Acts Study Through Acts: Chapters 8
INTRODUCTION.
A. In our study of Acts six through seven, we saw five important events:
1. There was a distinction between the work of the church in evangelism and providing benevolence to needy saints.
2. Even religious leaders who were in error could be taught the word of the Lord.
3. There would be those who would reject the Word of God.
4. Some people were strongly affected by God's word.
5. Stephen was the first Christian martyred for the cause of Jesus Christ.
B. Let us begin our examination of Acts eight.
I. SAINTS SPREAD THE GOSPEL.
A. After the death of Stephen, there arose a great persecution against the church at Jerusalem. (Acts 8:1-4)
1. Because of the persecution, the church was scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. (vs 1)
2. Devout men buried Stephen. (vs 2)
3. Saul “made havoc of the church,” throwing men and women into prison. (vs 3)
4. The saints, being scattered, “went everywhere preaching the word.” (vs 4)
B. Philip preached the gospel in Samaria. (Acts 8:5-13)
1. Many people received the teachings of Philip. (vs 5-7)
2. A man named Simon, who practiced sorcery, lived in Samaria. Simon had convinced the people that he had the power of God. (vs 9-11)
3. After the people heard the teachings of Philip, they believed Philip and were baptized. (vs 12)
4. Simon also believed and was baptized. (vs 13)
C. Peter and John went to Samaria. (Acts 8:14-25)
1. The apostles sent Peter and John to Samaria when news of the conversions reached Jerusalem so that the people might receive the Holy Spirit. (vs 14-17)
2. When Simon witnessed the apostles give the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, he offered Peter and John money for this ability. (vs 17-19)
3. Peter rebuked Simon and told him to repent. (vs 20-23)
4. Simon repeated of his sin. Peter and John returned to Jerusalem. (vs 24-25)
D. Philip preached the gospel to the Ethiopian treasurer. (Acts 8:26-40)
1. An angel directed Philip to go south on the road that led to Gaza. (vs 26)
2. Traveling on the same road to Gaza was a man of Ethiopia. This man had charge of the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had been in Jerusalem to worship and was now returning home. (vs 27-28)
3. When Philip saw the chariot, an angel told Philip to go to the chariot. Philip found the man reading from Isaiah chapter fifty-three. Philip asked the man if he understood what he was reading. (vs 29-33)
4. The man asked Philip of whom the prophet Isaiah was writing. Philip began at this point and taught the man about Jesus Christ. (vs 34-35)
5. The man of Ethiopia, acting upon what Philip had taught him, requested to be baptized. Philip baptized the man. (vs 36-38)
6. The Spirit caught Philip away and the man from Ethiopia “went on his way rejoicing.” Philip continued preaching in all the cities from Azotus to Caesarea. (vs 40)
II. KEY EVENTS:
A. Persecution led to the scattering of the saints in Jerusalem. (Acts 8:1-4)
1. Can persecution every be a good thing in the life of a Christian? In the case of the church in Jerusalem, the persecution drove the saints back to their home countries, preaching the word.
2. Consider the benefits of trials and persecutions within our lives. James tells us to “count it all joy.” (James 1:2-11)
3. Paul taught that “tribulations produces perseverance.” (Romans 5:3-5)
4. The key to enduring persecutions and tribulations is to not give up. Instead, you should stay the course and finish the race. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-2)
B. Multitudes in the city of Samaria believed and was baptized. There was great joy in the city. (Acts 8:5-13)
1. This is an early example of conversions outside of Jerusalem. This is no small example of the Gospel’s power to salvation. (Romans 1:16-17)
2. Paul taught that God would give the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:5-8)
C. Simon the sorcerer was converted to the truth. He then put is soul in jeopardy by sinning. Simon later repented of his sin. (Acts 8:9-25)
1. The story of Simon teaches us that a saved person can jeopardize his own soul.
a. Speculation: Simon may have seen an opportunity to further his influence over the people by doing genuine miracles. Simon may have seen a money making opportunity in potentially selling gifts of the Holy Spirit.
b. The fact: Peter said, “Your money perish with you, . . .” (vs 20)
2. The Bible teaches that a person can leave God’s fellowship. (1 John 1:5-10)
3. The Bible teaches a “fearful expectation of judgment” will await those who sin willfully. (Hebrews 10:26-27)
D. Philip taught the man of Ethiopia beginning with an Old Testament prophecy concerning Jesus. (Acts 8:26-40)
1. Philip asked the man if he understood what he was reading. Are we that knowledgeable to ask such a question to a stranger whom we see reading the Bible?
2. The Old Testament is important to understanding the death of Jesus Christ. (Cf. Romans 15:4; Galatians 3:23-25) How well do you know the prophecies regarding Jesus?
E. The man of Ethiopia was baptized. (Acts 8:26-40)
1. Aside from the instances of John baptizing people, this is the first record and the baptismal process in action.
a. Philip preached Jesus.
b. The man from Ethiopia asked about being baptized.
c. The man from Ethiopia professed his belief.
d. Philip took the man into the water and baptized him.
e. Since Philip was preaching Jesus and His teachings, then there is no question that Philip taught the man what Jesus commanded in Mark 16:15-16 and Matthew 28:18-20.
2. If people question what type of baptism Jesus taught in Mark 16:15-16 and Matthew 28:18-20, show them the teaching in application in the story of Philip and the conversion of the man of Ethiopia.
CONCLUSION.
A. Remember the key points seen in our study:
1. Persecution led to the scattering of the saints in Jerusalem.
2. Multitudes in the city of Samaria believed and was baptized. There was great joy in the city.
3. Simon the sorcerer was converted to the truth. He then put is soul in jeopardy by sinning. Simon later repented of his sin.
4. Philip taught the man of Ethiopia beginning with an Old Testament prophecy concerning Jesus.
5. The man of Ethiopia was baptized.
B. In chapter 9, we will see the conversion of Saul, the one who persecuted the church.
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A Study Through Acts: Chapter 8 - December 12, 2004 - File # 705 - Acts, a study of
by John M. Duvall - Lawton, OK