BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 8:14

Sunday, 19 June 2022
 
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, Acts 8:14
 
The previous verse noted Simon’s belief and baptism. This followed after the belief and baptism of “both men and women” of Samaria noted in verse 8:12. However, what has gone unnoted is any hint of the giving of the Spirit to these people. This is then a different occurrence than that which occurred in Acts 2 where Peter said to the people –
 
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
 
Nothing has been said of repenting here in Acts 8. Further, the Spirit was promised to come upon baptism by those in Acts 2. That has neither been promised nor has it occurred. These things will be recorded in the verses to come, and an explanation of what occurs will be made.
 
For now, it is simply to be noted that this is the case, demonstrating that Acts is providing a description of what occurs at the establishment of the early church, but no individual account is to be taken as either normative or prescriptive. As for the ongoing account, it next records, “Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard.”
 
In the scattering of the church because of the persecution that was taking place (Acts 8:1 & 8:4), the apostles had remained in Jerusalem as an anchor for the church to remain united under their teaching. Eventually, the word got back to them “that Samaria had received the word of God.”
 
It is an important point that is dismissed by several heretical teachings that have infected the church. How often it is for false teachers to point to the words of Jesus and insist that there is one message to the Jews and another to the Gentiles –
 
“These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 10:5, 6
 
&
 
“Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.’
23 But He answered her not a word.
And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she cries out after us.’
24 But He answered and said, ‘I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’” Matthew 15:21-24
 
Such verses are pulled out of their intended context, which is Jesus’ ministry to Israel to first hear and accept or reject their Messiah. It is clear and plainly evident from this verse in Acts that either the apostles were disobedient to the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:5, or they are being obedient to the commission that the one and only gospel is to go out from Jerusalem to “Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
 
The latter is correct. Those who teach that there are two gospels, that baptism is not a commandment (even if not required for salvation) for those who come to Christ, or that the church began with Paul are heretics and have failed to take in the whole counsel of God. They divide the church and the message of Christ to the harm of those they teach. With this clearly seen, it next says that “they sent Peter and John to them.”
 
With these words, another point of poor doctrine is argued against. It is one that will be further clarified as Acts and the epistles continue to demonstrate. By noting that the “apostles” sent Peter and John, it clearly indicates that the body has come to a mutual decision, and it argues against the idea that Peter was established by Jesus as the first leader (pope) of the church as Roman Catholicism claims.
 
The reason for the Holy Spirit’s influence in this decision will be seen as Acts continues, but these words wholly argue against Peter as being a leading figure within the body of the apostles. Though not as egregious an error as the one stated above, the Roman Catholic Church has purposefully twisted its history in order to justify innumerable other faulty claims and doctrines, such as in this case concerning Peter.
 
Under the influence of the Holy Spirit (as can be assumed though not specifically stated) Peter and John were selected by the body of apostles to go to Samaria.
 
Life application: Jesus’ ministry to Israel alone was for a set and determined purpose. The covenant at Sinai was given to them. The prophets spoke to them. The promises were given to them. And the promise of a New Covenant was given to them (see Jeremiah 31:31). It was right and fitting that the earthly ministry of the Messiah was to be to Israel alone. And thus, it was.
 
However, the gospel was always intended to go out to the Gentiles after this time (see Isaiah 42:6, for example). This was not thwarted in Israel’s rejection of Jesus. Rather, it was carried out exactly as was known by God all along. Even the Song of Moses from Deuteronomy explained this, in advance, to Israel –
 
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people;For He will avenge the blood of His servants,And render vengeance to His adversaries;He will provide atonement for His land and His people.” Deuteronomy 32:43
 
Paul cites this in Romans 15:10, explaining such things. Pay attention to the details in Acts! Think about what God is doing. He is giving a descriptive account of how the church was established, but in this process, He is taking into consideration everything recorded in the Old Testament, fairly treating Israel according to His word and according to their acceptance or rejection of it. And it is all based on one, unified, gospel message that is given to all people of the world. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:11 concerning the united ministry of all of the apostles, including himself, “Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.”
 
Further, there is one Leader of the church, Jesus, and there are set offices below Him that are given in accord with the instructions in the epistles. There is no single authority within the faith that is set to direct the masses concerning the continuance of the church. Roman Catholicism is to be rejected based on this.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to think rightly concerning Your word as it unfolds before us. May we not get misdirected by those who have failed to rightly divide what is clearly presented when things are taken in context. May our doctrine be pure, and may we be pleasing followers of You as we await Your coming for us. Amen.

Acts 8:13

Saturday, 18 June 2022
 
Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. Acts 8:13
 
The previous verse was given as a contrast to the words concerning Simon, referring to Philip’s preaching about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. It also noted that those who believed were baptized. With that remembered, verse 8:13 will show why all the detail was given concerning Simon. The NKJV that is used does not do a good job translating the verbs. A much better and more literal rendering is –
 
“and Simon also himself did believe, and, having been baptized, he was continuing with Philip, beholding also signs and mighty acts being done, he was amazed.” YLT
 
Because of this, Young’s will be used for analyzing the verse, beginning with, “and Simon also himself did believe.”
 
In verse 9, Simon was the one who “astonished the people.” He was also “claiming that he was someone great.” In verse 10 it said everyone heeded him, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” The complete contrast to his supposedly great position now begins to be seen. He thought he was someone great, and yet now, he has believed that Jesus truly is the Messiah.
 
The word is quite clear, Simon believed. The exact same form of the verb (an aorist participle) is found five times in John’s gospel. For example, John 20:8 says –
 
“Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed.”
 
