require re-baptism
but
 repentance and prayer
 
In our next study
we shall follow Philip as he is led by the Spirit to
teach just one individual
a queen's treasurer who is on his way home
from a journey to Jerusalem...

The Ethiopian Eunuch (8:26-40)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. The conversions we have noted so far have involved large numbers of
 people...
 a. The 3000 at Pentecost - Ac 2:1-41
 b. The 2000 on Solomon's Porch - Ac 3:1-4:4
 c. The multitudes in Samaria - Ac 8:5-13
 
2. In each case
the gospel message was basically the same...
 a. Christ is proclaimed
 b. Responses called for included faith
repentance and baptism
 
3. Now we have the opportunity to examine the conversion of just one 
 person...
 a. A queen's treasurer
a eunuch from Ethiopia
 b. A very religious man
who had traveled a great distance to 
 worship God
 
4. With the account of the conversion of "The Ethiopian Eunuch"...
 a. We not only have the opportunity to confirm what we have already
 learned
  b. We can also glean a few more points regarding Biblical 
 conversions
 
[Let's start with a reading and review of the basic facts related to
this conversion...]
 
I. THE CONVERSION OF THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH
 
 A. PHILIP IS SENT TO THE EUNUCH - Ac 8:26-29
 1. An angel of the Lord tells Philip to go toward Gaza - Ac 8:26
 2. On the way there is a man sitting in his chariot - Ac 8:27-28
 a. A eunuch of Ethiopia
in charge of the treasury of Queen 
 Candace
 b. Returning home from having gone to worship in Jerusalem
 c. Reading from the prophet Isaiah
 3. The Spirit tells Philip to overtake the chariot - Ac 8:29
 
 B. PHILIP PREACHES JESUS TO HIM - Ac 8:30-35
 1. Hearing the eunuch reading Isaiah
Philip asks if he 
 understands - Ac 8:30
 2. The eunuch asks Philip to help him - Ac 8:31-34
 a. He expresses a need for someone to guide him
and invites 
 Philip to sit with him
 b. The scripture under consideration is Isa 53:7-8
 1) Which speaks of one led as a sheep to the slaughter
 2) Which describes one whose life is taken from the earth
 c. The eunuch asks if Isaiah was speaking of himself
or of 
 someone else
 3. Beginning with that Scripture
Philip preaches Jesus to him 
 - Ac 8:35
 
 C. THE EUNUCH IS BAPTIZED - Ac 8:36-40
 1. The eunuch expresses a desire to be baptized - Ac 8:36-37
 a. Seeing some water along the way
he wonders what would 
 hinder him from being baptized
 b. Philip replies that if he believes with all his heart
he
 may
 c. The eunuch confesses his faith in Jesus as the Son of God
 2. Philip baptizes the eunuch - Ac 8:38-40
  a. Stopping the chariot
both Philip and the eunuch go down 
 into the water
 b. Philip then baptizes him
 c. When they come up out of the water
the Spirit catches 
 Philip away
 d. Though seeing Philip no more
the eunuch goes on his way
 rejoicing
 e. Philip is found at Azotus
and continues preaching in the
 cities until he arrives at Caesarea
 
[One might properly wonder why the Spirit saw it fit to lead Luke to
spend so much time describing the conversion of just one person. 
Clearly there must be important lessons or principles that we can glean
from this historical account.
 
With that in mind
let me offer..]
 
II. SOME OBSERVATIONS
 
 A. CONCERNING PROSPECTS FOR THE GOSPEL...
 1. The Ethiopian eunuch was a very religious man
 a. He had traveled a great distance to worship in Jerusalem
 b. He was reading from the Scriptures when Philip found him
 2. In fact
most examples of conversions involved very devout 
 people
 a. The 3000 at Pentecost
who had traveled to observe the 
 feast day
 b. Later
we will study the conversions of such people as:
 1) Paul
the Pharisee zealous for the Law
 2) Cornelius
the devout Gentile who feared God and prayed
 always
 3) Lydia
a woman who met every Sabbath to pray with others
 3. From this we can glean the following...
 a. Just because one is religious does not mean they are saved!
 b. Religious people are often good prospects for the gospel!
 1) They already fear God and respect His authority
 2) As such
they simply need to be shown "the way of God
 more accurately" - cf. Ac 18:26
 c. Those who are truly seeking God's will
will one day have
 an opportunity to hear the gospel and obey it!
 -- This does not discount the fact that rank sinners are often 
 receptive (cf. the Corinthians
1 Co 6:9-11)
but good people
 are usually more open to the Word
 
