Light Writing Matters: June 2017

Monday, June 12, 2017

Acts Of The Apostles

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Theme scripture

“But you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses of me in Jerusalem, in all Ju·deʹa and Sa·marʹi·a, and to the most distant part of the earth.” The last words Jesus spoke before ascending to heaven. Acts 1:8 (NWT) [italics by author]

Additional scripture

1^st Account of Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples/apostles

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4 (NIV) [italics by author]

1^st Account of Holy Spirit baptism on non-Jew:

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.” Acts 10:44-46 (NIV) [italics by author]

The Acts of the Apostles

Some folks read the title of the book “Acts of The Apostles” and think it is an accounting of the acts of all the Apostles. And in the opening chapters it is. However, it is primarily an accounting of the acts of the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul and their commission to ‘go therefore and make disciples baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit [Ghost].

The Apostle John assist Peter help heal a lame man in Chapter 3. The Apostle Phillip meets a Jewish convert who is Ethiopian and baptizes him in water. The original 11 Apostles, and the newest appointee to fill Judas Iscariot’s spot, Mathias, were gathered awaiting the Holy Spirit as directed by Jesus upon his departure from earth. From there on however, it focuses on the Apostles Peter and Paul.

Following this post is a series of posts highlighting key Acts of the Apostles chapter by chapter. Please return as the chapters are posted. †

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Acts Chapter 1 & 2

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Theme scriptures

Prophecy

Fulfillment

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4 (NIV) [italics by author]

What happens in Chapter One?

After just three and a half years of constant companionship with their Lord, Jesus the Christ HE dies. Then resurrected. Now it is time for Jesus to ascend to heaven. We cannot likely imagine the since of loss they felt at Jesus’ death then followed by absolute joy at his resurrection and subsequent leadership and companionship. But, after just a few weeks after HIS resurrection it is now time in Chapter One of Acts to say goodbye to Jesus, their LORD, yet again. It is unthinkable to lose a dear friend, a mentor, a wonderful teacher and counselor the first time but to have to say it again? Yet, Jesus understood their emotional state and assured them they would not be alone. He directs them to proceed to Jerusalem and remain there to receive the gift the FATHER had promised -- being baptized with the Holy Spirit. It is not the first time they heard about this Holy Spirit being given them as a helper after Jesus was gone. HE said to them earlier in HIS ministry: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 [NIV]

Secondarily in this chapter the replacement for Judas Iscariot is chosen. It is Matthias.

What happens in Chapter Two?

As noted above, in verse 4 of chapter two the Holy Spirit arrives in what is described as a blowing of violent wind from heaven filling the whole house where the 120 souls – including the Apostles – were sitting. They saw tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of the persons. Thereafter, the Holy Spirit enabled them to speak in other tongues.

One of the biggest discipling speeches given by a disciple of Jesus begins at verse 14 and continues through the end of the chapter. If ever you wanted a place to mark in your Bible to see how to address people who do not know Jesus or who need a bit of confusion cleared up with gospel this would be one of those places. In Acts, the other places would be the testimony Stephen gave before his assassination Acts 7 and Paul gave later in Acts 26. Each presented their faith as they held it in their hearts and spirit yet the common thread through each of the three speeches is the full gospel. Also, each delivered their faith boldly.

Next chapter discussed will be chapter 3.

Please read and ponder upon the events in Chapters One and Two. †

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Acts Chapter 3 -- Able Bodied Man

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Theme scripture

“When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” Acts 3:4-10 (NIV)

Couple of phenomenal things happens in Chapter Three

· A man who is unable to walk from birth spent each day at the temple gate begging from those entering the temple.

· Peter and John encountered the begging man who asked for money.

· Peter gives the man something more valuable than money -- which may suffice for a day – instead, he directed the man to look at him [basically ‘pay attention’] and then Peter’s declaration to the man ‘In the name of Jesus Christ, walk.

· Peter took the lame man’s right hand, helped him to his feet which were fully operational for the first time since birth. So much so he walked and jumped.

Notice what the healed man does next and the affect in the account? Two things:

1. “the people saw him walking and praising God” [emphasis added]

2. “they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” [emphasis added]

What a tremendous testimony to GOD! This man had no idea when he begged from Peter and John his day would be so radically changed. GOD healed the man through Peter; the healed man jumped and walked and gave praise to GOD. The people who saw him, knowing who he was and what he’d been doing for a long time, begging, were filled with wonder and amazement.

Thanks to GOD this man became an able-bodied man capable of earning his own money and helping others. His healing took his begging -- ‘fish for a day’ -- and turned him into an able-bodied man -- ‘fisherman’ as the Chinese proverb points up – and made him self sustaining.

Peter turned their astonishment into an opportunity to point out the obvious. They should not have been surprised! He chastises them as quoted from verses 12-16:

“12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus.

√You handed him over to be killed, and

√ you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14

√ You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15

√ You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.