Because of the circumstances around Simon, especially what will occur in just a few verses, it is questioned whether he was truly saved or not. There is no reason to question that. These first words of the verse settle the matter. He heard the word concerning Jesus and he believed. With that, it next says, “and, having been baptized.”
 
This is in accordance with the word of the Lord. It is the standard note after every conversion in the book of Acts. It happened to the Jews in Acts 2. It now happens with the mixed-race of Samaritans in Acts 8. It will happen to the Ethiopian eunuch later in Acts 8. It will happen to Paul in Acts 9. It will happen to the Gentile believers in Acts 11. And so on.
 
Although Acts is a descriptive account of what happened in early church history, it is evident that what occurred concerning these baptisms was plainly a result of the command of the Lord. He clearly and unambiguously stated that all who come to Him are to be baptized. With this (as will be seen) weak believer, Simon, being baptized in accord with the word of the Lord, it next says, “he was continuing with Philip.”
 
It is apparent that his previous life was set aside, and he wanted to seek out the power of the Lord as displayed through Philip. He had been so self-consumed in the past that it must have been incredible to him to think that he wasn’t so great after all. And so, like a curious child, he followed Philip “beholding also signs and mighty acts being done.”
 
This would not be unexpected. Simon had spent his time duping people into believing that he had extraordinary powers, even touching upon the divine. But he knew that it wasn’t true. Whether what he did was sleight of hand magic or whether it was rooted in black magic, it was not the true power of God. He now saw the truth and was fully aware of the difference between it and the counterfeit. As such, it says “he was amazed.”
 
Here was a man stupefying people daily, and yet it is he who is now amazed at what he sees. Luke uses the same word that was used in verses 8:9 and 8:11 to describe the people’s reactions to Simon’s bag of tricks and Simon’s reaction to the Lord’s power in Philip as he did signs and mighty acts.
 
The contrast is complete. Simon realized the true power of God and believed what he saw. The failings to be noted of him in the verses ahead are given not to show that he wasn’t saved, but they rather point out – and even highlight – that new believers are not suddenly ultra-spiritual beings. They are people in need of instruction and correction. Hence, not only are they to be baptized, but they are also to be made sound disciples by teaching them what the Lord commanded, just as the Lord stated in Matthew 28:19.
 
Life application: One thing that is very common is to see people who have believed the gospel not grow into mature believers. In fact, it is more the norm than the exception. For, indeed, what is a mature believer?
 
A person who comes to Christ, goes to seminary, and is ordained to pastor a church will – eventually – look back at his early years as a pastor and say, “Boy, I had a lot to learn and a lot of growing up to do back then.” And yet, he was the pastor of a church and supposedly a “mature believer” at that time.
 
In other words, to be in Christ and to grow in Him is something that should never cease. We should be maturing in our walk from day to day. But this does not mean that people who don’t do this are not saved. If it did, and if a “fully mature” Christian was the proof of being saved, then nobody would be saved.
 
We need to be careful to not look down on those who are on a different level than we are. This is especially so when others could be looking down on us. Belief in Christ Jesus is what saves. Everything after that is, or it should be, a lifelong process of growing in Him.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to strive for growth in our Christian lives. Let us faithfully seek out Your word, pursue a closer walk with You, and come to understand our lowly position in this world. The more we grow in You, the more evident it is just how far below You we truly are. And so, Lord, help us to not look down on other believers, but to motivate them to strive ahead for the prize that is found in Christ. Amen.
 

Acts 8:12

Friday, 17 June 2022
 
But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Acts 8:12
 
A contrast to the past few verses concerning Simon is now introduced. He practiced sorcery and astonished the people, having duped them to believe that he was the great power of God and so on. However, Philip is again brought into the narrative now, saying, “But when they believed Philip.”
 
The word “they” is referring to the people in the city of Samaria. Simon was a highlight among them, but something new has been introduced that goes beyond their adoration of him. As it next says of Philip, “as he preached.”
 
It is the same word, euaggelizó, used in verse 8:4. It means “to preach the good news.” There it said –
 
“Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.”
 
Contained in that preaching of good news is “the things concerning the kingdom of God.” Some manuscripts, and thus some translations, omit the words “the things.” As such, it reads, “the good news about the kingdom of God.” Either way, the subject of the kingdom of God is considered a part of the good news of Jesus. As such, it is important to understand what this is referring to.
 
There cannot be a kingdom without a king. In the case of the kingdom of God, it is the good news that Jesus is the King over an entirely new realm. Not only has he replaced Adam, but He is seated in authority over His people.
 
This kingdom is referred to throughout the epistles. Paul mentions it in Romans 17:14; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 15:24, 50; Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 1:13, 4:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:5; 1 Timothy 1:17, 6:15 (Jesus the King); 2 Timothy 4:1, 4:18.
 
It is also mentioned in Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, and Revelation. The concept of a kingdom is likewise mentioned throughout Acts as having been preached by Jesus as well as by both the apostles and disciples who ministered to the Jews and by those who ministered to the Gentiles.
 
Having said that, care must be taken to understand that the kingdom referred to can, at times, mean a literal, physical reign of Christ on earth during the millennium, or it can refer to the kingdom of God that is a spiritual kingdom. What is being referred to now is the spiritual kingdom that is also preached by Paul in Acts and that is referred to in the epistles as well. This is evident from the next words, “and the name of Jesus Christ.”
 