 B. CONCERNING WHAT IT MEANS TO PREACH JESUS...
 1. From Isaiah's "quotation" (Isa 52:13-53:11)
we know it 
 involves teaching:
 a. How Jesus died for our sins - cf. 1 Co 15:1-3
 b. How Jesus has been exalted by God - cf. Ac 2:36; 3:13; 
 5:30-31
 2. From the Eunuch's "question" (Ac 8:36)
we know it includes
 stressing:
 a. The importance of baptism
 1) Why did the eunuch ask
"What hinders me from being 
 baptized?"
 2) Perhaps because Philip told him...
 a) What the Lord had said - Mk 16:15-16
 b) The purpose of baptism
as expressed by Peter and 
 Paul - Ac 2:38; Ro 6:3-4; 1 Pe 3:21
 -- As we have seen and will see
baptism is the expected
 response when one believes in Jesus
 b. The immediacy of baptism
 1) Why did the eunuch asked to be baptized right then
 ("See
here is water.")?
 2) Perhaps because baptism's purpose is such that one does
 not want to delay
 a) It is "for the remission of sins" - Ac 2:38
 b) It is to have one's sins "washed away" - Ac 22:16
 c) It is an appeal for a clear conscience - 1 Pe 3:21
 -- Indeed
in every example of conversion found in Acts

 people were baptized immediately
after just one lesson!
 3. From Philip's "qualification" (Ac 8:37)
we know it requires
 explaining:
 a. The necessity of faith in Jesus
 1) One must believe in Jesus as the Son of God - Jn 8:24;
 20:30-31
 2) Without faith
God won't do His work in our baptism
 - cf. Co 2:12
 b. The necessity of whole-heartedness in our faith
 1) God has always required whole-heartedness - cf. Mt 22:37
 2) Without it
even those saved are in danger of falling
  away - cf. He 3:12-14
 -- Unless "you believe with all your heart"
you are not a
 proper subject for baptism!
 
 C. CONCERNING BAPTISM...
 1. We see that baptism involves water
 a. When the eunuch was baptized...
  1) "...both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water"
 - Ac 8:38
 2) "...he baptized him" - Ac 8:38
 3) "...they came up out of the water" - Ac 8:39
 b. Later
we see the same truth expressed by Peter - cf. Ac
 10:47-48
 2. We see that baptism involves a burial in water
 a. Both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water - Ac
 8:38
 1) If sprinkling satisfies the meaning of baptism
it seems
  strange that Philip would need to go down into the water
 2) Why get wet
when all he needed to do was get a handful
 of water?
 b. Baptism means "to immerse"
and such requires the baptizer
 to get in the water with the one being baptized
 c. Later
Paul describes baptism as a "burial" - cf. Ro 6:3-4;
 Co 2:12
 3. We see that baptism is NOT a public confession of one's faith
 a. Some say that the purpose of baptism is to publicly confess
 one's faith in Christ
 1) Especially those who deny that baptism is for the 
 remission of sins
 2) Seeking to provide a reason for baptism
they offer this
 as an alternative
  3) But the Bible nowhere says this is the purpose for 
 baptism!
 b. If the purpose of baptism is to publicly confess one's 
 faith...
 1) Why did Philip baptize the eunuch?
 a) There was no one else around to witness the baptism
 b) They were all alone in the desert
 2) Why didn't Philip answer the eunuch's question 
 differently?
 a) He wanted to know what would hinder him from being 
  baptized
 b) If baptism is a public confession of one's faith
we
 would expect Philip to say he must wait until they 
 get to town
find a church
etc.
 c. But the purpose of baptism is such that it can be done...
 1) In public or in private
 2) With thousands present
or with just the one doing the
 baptizing
 -- Later
we will see that the conversion of the Philippian 
 Jailor also involved a baptism in relative privacy
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. With the conversion of "The Ethiopian Eunuch"
we are impressed 
 with the simplicity of salvation...
 a. With a simple presentation of the gospel
one can be saved after
  just one lesson
 b. Whether it is preached to large crowds or to just one person
the
 gospel is indeed God's power to save! - cf. Ro 1:16
 
2. When the gospel of Jesus is truly preached...
 a. The death of Jesus for our sins will be stressed
  b. The importance of baptism as commanded by Jesus will be mentioned
 as well
 1) Such that people will want to know "what hinders me from being
 baptized?"
 2) Such that people will want to baptized immediately
 c. The purpose of baptism will be properly understood
knowing that
 one can be baptized in private just as well as in public
 d. The necessity for a whole-hearted faith in Jesus will be 
 emphasized
otherwise one simply gets wet in baptism!
 
Was your conversion anything like that of "The Ethiopian Eunuch"? When
someone "preached Jesus" to you
were you compelled to ask:
 
 "See
here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" - Acts 8:36
 
If not
have you considered why not? Could it be that the gospel of 
Jesus Christ was not shared with you in its fullness...?

－－《Executable Outlines》