16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” (NIV)] [emphasis added]

Peter continues to speak truth which convicted some in their heart and spirit while giving them the benefit of doubt.

“17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. [Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you --- KJV] 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’” Acts 3:17-23 (NIV) [emphasis added]

Here we have a classic case of ‘second chances’. Clearly, their first opportunity was the ministry in the person of Jesus. Peter tells them they failed. Now, despite their ignorance, he is sharing the benefit of Jesus’ ministry, Jesus’ death and resurrection and the many blessings received resulting from Jesus. Peter clearly tells them it is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Jesus the miracle these people witnessed happened. As it turns out in chapter 4 verse 4 the accounting of those who believed was then about 5000! In Acts 2:41 the result of the preaching accounted for about 3000 people baptized on Pentecost. Thus, about 2000 people responded and believed in Jesus in the Temple that day.

As an interrogatory: If you were in that crowd, heard Peter’s words, and you had been part of the crowd who shouted to kill Jesus and release Barabbas then you witnessed this miracle of healing would you not be brought to your knees, or lay prostrate hiding your face in shame in prayer for forgiveness from GOD? Can we even imagine how any one of those folks felt, whether or not they believed, after seeing the miracle healing and hearing those words of admonition?

The true test of their belief begins to be challenged immediately as we will see in chapter 4.

Please read and ponder upon the events in Chapters 1-3. †

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Acts Chapter 4 -- Persecution Begins

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Peter and John’s day in court

The true test of “The Way” begins. Here is the interrogative by the judicial officials [Sanhedrin] with Peter’s response as directed by Holy Spirit.

“They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.” Acts 4:7-10 (NIV)

The judicial meted out this one sentence:

“Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” Acts 4:18 (NIV)

Peter and John’s response?

“But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”” Acts 4:19-20 (NIV)

Conclusion of this trial:

“After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.” Acts 4:21-22 (NIV)

Preponderance of Evidence

We know, this same court adjudicated Jesus as a blasphemer and demanded the Romans execute him. They had far more evidence of Jesus’ miracles and wisdom. Yet, the Sanhedrin, unwilling with their hard necks, to see the source of the miracles -- in fact attributing them falsely to demons and Beelzebub -- were not dissuaded then from their intentional deception of the people and the Romans.

A few months later the evidence before them has convicted the hearts of thousands of their citizens in a short period of time and they are perplexed as to how to deal with the collateral damage to the reign by the hierarchy of the Jews.

Notice how Peter weaves their guilt into a new reality in his response the same court: “Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”” Acts 4:11-12 (NIV)

If you recall the depression and moroseness of the disciples/Apostles after Jesus died was dashed to pieces with Jesus’ resurrection and the time spent with HIS closest prior to ascension. Read now how differently the disciples and Apostles responded to this latest inquisition by the Sanhedrin.

“On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.” Acts 4:23-24 (NIV) [Emphasis added]

The result?

“31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”

The action taken as a result?

Read for yourself the fabulous and unifying effect of the Holy Spirit’s direction during the trial.

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:32-37 (NIV) [Emphasis added]

In our time, we sometimes note that persecution of Christians unifies the body to some extent and as a body they respond with sharing their own belongings whether it is material, financial or prayerful. We are not called to a ‘one and done’ response however. We should continue to share as the Spirit directs us and in all things prayerfully!

Please read the Acts of the Apostles and muse over the ways their experiences can influence us today. †

Bibles Designations

KJV – King James Version

NIV – New International Version

NWT – New World Translation

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Acts Chapter 5 -- Acts of the Holy Spirit

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Recap of Acts of Holy Spirit:

Having read chapters one through four one can see the Holy Spirit is very active. For instance:

1. Chapter One the promise of baptism with the Holy Spirt. Acts 1:5

2. Pentecost and the outpouring of Holy Spirit upon the 120 gathered as directed. Acts 2:4

3. About 3000 were added to the believers after Peter speaks to them and explains the reason why the 120 were speaking in ‘tongues’ or languages different regions than that from which they came. Acts 2:5-12; Acts 2:41

4. Peter and John encounter a man about 40 years old who had been lame from birth and who daily was found begging at the temple gate. Peter told him he could not contribute monies but could offer him a healing. By way of the Holy Spirit, Peter instructed the man to stand up and he did. Peter attributed the healing to faith in the name of Jesus and the faith that comes through Jesus. Acts 3:16

5. After being brought before the Jewish court to be interrogated about the healing of the lame man Peter made his testimony stating he would not stop preaching. He then met up with the believers and they prayed for boldness and the heal and perform signs and wonders through Jesus and after they prayed the Holy Spirit showed up! Acts 4:31

What does the Holy Spirit due in chapter 5?

The Believers have come together as a believing community and begin to bring their treasures --- whatever they may be --- to the Apostles for a ‘redistribution’ to anyone in need.