The kingdom of God is the rule and authority of God in opposition to that of Satan, the ruler of this world and its present system. Jesus Christ is the King of the kingdom of God. He is the fulfillment of everything necessary to return man to the anticipated restoration of the perfection that was lost at the fall.
 
Adam was like a king over the realm of the world. He lost that right and authority, and Jesus Christ has regained title to it. This applies to those who put their trust in Him, and it is this that is methodically explained in the epistles, but which is also referred to in Acts. It is what Jesus spoke of prior to His crucifixion –
 
“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.’
37 Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘Are You a king then?’
Jesus answered, ‘You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’” John 18:36, 37
 
Of this kingdom that Philip proclaimed, it next says, “both men and women were baptized.” This is the outward sign of being accepted into the kingdom of God. It is a rite that was commanded by Jesus, after His resurrection (meaning after the introduction of the New Covenant), and thus it is applicable to all people: Jews, those of Samaria, and Gentiles (as will continue to be seen in Acts).
 
The rite itself is not necessary for salvation, but it is necessary for obedience to the Lord. To not receive baptism is to violate the prescriptions set down by the Lord, of which two are recorded, baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
 
Life application: There is a heresy that has crept into the church over the years which has already been addressed earlier in the Acts commentary, but it is a good time to review it. It is most prominently known as hyperdispensationalism. It is taught in varying degrees and with some false teachings held to by one pastor and more of them held to by another.
 
In general, it departs from sound doctrine in that it teaches that baptism (meaning water baptism) is not a necessary part of the life of a believer. And yet, these same people will say that it is right to observe the Lord’s Supper. The same Lord, Jesus, who mandated one also mandated the other. He did so at (or after) the institution of the New Covenant.
 
As there is one New Covenant, and as it applies to both Israel (Jeremiah 31:31 & Hebrews 8:8) and to the Gentiles (1 Corinthians 11:25 & 2 Corinthians 3:6), then the mandates of that covenant by the One who established it, equally apply to both.
 
Hyperdispensationalism, however, goes further down Heresy Highway by proclaiming that there are two different gospels, one for the Jew and one for the Gentile. But Paul explicitly states in 1 Corinthians 15:11 that his gospel is the same as the gospel preached by Peter and the other apostles.
 
Along with this, hyperdispensationalists will claim that Jesus is not the King over the Gentiles and that the title should not be used of Him in this manner. Instead, they claim that this is a title that belongs to Him over the Jews and that the “kingdom” for them is an earthly one. However, as noted above, if one proclaims a kingdom – as Paul does – then there must be a king that reigns over it. The exact same kingdom that Christ rules over (as noted in the list provided above) is proclaimed by all of the apostles in one united voice.
 
Another erroneous point taught in hyperdispensationalism is that the church did not begin until the preaching of Paul. A key and main point of the book of Acts is to show that this is not true, but that what God is doing is not dependent on Israel as a key point of what being in the “church” means.
 
Rather, what belongs to Israel concerning the Old Testament promises is a separate thing altogether. The church began with Christ’s work. It was proclaimed from Acts 2 on, but Israel the nation missed what was going on. From there, the message (the same gospel message) slowly gravitated toward the Gentiles as Paul’s ministry took hold.
 
If you know anyone who is caught up in these false teachings, let them know that they should first question their own salvation. Have they believed the one (and only) gospel as outlined in 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4? If so, they should then question their obedience to the Lord. He has given commands concerning our responsibilities in the salvation He provides. To refuse these is a mark of disobedience to His spoken word.
 
Finally, they should be properly instructed on what the “kingdom” means and who the King of that kingdom is. In this, you will be helping them out of a truly heretical cult that has arisen, and which divides the body of Christ and brings shame upon what He has done for His people.
 
Lord God, help us to have sound doctrine. The church did not begin when Paul began preaching. It began when You established it through the giving of Christ Jesus for our sins. Help us to be responsible in our theology lest we be found inept in our doctrine. Above all, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acts 8:11

Thursday, 16 June 2022
 
And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. Acts 8:11
 
Still speaking of Simon, the Sorcerer, of whom it was said in the last verse, “This man is the great power of God,” Luke now records of those in Samaria, “And they heeded him.”
 
The verb is imperfect – “And they were heeding him.” Wherever he went and whenever he showed up to perform, the people paid attention and were held captive by him as he astonished them with his capabilities.
 
When people believe you have a connection to the divine, they will heed you. This is true with palm readers, tarot card readers, priests in Catholic churches (meaning supposed “mediators” between God and men), and an innumerable list of others around the world who are supposedly able to connect to the spiritual world.
 
In the case of people like Simon who do magic that has outward signs, people are even more convinced. The signs they do supposedly point to the surety that they are really tapping into another dimension. Simon was considered the great power of God “because he had astonished them with his sorceries.”
 
Here is another word found only this once in Scripture, mageia. It is a noun and signifies magic. Being plural, it means “deeds of magic,” “magic arts,” “sorceries,” “witchcrafts,” or the like. He wasn’t limited to just one or two tricks up his sleeve, but he constantly impressed people with a litany of new things. And this went on “for a long time.”
 
This is not an unimportant addition to the verse. It shows that he was well established, and people expected him to show up and do something new and interesting. The reason for this specific detail concerning his abilities, the signs that supposedly accompanied them, and the long duration of time that he had done these things is to then contrast him and his practices with that of the disciples who had recently come to the area.
 
Life application: Since the coming of television, people like Simon have been able to obtain a much wider audience to fool even more people than would have ever been thought possible. Such demonstrations of magic excite the mind and make people even more curious about the person and his abilities.
 
