Acts Chapter 8:1-25
The power of God is real and active in our world to bring about His glory. The chapter starts with Saul (who will become the apostle Paul) making havoc of the church. Because of Saul being against the church the church scattered and multiplied. Before Saul found Christ he was being used by God to multiply the church. Serve God where you are, for this is the season of life God has placed you in to bring Him glory. We see a season of persecution in verses 1-3. Bad times are still God’s time to work.
We see a season of great joy in verses 4-8. Many were healed and unclean spirits were removed from the city. We all enjoy these seasons of happiness and healing.
The next season is of teaching truth. The truth of God’s Word is very important in every aspect of life.
Simon believed and was baptized, of course Simon’s salvation is not disclosed but it is clear he did not surrender all to Christ nor to the Apostles authority. The confusion of Simon seems to come from the giving of the Holy Spirit. The Jews received the Spirit in the first chapter. This is where the Samaritans receive the Spirit of God. The Samaritans were half Jew. A big step in the unity of the church happens here, since not only did they surrender to God but to the Apostles authority. This moves us from the Jewish people to God’s people called the Church. We’ll see the demonstration of the Spirit two more times, it will happen again for the Gentiles and once more for the followers of John. This was not just a confirmation to the Samaritans but to Peter and John so that they will accept the Samaritans as God’s people.
Note the Spirit happened as it did in the beginning of Acts. They spoke in a language, more than likely a language as in the beginning of Acts, one people could understand. This was a move of God and a confirmation of the worldwide move of God to gather the Church.
The Spirit cannot be bought. Verse 18
The Spirit cannot be controlled; Simon wanted power to give it as he pleased. Verse 19
The spirit works in hearts that are right before God. Verse 22; Do you find it interesting that Peter could see Simon’s heart? How did Peter see the heart? By what proceeded out of Simon’s mouth. See Matthew 15:18 where Jesus explains to the Apostles the heart is known by the mouth. Simon was unwilling to repent.
One last thing on Peter and John’s return to Jerusalem; they preached the gospel, not anoint people with the Holy Spirit.
We do need the power of God’s Holy Spirit. We do need the anointing and filling of God’s Holy Spirit. Don’t make it an act to figure out or celebrate, make it work in you so change happens and souls get saved because of the boldness of God’s Holy Spirit.
Let the first half of this chapter move in our hearts and minds today. We will finish the chapter tomorrow.
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