Acts 8

Saul Persecutes The Church

After Stephen speaks out against the Jews (from the last chapter), Saul approves Stephen’s execution. Saul also entered house after house and dragged men and women into prison.

Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria

Philip went to the city of Samaria and proclaimed Christ. Jews and Samaritans never got along and used to be bitter enemies. Yet the crowds paid full attention to Philip and believed, and received much joy. Ironic that Samaria received Christ more readily than the Jews.

Simon the Magician Believes

In Samaria, there was a man named Simon who practiced magic. People paid attention to Simon as he boasted about himself and commanded their attention.

So magic does exist. I wonder what it’s like.

As Philip preached good news about the kingdom of God, many people believed, including Simon the magician.

Peter and John also came to Samaria and started baptizing people in the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw the miraculous signs that they performed, he offered money to the apostles asking for this power also.

Peter retorted that this gift is not for sale.

May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!Acts 8:20

Furthermore, Peter scolds Simon and tells him to repent.

You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.Acts 8:21-22

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

Word spreads fast, even into Africa. Philip meets a Ethiopian Eunuch who’s in charge of all of the queen’s treasure. The Eunuch didn’t understand the Scripture that he was reading, so Philip started explaining the Scripture, told him about the good news of Jesus, and baptized him.