Now, with the advent of social media, especially like YouTube which has an interactive counterpart, people who claim connections into the spiritual world can have innumerable followers who hang onto their claims. And this is no different than Christianity.
 
YouTube is filled with people who supposedly have conversations with Jesus, Mary, the angels, and so on. Many have claimed to have gone to heaven (or hell) and been shown things that others can only dream about.
 
Don’t be fooled by such claims. People are people. We are all born into the world, we live out our lives, and we will die (unless the rapture happens first). The only difference between them and you is that they claim something that has not happened, or they claim connections to the divine (or the spiritual world) that they don’t actually possess.
 
Be content to live your life reading the word and living by faith in what God has said and done. This is sensational enough because it comes with the promise of eternal life in His presence. Ignore anything else that distracts you from this marvelous anticipation.
 
Heavenly Father, please keep us from people that would distract us from what is truly important in this life. Help us to not be fooled by those that claim they are somebody when they are not. May we hold fast to what is good and proper all our days, thinking on Your word and living in faith concerning what You have promised. Amen!
 

Acts 8:10

Wednesday, 15 June 2022
 
to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” Acts 8:10
 
The previous verse introduced Simon who practiced sorcery in the city and who astonished the people of Samaria. Along with that, he claimed that he was someone great. This verse shows us that he was believed, saying, “to whom they all gave heed.”
 
It is referring to him, and it shows that because of what he was doing, the people paid attention to him, probably hanging on his every word. This is not unusual. The false prophets during the time of the kings held their courts captive, such as in 1 Kings –
 
“The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, having put on their robes, sat each on his throne, at a threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. 11 Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made horns of iron for himself; and he said, ‘Thus says the Lord: “With these you shall gore the Syrians until they are destroyed.”’ 12 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, ‘Go up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper, for the Lord will deliver it into the king’s hand.’” 1 Kings 22:10-12
 
These, and many such instances, show that people are easily swayed by false messages and false displays of miracles, signs, and wonders. Jesus warned about this as well –
 
“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand.” Matthew 23:23-25
 
As for Simon, regardless as to whether he was in touch with demonic influences or whether he was simply good at tricks of magic, all of the people were swayed by him “from the least to the greatest.”
 
Young people love to look at what is curious and ponder how such things are done, but so do older people as well. People who aren’t so smart will marvel at things they don’t understand, but so will the intelligent. When we cannot grasp how something is done, we will naturally look to alternative explanations for what we see.
 
Seemingly highly intellectual people will believe in secret powers in certain people just because of the thing they see that they cannot explain. And such people will gladly claim that what they are doing (and this is certainly true in Christian circles as well) is by the power of God. This is the case with Simon. The people were “saying, ‘This man is the great power of God.’”
 
Because of the things he did, and because of the way he presented himself, the people were completely fooled as to the source of his supposed magic. He may have used smoke and mirrors, but he did so in an effective manner so that everyone was bamboozled by him.
 
Life application: How many countless Christians have been duped by false teachers over the years! This is both in doctrine and in simply being conned by sleight of hand “healers” and “miracle workers.” History is replete with such charlatans.
 
As for doctrine, Paul and the other writers of the epistles constantly warn about the importance of heeding the word, knowing it, and holding fast to it. For example, Paul says –
 
“But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” 1 Corinthians 11:12-15
 
Without knowing the word, people are at the whims of those who know how to twist it. Likewise, there are false presentations of power constantly performed in churches around the world. Today, Charismatics and Pentecostals (and others) have a constant stream of false healings, false receptions of “divine instruction,” and so on. People see these things, and because the person conducting them says he is doing in the name of Jesus, it is blindly accepted as true.
 
Peter Popov is a classic example of this. Read up on what he did, and then realize that even AFTER he was exposed, people still follow him. The stupidity of man to give credit to people who make false claims is limitless. Unless we know the word, and unless we know what is true, we cannot identify what is false. As such, you are once again implored to think reasonably and rationally and to know and study the Bible. Be cautious and be circumspect in what you are willing to accept.
 
Lord God, You have given us Your word to guide us and direct us. And, You have given it to us to warn us and keep us from being led astray by false teachers and false miracle workers. Well, we sure can’t do that without picking it up and reading it. So, Lord, give us wisdom to put Your word first in our list of daily activities. Help us to not be swayed by what is false. Instead, give us the ability to discern what is good and proper. Amen.

Acts 8:9

Tuesday, 14 June 2022
 
But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, Acts 8:9
 
The account has been focused on Philip and his preaching and signs. They brought great joy to the city. Now, the account brings in a new figure, saying, “But there was a certain man.” This is stated to reveal a contrast between Philip and his work on behalf of the Lord and this person and his work. This man is “called Simon.”
 
It is the same name as several others, including Simon Peter. The name means “Hearing,” or “He who hears.” A great deal has been written about who this may be in relation to extrabiblical history, but these commentaries are speculative. The person is described here in Acts and the account stands alone as sufficient to describe him and what occurs. Luke says he is a person “who previously practiced sorcery in the city.”
 
The verb is a present participle. It reads, “who had been formerly in the city practicing sorcery.” He went around doing it, probably as his profession or as a way of making money. The word translated as “sorcery” is found only here in the Bible, mageuó. It signifies to practice magic or sorcery. It is derived from magos (which we translate as Magi). It is for this reason that he is often called Simon Magus, or Simon the Magician.
 
He was probably comparable to someone who goes around today and does things that bewilder the senses of the people, like Houdini, David Copperfield, and the like. By using sleight of hand, or maybe by practicing black arts, he did such things “and astonished the people of Samaria.”
 
