And guess who visited the class? (New American Commentary-Acts), Charles Swindoll -At last, we see that Simon had not received the Holy Spirit because he had not genuinely believed. Acts 18:5 But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. Most of the approximately 80 references to Isaiah in the New Testament come from this chapter.". Acts 8:18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of Your Spirit. 18:914) because of their association with idolatry and the demonic, and the earliest Christians adopted the same stance. This is surely further evidence of God's providential provision(or His sovereign control) - water on a desert road! Ultimately Luke does not tell us whether he ever genuinely repented or not. The gospel is preached in the ears of all; it only comes with power to some. Did she hit him with her purse? (Linquistic Key to Greek New Testament). This individual was a high official, since he was said to be in charge of all her treasury. It is exactly like the Hebrew word jezreel, meaning scattered (ED: ACTUALLY IT MEANS "GOD SOWS/SCATTERS")but also planted. It is what God did with Israel, scattering the Jews throughout the world because of their sin (SEE DIASPORA); but He also brought them back and planted them in their land. Acts 8:25 So, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. or else the form is utterly worthless; and Pope Gregory VI chaired the proceedings. What came out of Philip's opened mouth was what (Who) filled his heart! Their possessions "possess" them!). He battled simony all his days, paving the way for the reforms later enacted under his associate and successor, Hildebrand (Pope Gregory VII). And by far the majority (usually with no hesitation even though they are taken aback somewhat by this question) answer "Heaven." For in depth commentary on Isaiah 53:7+. Ultimately of course it would be the Holy Spirit Who would open his heart to the things explained by Philip(cf Paul and Lydia in Acts 16:14+). 18:4; 1 Chr. Peter's denunciation (verses 20-23) indicates that Simon's faith was not unto salvation (Jas 2:14-20).". NET Note -Now Simon, the one who amazed others, is himself amazed, showing the superiority of Philip's connection to God. 2:22; Zech. Philip opened his mouth, and . When God has a soul He is going to save, He will get the message of Christ to that person by one means or another." KJV Acts 8:24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. Robertson -Philip wrought real miracles which upset the schemes of Simon Magus. They perform their illusions in very controlled environments, and either their healings are limited to mild improvements or they claim results difficult to verify. Comment - Notice that the "antidote" for bitterness is the grace of God (and not falling short of it!). James Certainly Philip seemed to have made a very notable convert. Recently my 5-year-old grandson, Dallas, asked, Why did Jesus die on the cross? So we had a little talk. In fact, Peter would have laid his hands on him and he would have received Him, but that is not described in this section. Acts 11:19-30 King James Version 19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. Are you resisting God's clear guidance, direction or commandment in some area of your life? Until all whom Jesus purchased with His blood are brought to salvation, we must, as Paul put it, do all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory (2 Tim. The teacher, who was an agnostic, invited her to stay after class and explain her beliefs. Everything has changed! Hess. He was reading Isaiahs promise of the suffering Savior and trying to come to grips with his words. Just something to think about, especially since this is the second time Luke describes believers as REJOICING (Acts 8:8+ and Acts 8:39)! 15:13 = "You have led the people whom You have redeemed"; Ex. And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on His. The Samaritans were half-breeds, half-caste, who were not fully Jewish. Why did Jesus tell the Apostles to "go not the way of the - eBible I was privileged to hear retired Salvation Army Commissioner Andy Miller speak at a Bible conference. That individual has every reason in the world to be offended. As a result, it became almost impossible to bring a season's growth to maturity. The universality of the work of evangelising. He is still in his sin and not yet converted. The NAS, ESV, NLT, NIV surprisinglydonot translate the Greek interjection"idou" which means "Behold" an interjection added by the Spirit to gain our attention as we read the text. So what kind of faith is saving faith? 24:15; 2 Ki. NET Note on eunuch -The term eunuch normally referred to a man who had been castrated, but this was not always the case (see Gen 39:1 LXX, where Potiphar is called a eunuch). It is only when we collect the separate passagesthey are no less than eight in numberin which allusion is made to this sad period,* it is only when we weigh the terrible significance of the expressions used that we feel the load of remorse which must have lain upon him, and the taunts to which he was liable from malignant enemies (Life and Work of St. Paul). ByDennis J. DeHaan(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. In all the cities -See map showing Lydda and Joppa which would surely be among all the cities. (Acts 1:18). But all the leaders did by scattering the disciples was to plant them in the places to which they had been scattered, for there they "preached the word" (Acts 8:4). So there was much rejoicing in that city. He appears to be the first fully Gentile convert to Christianity, since the Samaritans mentioned previously (Acts 8:425) were regarded as half-breeds. So little time! Our words of truth will pierce their souls. If you want to form a Biblical philosophy of missions it is wise to observe, as William Arnot said, missionary efforts were aimed at the great cities (Acts, p. 153). Robertson observes that "It remains a bit of a puzzle why the Pharisees spared the apostles. (Acts20:32). 