A New Witness
Acts 8:5-25 … To this point the witness was exclusively to the Jews at Jerusalem. Change was brought about by the persecution. First, expansion of the witness, vv. 5-6, “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and
preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.” Philip preached to the Samaritans and performed miracles. Second, conversion of the sinner, vv. 9a,13, “There was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria … [he] also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.” Was he attracted by the gospel or the miracles? Third, provision of the Spirit, vv. 14,17, “Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John … they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” Why separate the reception of the Holy Spirit? Compare the event of the Jewish Pentecost in Acts 2:3-4 Here we witness the Samaritan Pentecost. Later in chapter 10 we see the Gentile Pentecost. It highlights the progress of the gospel, from Jerusalem. Fourth, perversion of the gospel, vv. 18-20, “And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!” No one can manipulate the Holy Spirit, not then and not today! Did Simon repent? The text doesn’t say. Fifth, progression of the commission, v. 25, “So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem.” The apostles participated in this new progress of the Great Commission begun by an obedient deacon.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