The Greek word translated as “astonished” is existémi. It signifies “to remove from a standing (fixed) position” or “put out of place” (HELPS Word Studies). As such, it is like saying, “He blew the people off their feet.” They were utterly amazed.
 
The KJV uses a most unfortunate “bewitched” here. This is not at all what is being said. There was no spell cast upon the people. Rather, they were simply astonished. The same word is used in 8:13 when referring to Simon being amazed at Philp’s miracles and signs, thus demonstrating a contrast between the two.
 
Again, it is a present participle. He was “amazing the people of Samaria.” As he went out and performed, the people would watch and be stupefied at the incredible things he was doing, just as would be the case with our current magicians.
 
They would be captivated by how things disappeared and then reappeared, how there might be a fire that wouldn’t burn, or how something might suddenly turn into a white dove. Whatever tricks he could flabbergast the people with, they would stand amazed. And more, because he could do these things, he was also “claiming that he was someone great.”
 
This is a natural attitude for people who can bewilder others. They get cocky and think more highly of themselves than they ought. These words, then, are set in contrast to the work of Philip and the others who exalt not themselves, but the greatness of Jesus Christ.
 
Life application: Regardless of the source of Simon’s magic, whether it was demonic or simply out of his own skills and cunning, it was intended for self-exaltation. He surely profited off of his skills and maybe in a great way. Successful magicians today can make millions of dollars. In the end, however, what they do has no lasting value.
 
There are people around the world living in very poor conditions and who are dependent on the goodness of others to simply pay their bills from month to month, but they are doing it as missionaries and teachers of the word and sharers of the good news about Jesus. What they are doing, if with the right intent, will someday be rewarded by the Lord.
 
Let us not squander our lives chasing the sensational and chasing after people like Simon Magus, but rather, let us remember to assist those who are doing what is truly of value. If those people will be rewarded for their efforts, then it logically follows that God will reward those who support them so that they can continue.
 
Remember to pray for your church’s missionaries and be sure to let them know that they are appreciated.
 
Lord God, today we lift up those who are out doing service for others in missionary work and in the work of evangelism. Be with them, bring comfort and happiness to their souls, and reveal to them things that will let them know their work is of value to those they minister to. Yes, Lord, be with these people of Yours. Amen.

Acts 8:8

Monday, 13 June 2022
 
And there was great joy in that city. Acts 8:8
 
The words now being presented are based on the location given in verse 8:5, meaning the city of Samaria, and on the events described in verses 8:6 & 7 concerning the preaching and miraculous signs done by Philip. With those things described it now says, “And there was great joy in that city.”
 
This is not, as some commentators may say, joy in the Holy Spirit. The reason for this is found in the coming verses –
 
“Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:14-17
 
The joy was as the preaching of the gospel, believing what it conveyed, and finding relief in the forgiveness of sins that comes from what Christ Jesus has done. Accompanying that, there was certainly joy at the spiritual and physical healings that had been performed among the people. The city was in a state of joy because of what had happened. It is a state which is easily contagious as people experience the happiness of simply seeing others happy. Hence, the city was filled with elation over all that was happening among them.
 
Life application: As was noted, those in Samaria who have believed have not yet received the Holy Spirit. This is in contradistinction to those who had already believed in Acts 2 and who immediately received the Spirit in an outward display of tongues of fire alighting upon them and then through speaking in tongues (2:3, 4). The others who listened were told that if they repented and were baptized, they would receive the Holy Spirit. Many did. Of those who believed and received the Spirit, it says nothing of tongues of fire or speaking in tongues.
 
Now, something entirely different is taking place. The people have believed, but the Holy Spirit has not been given. This is a problem because people in various denominations and churches follow the words of Acts 2 and mandate repentance and baptism for salvation. But that is not taught here in Acts 8. These people are now believers. They just have not yet received the Spirit. Why is it ok to follow Acts 2, but not Acts 8? And more, in Acts 10 (and elsewhere) there will be a completely different set of events that occur. Why are those patterns not prescribed in churches? But more, if they were, there would be a contradiction to Acts 2 then, wouldn’t there?
 
What is happening in these passages clearly shows us that the events are not prescriptive. In other words, nothing is prescribed in Acts. It is a historical account of what transpired, but it does not set the pattern for the church to emulate. Indeed! It cannot. If it did, then the church would be in complete confusion as to what is supposed to occur. But wait! It already is. And this is because Acts is used in a pick and choose manner to prescribe that which is only intended to describe.
 
The city of Samaria has seen the miracles, they have believed the gospel, and they are reconciled to God through that belief. The reason for the order of events here is not yet revealed, but it is to teach us about the early establishment of the church, and why God has done the things He has done. To find out what is prescribed for the church, we are to go to the church epistles. That is where doctrine is to be derived from. The book of Acts is not intended to be used for this purpose.
 
If you are in an “Acts 2 church,” or if your church has “Acts 2 experiences,” you are following a false teaching. Acts 2 is directed to the Jews. The Gentiles are not even addressed in a specific manner until Acts 10. Avoid the sensationalism found in hyped-up churches and stick to what is doctrinally sound. Anything can be made to say anything unless a systematic and logical approach is taken to understanding doctrine. God is the originator of logic. Nothing He does will be illogical or contradictory.
 