10:29; 1 Ki. Cripple him, and you have a Sir Walter Scott. 20:33; 1 Ki. He could not have picked an emptier stretch of road. As these noble saints fled the Jewish abuse, they declared the gospel of the Son of God. Even if we did nothing but read, we couldnt keep up with the output. According to the church Father Irenaeus, he became a missionary to the Ethiopians (Richard N. Longenecker, The Acts of the Apostles, in Frank E. Gaebelein, ed., The Expositors Bible Commentary, vol. There is such a faith and it can rise right in the presence of true preaching and true miracles. FOR HIS LIFE IS REMOVED FROM THE EARTH.". Called to speak of Your dear Son; 1:19+). His heart was empty. 51:21; Ezek. Reprinted by permission. He wanted them to give him the power to lay hands on people and impart to them the Holy Spirit. How shameful will such a fruitless, lifeless Were giving attention to what was said by Philip - Giving attention is in the imperfect tense(repeated action) which pictures the Samaritans paying attention and giving a favorable response to the miraculous signs again and again. What does the Bible say about casting out demons? If a person brings up evolution, you may need to say, Thats an interesting subject, and there are competent scholars on both sides of the issue. It all centers on Him. Whether he worked in Samaria, Gaza, Azotus, or Caesarea, it didnt matter. Now (1161)(de)is a "conjunctive particle; (1) most commonly to denote continuation and further thought development, taking its specific sense from the context and; contrast - but; transition - then, now (with no temporal sense); (2) to emphasize contrast; as a correlative with men (on the one hand)but (on the other hand) (Mt3.11); after a negative - but rather, instead (Heb4.13 ); (3) to introduce background material into a narrative now (with no temporal sense) or left untranslated (Jn 11.18; this use is especially characteristic of John's Gospel); (4) to resume an interrupted discourse - and, then, or left untranslated (Lk 4.1); (5) used with other particles: dekai, = but also, but even (Mt 10.30); kaide = and indeed, and also, but also (1 Jn1.3)." (Stott), Buried (4792)(sugkomizofrom sun/syn= together + komizo = to convey or carry) literally means to convey or carry together and was an agricultural termused to gather crops together in the harvest, as in the bringing in thesheaves(pix) orcollect grain from the threshing floor. A man named Simon brought money to the apostles in Acts 8, trying to purchase spiritual power. The rule of duty here is: God has commanded us to do this: Go into all the world. 28:4; Num. Just as Christianity was victorious in its first confrontation with sorcery in the spread of the gospel into Judea and Samaria, so in the final segment of the Great Commission (cf. He is still enslaved to bitterness and iniquity. The disciples were sanctified by the word of Jesus while he was with them (John 13:10; 15:3; 17:17), but they would not receive the Spirit as the power of the risen Christ until after the resurrection (as promised in John 14-17). ED COMMENT: While Toussaint gives a nice summary of facts, butlook at Acts 8:21which Toussaint did not allude to in his list of 7 facts and in that passage the verb for "is" (estin) is in the present tense which could be paraphrased"your heart is continually not right before God." (Acts 4:31+). And after being baptized (see baptizo) - In my opinion based on Peter's assessment of his heart and need for repentance and continuation in bondage to sin (see below), Simon's belief was not belief that ledto his salvation and certainly his baptism did not lead to salvation. 1 Thessalonians Only people can do that. Giving attention(4337)(prosechofrompros= before, toward +echo= hold) means literally to hold to, toward or before. God's wayof saving individuals is not necessarily the way we would do it. ByDavid C. McCasland(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Second, he was to appear before kings - an event which landed him in prison in Rome for two-years. 29:36; Num. Puttingto death (336)(anairesis from anaireo = to take up [Acts 7:21] fromana = up + airo = to raise or take up) literally means taking up and carrying away and as an action refers tothe taking up of a life rather than simply death. Yet many of those same people whose hopes and plans were shattered by Katrina would also bring Gods love to others across the US. 19:18; 1 Chr. Indeed, the response of a saved soul that receives the Gospel is rejoicing (cf Acts 13:48). Comment - If Simon had been willing to repent, he would have put aside all wickedness (kakia) and then would have received the Word and been saved. If possible implies less than fifty-fifty odds, whereas ei ara implies near certainty if an effort is made. THOUGHT -When you open your mouth to preach how many minutes is spent on your introduction of personal stories, humor, illustrations before you actually get into the pure milk of the Word? Spiritualists, magicians, and witch doctors have done this for millennia, creating fear in the community to establish themselves as the sole intermediaries between the spiritual and physical realms. 