Almighty and glorious God! Thank You for Your word that reveals to us how You are accomplishing things in redemptive history. Your word is logical and orderly, and it gives us direction and purpose to live out our lives in a holy and responsible manner before You. Thank You, above all, for Christ Jesus who has done all that is necessary to bring us back to You. Yes, thank You for Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Acts 8:7

Sunday, 12 June 2022
 
For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. Acts 8:7
 
The previous verse referred to Philip being heeded by the multitudes when hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. That now is explained in this verse. It should be noted that there are several differences in the structure of the words in this verse in various manuscripts. However, none of them change the meaning. Rather it is mostly variations in the tense of verbs. Luke begins the words with, “For unclean spirits.”
 
What occurs here in the various ailments that are cured are given to confirm the ongoing work of the Lord through the disciples now. For example, the casting out of unclean spirits by Jesus is seen in the gospels, such as in Luke 4 –
 
“Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. 32 And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. 33 Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, 34 saying, ‘Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!’
35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be quiet, and come out of him!’ And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him. 36 Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, ‘What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.’ 37 And the report about Him went out into every place in the surrounding region.” Luke 4:31-37
 
These unclean spirits were subject to the power of Christ Jesus, and now they are shown to be subject to the power of Christ working through the disciples, such as Philip. This continues to be seen with the next words, saying that they were “crying with a loud voice.”
 
These unclean spirits had found a home in the people they possessed, and they afflicted the people, controlling them or greatly influencing them. As they were cast out, the process was seen to be a noisy one. The one in Luke 4 recognized the power and authority of Christ. This is certainly what is happening now. They cry out loudly acknowledging that the power of the Holy Spirit had been endowed upon these followers of Jesus. As such they “came out of many who were possessed.”
 
These visual and audible workings of the Spirit were given to confirm the work of Jesus. Acts is given as a record that they really occurred. The unclean spirits are shown to be under the control and authority of this power of the Spirit in them. It is a testament to the world that in coming to Christ, the power of God is greater than anything that once defiled a person. Along with these unclean spirits, Luke also records physical healings by Philip, saying, “and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.”
 
This is also what Jesus did throughout the gospels, such as in Luke 5:17-26. In that account it says –
 
“When He saw their faith, He said to him, ‘Man, your sins are forgiven you.’
21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, ‘Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’
22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, ‘Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven you,” or to say, “Rise up and walk”? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’—He said to the man who was paralyzed, ‘I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.’” Luke 5:20-24
 
In other words, the physical healing was a sign that Jesus has the power to forgive sin. By performing the healing, it confirmed that His words concerning forgiveness were true. As the disciples of Jesus proclaimed forgiveness of sins through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, the healings that were done in His name were given as signs that what they claimed concerning forgiveness was also true.
 
Life application: There are various views concerning the healing power of Jesus in today’s world. Some say it continues on and that disciples have the power to heal just as they did in Acts. Some say that healings have completely ceased and no longer occur. Some say that healings can occur, but they are not accomplished by any particular people like in Acts, but that the healing – if it comes – is brought about through prayer.
 
The third option is correct. God may choose to heal in accord with the prayers of His people. We are instructed to pray in the epistles for exactly this reason. If it were not so, and if all healings ended with the apostolic age, then we would not be given explicit instruction in the epistles to pray for such things.
 
It should be noted that even the apostles were not always able to heal those around them who were sick. The healings and casting out of demons were to be signs to the people concerning the work of Christ. As we now have the Bible that witnesses to these things, we no longer need such signs. The Bible is a testament to itself of God’s workings in Christ. Hence, we are to pray in hopes of healing, but we are to leave it up to God and His purposes for the healing to occur or not.
 
If healing comes about, who will receive the credit? God will leave it up to the faith of the person to decide, just as His word in the epistles says. We are to live by faith and not by sight. If we have sight, faith is excluded. The Bible will never contradict itself because the Bible is God’s word and it is a reflection of who He is – unchanging, fixed, and non-contradictory in His being.
 
Have faith, pray for the sick, and be sure to give credit to God for the healing – even if a medicine, a doctor, or an extended stay at a hospital is involved.
 
Lord God, Your word asks us to pray for the sick, and so we do. But may we have faith that our words are heard, regardless of the outcome of our requests. You may have a different purpose for us than to be healed, and so may we be careful to never impute wrongdoing to You in the process, but to accept Your will as it is revealed through the person we pray for. Amen.
 

Acts 8:6

Saturday, 11 June 2022
 
And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. Acts 8:6
 
The previous verse found Philip having gone down to the city of Samaria and preaching Christ to them. With that, Luke now records, “And the multitudes with one accord.” The meaning is that with the preaching of Philip, there is a united response.
 
This is something that is not unusual. When a multitude is presented with something, if one pays heed, those around him will too. Eventually, the entire multitude will respond in the same way. It may be a favorable response or one which is unfavorable, but either way, it is how things often transpire. In this case, Luke notes that this large crowd unitedly “heeded the things spoken by Philip.”
 
The first verb is imperfect and the second is a present participle. More rightly, it says that they “were giving heed to the things being spoken by Philip.” Luke draws his reader into what was occurring and presents it clearly and precisely. There is an active element to what is being presented.
 
Philip was there preaching to the people. As he spoke, another ear turns to listen, and then another, and soon the whole crowd is engaged as he continues to speak. With that set before us, Luke next describes the ongoing scene as the people were “hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.”
 
More correctly, the word translated as “miracles” signifies “signs.” Also, the final verb is a present participle. They were “hearing and seeing the signs which he was doing.” Everything is presented for the reader’s mind to participate in what is said. Philip is performing signs that point to the truth of his presentation of Jesus as the Messiah, and while he is doing these things, those watching are engaged in the process, carefully paying attention. With this in mind, Luke will next explain what the signs Philip is performing are.
 
Life application: At times, it is better to have a small audience that is personal in order to convey one’s intent. However, there are times when a person is skilled enough in speaking or in performing that going into a public space will have the most impact. One has to decide what his own level of skill and confidence is in order to know if he will be able to effectively hold captive a large gathering.
 
Additionally, it must be considered whether one’s message is going to be received favorably or not. If it will be that is a bonus. But if the people are not sympathetic to the words being presented, he may end up like Stephen instead of Philip. A message may also be received favorably at the beginning, but then it gets redirected in some manner so that the mood of the crowd changes. This is what will happen to Paul and Barnabas while they are in the city of Lystra (Acts 14).
 
One must be able to quickly adapt to a changing crowd or the message may go from being received favorably to one where a shower is needed because of all the tomatoes being thrown. Regardless of the size of the crowd though, it is right that we do our best to tell those we encounter about Jesus. This should be a main goal of each person who has been saved by Him. Whether by handing out a tract, inviting someone to church, or actively speaking about Him, let us do our best to always convey this message of hope.
 
Lord God, help us to be bold in our willingness to speak out the gospel message to others. It is Your powerful message that can save, but it will not do so if it is not shared. Help us in this so that the people we encounter will at least be given the chance to respond. To Your glory, Amen.
 

Acts 8:5

Friday, 10 June 2022
 
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. Acts 8:5
 
The previous verse said, “Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” That is now built upon by Luke, beginning with, “Then Philip.” 
 
This is not Philip of the apostles who is recorded in the gospels, such as in Luke 6:14. Rather, this may be the same man named Philip found in Acts 6:5 who is named among the seven chosen as deacons. If it is the same Philip, he will be seen again in Acts 21:8 where he is called Philip the evangelist. As for him, it says he “went down to the city of Samaria.”
 
The verb is an aorist participle and should read, “having gone down.” In having gone down, then the actions continue on at some point. As far as the city, Samaria is a region, and so it is probably the principal city of the region at the time. If so, Cambridge says that it was called Sebaste at this time. Sebaste carries the same meaning as Augusta, and it was named in honor of Augustus Caesar. It was probably at this location that it next says, “and preached.”
 
The verb is imperfect. He didn’t just preach, but he was preaching. He continued on in his proclamation with conviction and stating it as authoritative. This can be seen in the use of the word translated as “preach.” It is a different word than the previous verse. There, it was the word euaggelizó, to evangelize or “carry the good news.” Here it is kérussó, to proclaim, herald, or preach. Luke finishes by stating that he was preaching “Christ to them.”
 
More correctly, the words state that he was preaching the Christ to them. The definite article sets off his proclamation as specifically being about Jesus who is the Christ. Prior to the coming of Jesus, people may have preached Christ, such as, “Messiah is coming! Scripture says He will be born in Bethlehem,” and so on. However, Philip’s words are specific about “the Christ.” One can see him standing in front of a crowd and saying, “The Messiah has come! He has accomplished all things necessary for salvation and He has fulfilled the law and the prophets!” His words would set Jesus apart from any other preaching that had been proclaimed before.
 
Life application: Evangelizing is similar to the preaching noted here, and they can overlap. The main thing to remember is that anyone can evangelize. If you just take the time to remember the basics of the good news concerning Jesus, there should be no reason why you can’t convey to the people you meet that there is hope in Him. Keep it simple and let them know the good news (the only good news!) that can save them.
 
Having tracts to hand out is a plus because they can carry a reminder of what you spoke about. As with what you speak about, keep tracts simple. They can have longer messages about hope and the like, but the gospel presentation should be basic. There is a universal need that all have which is deliverance from sin. Jesus is the One who can fill that need. As long as the simple gospel is conveyed, there does not need to be an overload of theology to distract the person’s attention.
 
Above all, what is proclaimed should be with conviction and with the assurance that Christ Jesus is the answer to man’s dilemma, and more – that He is the only answer to it. With that, you will have properly done your duty to share the good news that God has presented to the world!
 
Lord God, help us to be bold in our proclamation of the good news concerning the Lord Jesus. May we never water down the truth of this message. Sin is the problem, Jesus is the answer, and in Him there is freedom from the guilt that separates man from God. Thank You for Jesus. May we be faithful to proclaim what You have done through Him. Amen.

Acts 8:4

Thursday, 9 June 2022
 
Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Acts 8:4
 
In the previous verse, Saul was seen to make havoc on the church, dragging people off and putting them in prison. With that, Luke next records, “Therefore.”
 
It is because of the persecution of the church, notably by Saul, that the events now about to happen will actually come about, and which concerns “those who were scattered.”
 
In their desire to not be dragged away and put in prison, the believers in Jerusalem got up and left. This is what was already stated in verse 8:1, and which is being repeated now after the reason for their scattering has been explicitly stated –
 
“At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” Acts 8:1
 
It is true that this must have been a time of both fear and stress on the believers. Being uprooted suddenly and then rushing off to another place is a difficult change on most people, but we are being told these things for a specific reason, which is that those who were scattered “went everywhere preaching the word.”
 
The word translated as “everywhere” is dierchomai. It comes from dia (through) and erchomai (to come or go). It’s not that they went everywhere and preached, but that they preached everywhere they went. Wherever they passed through, on the way to the next place, they would boldly tell the people about what they knew.
 