49:36; Jer. Dt 29:18). Instead, he simply sought to escape the punishment! If he had been a poor man, he would have spoken to him about his soul; but, being a wealthy man, he thought it would be taking too much liberty. Received(1209)(dechomai) means more than simply to get something, but conveys the sense of a welcome reception of that which is offered! Remember that this was a clearly a time of transition from the old order to the new, from dead Judaism to living Christianity. Luke has already described the apostles as bearing witness to Christ, announcing (kataggello, Acts 4:2+) their message, devoting themselves to the ministry of the word of God, and teaching the people. At first, I told myself that it was foolish to visit her that late in the day, since she was probably preparing a meal for her family. These are wonderful qualities, but the transcending element of Philips divine touch was his obedience to the Lord. Job . 7:33; Num. Acts 8:21-22. This man is what is called the great power of God- Some commentators (Barton - Life Application Commentary)see Simon as a false Messiah and there is some Scriptural support, forPaul gives us the true power of God writing "but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ (or Messiah) the power of God and the wisdom of God." 22 Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? 23And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS. (Mt 7:21-23+). Your answer will make all the difference in this world and the world to come! He joins in imitating the sign as best he can. Unless someone guides me- Spiritual truth can only be spiritually discerned. "To think that, as you say, He has washed my sins away!" Go up (4334) is the verb proserchomaiwhich means literally to go to or approach which would be the main sense here. Well, said Moody, sit down then. The word for judgment iskrisiswhich gives us our English crisis, which in turn speaks of a turning point. You can never speak to the wrong person about Christ. 58:10; Isa. Of himself or of someone else?" Perhaps there have been things in your life that have brought destruction. The solitude of a new country, in which you do not know the language. He called it Caesar Sabaste (literally, Caesar Augustus). Then comes the portion that the Ethiopian was reading, with its focus on the Servants willingness to suffer and experience injustice (Isa 53:79+). Persecution(1375)(diogmosfromdioko= to chase, to pursue) literally refers to a chase or pursuit and figuratively means to put to flight or to pursue with repeated acts of enmity. Swindoll explains if possible -The Greek phrase for if possible is ei ara, which is less tentative than the English rendering implies. The woman admonished, Youd better hurry up. In Acts 11:26 what were the disciples called in Antioch? "Because of Philip's sensitivity to the leading of the Spirit, the Eunuch was saved and the gospel then began to go to the uttermost parts of the earth." There are times when the King's business calls for haste. KJV Acts 8:36 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? 7:51; Num. Simon (probably) continued with Philip, not to hear the Word and learn more about Jesus Christ, but to witness the miracles and perhaps learn how they were done.His faith was like that of the people of Jerusalem who witnessed our Lords miracles (John 2:2325+), or even like that of the demons (James 2:19). All rights reserved). Liddell-Scott). 9:3; Lev. -Acts 8:30-39 And said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 66:20; Jer. 27:11 = "lead me in a level path"; Ps. (Acts 11:19), Comment - And Antioch would become the great missionary church that sent Paul out on three missionary journeys to the uttermost parts of the earth. As a free gift or gratis. 24 But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, 25 and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man. The Epicureans and Lucianists profess to believe while laughing inwardly, because they think the hope of eternal life is meaningless; in the end they are no more godly than dogs or swine. Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away. This opium mixed with wine caused a deep sleep, a sustained state of unconsciousness. 5:17) I would imagine that there are some in our congregation today who have experienced the wonderful, saving grace of God, yet you have not taken this public stand of confession in baptism. And was reading (anaginosko- imperfect tense - over and over) the prophet Isaiah- Now keep in mind that he has just been to the "Holy City" and at the very least seen Herod's magnificent temple and other holy sites. The disciples, with the exception of the apostles, were scattered throughout the regions of Samaria and Judea. Thousands had been saved, and all the people were filled with awe; the disciples were praising God and finding favor with all the people. Thus Constable comments "Obedience to the Father's will determines entrance into the kingdom, not professed admiration for Jesus." He "believed," it says. 17:6; Prov. To live with your "thorn" uncomplaininglythat is, sweet, patient, and free in heart to love and help others, even though every day you feel weakis true sanctification. Cherie Mitchell. The point I draw out of this is that there is a "faith" or a "believing" that does not save, even though it rises in the presence of true preaching and true miracles." And now the desert? (Wikipedia). But rather than send Philip, who was there, God sent Peter, who was not there (chapter 10)! All the captain needed to do was to point his ship towards the lighthouse until he could see around the corner and get a glimpse of the next lighthouse. When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost, the Church was born. Peter is explaining why Simon is in desperate need of God's forgiveness. 34:12; Ezek. Philip began where the man was, then directly and clearly took him to where he needed to go. 14:9; 2 Chr. This is why we need the sure Word of God. No flower can thrive in unbroken light. The upshot is that if the church would not obey 1:8 then God would allow 8:1 to force them to obey 1:8! 3. He did not repent as he was enjoined to do. (Experiencing God), Of the act of the Spirit of the Lord snatching Phillip away (Acts 8:39), Of Paul being caught up to the third heaven (Paradise) (2 Corinthians 12:2,4), Of believers being caught up to be with the Lord (1 Th 4:17-, Of the "child" (Jesus) being caught up to God (Rev 12:5-. All rights reserved, Alexander Whyte's Bible Characters -Philip: Deacon And Evangelist, see map - Jerusalem is main city in province of Judea. Our admission into full privileges may be gradual, but it is sure. If we win people with sensationlism we will need sensationalism to keep them. Sadly the KJV does not capitalize "he" (NKJV corrects this error)nor (surprisingly) does the ESV! The idea something that was not in existence, came into existence. Had been paralyzed(3886)(paraluofrompar= from +luo= to loose) means literally loosened at the side with no power over one's muscles and soto be paralyzed. Simon continued with Philip, not to hear the Word and learn more about Jesus Christ, but to witness the miracles and perhaps learn how they were done.'' Philip was prepared to "to make a defense (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." - What is the clear implication? They leave quite an example for all believers of all ages to emulate. As1 Peter 1:23+explains, For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.James 1:18+states, In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth. Paul tells Timothy that from childhood he has known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation (2 Tim. The Servant that Isaiah describes is the Messiah, and the New Testament affirms that this Servant-Messiah is Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God (Matt. If youre sensitive to the leading of the Spirit, then youre available for obeying His prompting. I have a friend who often leads people to Jesus. The Samaritans embraced a religion that was a mixture of Judaism and idolatry (2 Kings 17:26-28). In as very real sense the passage in Zechariah is an answer to God's plea to Israel in Joel 2:12+ to "Return to Me with all your heart, And with fasting, weeping and mourning(Lxx =kopetos)." - Literally "and there came about." When the ten tribes were carried away into captivity to Assyria, the king of Assyria sent people from Cutha, Ava, Hamath, and Sepharvaim to inhabit Samaria (2 Kings 17:24;Ezra 4:2-11). Because of our sin, none of us can merit eternal life by our own efforts or good deeds. 32:26; 1 Sam. Recall that it was pride that made a beautiful angel into a devil (cf Isa 14:12-14 - note 5 "I will" statements!). As we go through our days, may we be prepared to share Christ as the Spirit leads us, whether they arepeople we know well or those we meet even just once. Prayed(4336)(proseuchomaifrompros= toward, facing, before [emphasizing the direct approach of the one who prays in seeking Gods face] +euchomai= originally to speak out, utter aloud, express a wish, then to pray or to vow. In a clever move he brings Simon into the church. It also illustrates that baptism does not save. If tongues were present, we must remember they were a sign to unbelieving Jews and they were to be a testimony to unbelievers about the truthfulness of the Apostolic message. But, thankfully, evangelism depends on our sovereign God working through our obedience. (Sermon). (Ibid). THE FRUIT OF CONVERSION, Derek Thomas -There is a deliberate contrast established in the passage: the church in Jerusalem is being ravaged, and the city of Samaria is experiencing much joy (Acts 8:1, 8).The trials of one community had brought blessing to another. They are sincere, but they are lost! Derek Thomas -False professions are made, and short-term enthusiastic followers do fall away, as the parable of soils all too clearly indicates (cf Mt. 37:24; Isa. CONCLUSION: The Ethiopian went away rejoicing (v. 39). . Suneudokeo - 6x in 6v - Lk. The remark points to an unjust death. Here is the question - was Simon simply an illusionist, a man with artfully crafted sleight of hand, etc? ByDavid C. Egner(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. This in itself is a supernatural work! KJV Acts 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. Felt weakness deepens dependence on Christ for strength each day. Oh, that it might be so with many here to-night! By giving lost sinners God's Word? Nevertheless from this time onward in the Septuagintthe amnos assumed a specific sacrificial role as in Ex 29:40,41, Lev 9:3+, Lev 12:6, 8+, etc). Both Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch went down into the water with the eunuch's entourage witnessing the baptism. 