As can be seen, the information now fills in what was first stated in verse 8:1. Now, and for the next several chapters, many details will continue to be filled in, and then in verse 11:19, this narrative will be called to mind again –
 
“Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” Acts 11:19-21
 
This will be stated after the conversion of some from the mixed-race of the Samaritans, after the conversion of an Ethiopian eunuch, after Saul’s conversion, and after the conversion of an Italian centurion living in Caesarea. Thus, the words of Jesus in Acts 1:8 will be on their way to total fulfillment with each step being meticulously recorded by Luke –
 
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
 
Life application: As difficult as it must have been for the believers to be uprooted by the persecution they faced, and as difficult as it must have been for Paul to later contemplate his actions towards the believers he persecuted, the word of the Lord was actually being fulfilled through these things.
 
As the Lord said that the word would be spread even to the end of the earth, we can know that the things that seem difficult or even terrible that happen now are a part of the larger plan to make this happen. Nothing is happening that is outside of the knowledge of God, and He has the ability to use all that happens to meet His greater plan.
 
Let us trust this and do our best to remember it when our own times of upheaval and trial come. He is working all things out for a good end for those who are His. The word says that it is so –
 
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30
 
Surely, we know that You are in control of all things Lord God. In our own times of trial and distress, we may lose sight of that. So, Lord, send us reminders along the way to help us keep our focus. We are wholly dependent on You in this, O God. May our hearts be prepared for the challenges ahead until the day when You bring us home to glory. Amen.
 

Acts 8:3

Wednesday, 8 June 2022
 
As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Acts 8:3
 
It was just noted that Stephen was carried to his burial. But that did not stop the persecution of the church. In fact, Luke’s next words show that it continued, highlighting the very person who guarded the clothes of those who stoned Stephen, saying, “As for Saul.”
 
The name Saul is from the Hebrew Shaul. That comes from the verb shaal, meaning to inquire or ask for. Thus, it means “Asked For.” What may be implied is “Asked for (of Yah).” For example, the people of Israel had asked for a king, and the Lord gave them Saul, the first king to reign over Israel. Or it could be that a parent asks for a child and the Lord responds by granting one. The word, however, is identical in spelling to the word sheol, or the place of the dead. In this, one can imagine the grave calling out for the souls of humanity, asking for them to come and join it. Of Saul, Luke notes that “he made havoc of the church.”
 
The tense is imperfect. It says, “making havoc.” It shows that there was a continuous stream of him relentlessly going after the people. Also, here is a word found just this one time in Scripture and translated as “made havoc.” It signifies outrage or to maltreat. Of this word, Vincent’s Word Studies says –
 
“In Septuagint, Psalm 79:13, it is used of the laying waste of a vineyard by the wild boar. ... Canon Farrar observes: ‘The part which he played at this time in the horrid work of persecution has, I fear, been always underrated. It is only when we collect the separate passages - they are no less than eight in number - in 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’). Note the imperfect, of continued action.”
 
It has already been noted that the church was scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. However, the next verse will explain that this was a result of Saul’s actions. As such, it can be concluded that as soon as Stephen was stoned, he immediately started going after the believers. As mere speculation, it could be that those in the council said, “We need to crush this teaching right now, when we have the initiative.” With that, Saul responded with zeal. This would be in accord with his own words of Acts 26 –
 
“This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.” Acts 26:10, 11
 
With this in mind, Luke says that Saul was “entering every house.” It would explain why it says “devout men” rather than “brethren” who were there to bury Stephen. The persecution began right away, and the believers were hiding in their homes or taking the roads back to their own hometowns. For those who were apprehended, Luke next notes that Saul was “dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.”
 
The verbs continue to show an active and ongoing action by Saul. He came after the people and he kept coming after them, tirelessly chasing them down and having them incarcerated. The word “dragging” indicates that they were in a rage as they arrested the people, so much so that they grabbed body parts – the hair, the arms, the legs – and simply dragged them out to be bound up and taken away.
 
Noting both men and women was to show that there was no tolerance at all for anyone who held to the name of Jesus. Even if the men were primarily responsible for the households, the women were a part of the households and were thus subject to the same charges of apostasy as the men.
 
Life application: Saul was really the first persecutor of the church. But it didn’t end with his conversion. Rather, it has gone on steadily since those early days. One of the greatest persecutors of those who have faithfully held to Scripture is, not unsurprisingly, the Roman Catholic Church. While they have been caught up in a system of traditions, unbiblical rites and rituals, and in the adoration of the dead and of idols, faithful people have stood against this. And in their actions, they have been rounded up, sent through terrible tortures, and many were martyred.
 
Likewise, Christians have been killed in vast numbers by Muslims, Hindus, and people of other religions, or by those who deny any God exists – such as communists. This has been the norm, not the exception for much of the church age. The persecution of Christians has been on the increase in places like Canada, the US, Australia, Germany, and the UK in recent years. Legal battles have been played out in courts, but tolerance for the gospel has decreased in the minds of so many that it is only a matter of time before even worse comes upon believers.
 
Should the Lord tarry, the lines will surely be divided up between those who truly love Christ and are willing to stand up for His gospel, and those who either pay lip service to Him or are at odds with Him. Now is the time to prepare yourself for holding fast to the Lord. Stay in the word, keep Jesus in your heart and mind at all times, and determine now to never let this temporary world pull you away from Him!
 
Lord God, may we be found faithful to You until the end. It is a tough world, and many of us have never had to face persecutions or trials of faith. May we be prepared now so that should those times come, we will hold fast to our proclamation that Jesus is the answer to the world’s problems. Help us in this, O God. Amen.