29:18; Num. Peter wrote his first letter (about 64 C.E.) A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. A profession of faith without repentance is invalid. These Samaritans at first worshipped the idols of their own nations, but being troubled with lions, they supposed it was because they had not honored the God of that territory. Like the early Christians who were forced out of Jerusalem by persecution, it could be said of them: Those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the Word (Acts 8:4). It seemed a total disaster. It is not surprising that this word is repeatedly applied to filthy demonic spirits in the Gospels and twice in Acts (Acts 5:16; Acts 8:7. In commenting on 1 Peter 1:11, Calvin puts it this way: The government of the Church of Christ has been so divinely constituted from the beginning that the Cross has been the way to victory, death the way to life.It is the principle that dying in one produces life in another. Saul hated Christians. Sper. 46:9; Jer. Raising peanuts was the answer, for they could be planted and harvested with very little loss. John Piper on John 2:23-25+ -This "faith" or "believing" was not genuine and Jesus could see into the heart and knew that it wasn't. Though the early believers fled, they did not defect. It refers to the act of putting something away or of laying it aside. Nothing is too difficult for the Lord! When dealing with God's plan, it means to see that plan in a new way and to orient oneself to it. In addition, we know from the succeeding chapters of Acts, that there was a viable, active church in Jerusalem. The grand question is: Do we believe? It is written, He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. He that believeth not shall be damned (John 3:36; Mark 16:16). Don't be dazzled, don't dabble and don't be deceived.". Again we are reminded of the place and power of suffering in the propaganda of the Word. (5) The verb repent (metanoeo) used in Acts 8:22 is normally addressed to lost people (ED: IN ACTS IT IS ALWAYS USED IN CONTEXT OF SALVATION!). (Acts 1:18+). Why were Jesus' disciples so disheartened and fearful after His death? Louw-Nida explains thatthe gall of bitterness is "an idiom, literally to be in the gall of bitterness) to be particularly envious or resentful of someone - to be very jealous, to be terribly envious, to be bitterly envious. There were two roads from Jerusalem to Gaza (ED: ONE BEING THE MORE TRAVELED "KING'S HIGHWAY" ALONG THE COAST - SEE PIX-HIGHWAY IS MARKED WITH PURPLE), and the Spirit commands Philip to take the one that was seldom used (Simon J. Kistemaker, New Testament Commentary: Acts [Grand Rapids: Baker, 1990], 311). What a model to imitate! Whatever it may be, the eunuch went on his way rejoicing, because he had found in Jesus Christ peace with God by the forgiveness of sins in His blood. And astonishing the people of Samaria- Astonishing is in the present tense picturing Simon's magic as continually amazing the people. But most people that you will share with are going to be people that you will see over a period of years. Hearty agreement (4909)(suneudokeo from sun = together + eudokeo = to think well) means literally "to think well together with," to approve along with another or totake pleasure with others, and thusto approve, assent to, consent to, be willing, to agree with, to sympathize with. 29:18; Hos. God did that at the Cross when Heput sin awayby incarnating Himself in humanity in the Person of His Son, stepping down from His judgment throne, assuming the guilt of mans sin, and paying the penalty, thus, satisfying His justice, and making possible an offer of mercy on the basis of justice satisfied. Thus many feel that the "all" refers primarily to the Hellenistic Christians, but we cannot be dogmatic. Repentance is aptly depicted by the military command "About, face!" The next day at school, one of her teachers who was fed up with the way things were going walked into his classroom and said, Ive had it. Wasn't that he didn't want to, just never needed to. Given the notorious example of Simon's false profession, the apostles may have emphasized the importance of repentance and genuine faith in Christ (cf Peter's words in Acts 2:40). But not Philip. Therefore it is advisable to draw your conclusions about Simon from Acts 8, the only NT record of this man. It said, Its5 am, wake up. (Sermon), Acts 8:24 But Simon answered and said, "Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.". Twice the object of the verb is the towns or villages evangelized (Acts 8:25, 40), while the other three times the object is the message itself, namely the good news of the word (Acts 8:4), of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 8:12), and simply of Jesus (Acts 8:35).