Enter the new age Adam and Eve -- husband and wife team of Ananias and Sapphira. For whatever reason, and there are many speculated and proffered over the millennia, these two conspired to sale their land, hold back some of the monies and take the rest for redistribution. When Ananias appeared before Peter with the funds Peter identified deceit. He knew the funds donated to the apostles was not the complete sum of sale monies. Peter even acknowledged that the property belonged to Ananias and he could do with it as he wanted. He accused Ananias of not just lying to the folks present but to GOD! Upon that statement Ananias died. Hours later, Sapphira appeared and lied to Peter. Peter asked her this question: “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord?...” Acts 5:9 With that question Sapphira died.

Pausing

Do you see the point? If you are a Christian do you discount your lack of honesty or integrity by calling a lie a ‘fib’ a ‘white lie’ a case of ‘alternative facts’ or ‘an omission of information’? Do you try to mitigate your sin by excusing it because ‘everyone does it’? Do you have a form of godliness but your actions do not comport with your profession of godliness? Do you deliberately misrepresent truth to create a more ‘godly’ persona or lesson the effects of your sin upon yourself?

Most of us have done this from time to time. Yet, as Christians as we read the death sentence meted out to this husband and wife by the Holy Spirit should it not give us pause to rethink how ALMIGHTY GOD truly is? It is not a given that if you deliberately sin you are forgiven. In fact, James addresses this point quite adroitly. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” James 4:17 (KJV)

Again, how ALMIGHTY do you understand GOD to be? If HE knows everything you do, what good is it to lie?

NO GOOD DEAD GOES UNPUNISHED

Also in chapter 5 we see the very thing they prayed for in Chapter 4 become a reality. There were healings, signs and wonders, as their ministry. Chapter 5:12-16 shows a continuation of crowds gathering reminiscent of Christ’s ministry. However, though so much good was done and more and more believers were added to the group there were consequences to going against the edict forbidding them to use Jesus’ name.

The Apostles were arrested and thrown in jail. But, did they stay? An angel arrived in the night and told them to go the temple courts in the morning and teach the people. And so they did. This incensed the ruling party all the more.

Once again, the apostles are rounded up and tried! However, Peter and the others responded they were obedient to GOD rather than human beings! They even invoked the Holy Spirit as a witness to Jesus’ resurrection and his exaltation GOD’s right hand as prince and savior. The ruling party was furious at this testimony. But, they were cautioned by one of their own to leave the Apostles alone and let them go. Why? “Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39

The decision was to bring the Apostles in and flog them but release them with the same prohibition to not speak in the name of Jesus.

What did they do? “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.” Acts 5:42 [Emphasis added]

Key Points from chapter 5

1. If you are a Christian and you must make an accounting for something do not lie! In no way subvert the truth. If you do you are only postponing the eventuality because GOD is ALMIGHTY.

2. When testifying for Jesus do so with boldness. Trust that the HOLY SPIRIT will be with you as well.

3. Acquaint yourselves with your responsibilities as a Christian so you too may make the bold statement that you will obey GOD rather than men.

Please read the entire 5^th chapter of Acts. So much there to remind ourselves of who we are as Christians. Also brings us closer to GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT. Of course, pray and ponder what is revealed to you as you read GOD’s Word. †

NOTE: All scriptures quoted are from the New International Version [NIV] unless otherwise noted.

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Acts Chapters 6 & 7 -- Trial and Executionof Stephen

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV)

“There are six things which Jehovah hateth; Yea, seven which are an abomination unto him:

17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood; 18 A heart that deviseth wicked purposes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that uttereth lies, And he that soweth discord among brethren.” Pro 6:16-19 (ASV)

Drawing attention to the plight of Stephen:

What did Stephen do:

“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.” Acts 6:8

How did some respond:

“Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.” Acts 6:9-10

“Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”” v 11

“So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”” v 12-14

What actual evidence did they have?

“All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” v 15

How did Stephen testify?

“All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” Acts 7:1

Stephen delivered a fact-based testimony inclusive of the call to Abraham through the plight of Abraham’s grandsons in Egypt, their delivery from Egypt under Moses, their settling in the promised land, the building of the Temple by Solomon and the obvious statement as to where GOD actually lives – by quoting Isa 66:1-2.

He then concluded with this:

““You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53 you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”” Acts 7:51-53

Conviction, Sentencing and Execution of Stephen:

“When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:54-60

The opening scripture:

Let’s reevaluate the circumstances of Stephen’s arrest, trial, conviction and execution while looking at the statements in Proverbs 6:16-19

16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:

17 Haughty eyes, [the men in the Synagogue of the Freedmen Acts 6:9-10]

a lying tongue, And [Found some men who would lie Acts 6:11]

hands that shed innocent blood; 18 [Acts 7:58-60]

A heart that deviseth wicked purposes, [Acts 6:12-14]

Feet that are swift in running to mischief, 19 [Acts 7:54-58]

A false witness that uttereth lies, And [Acts chapter 6 and 7]

he that soweth discord among brethren.” [Acts 6 and 7]

Pro 6:16-19 (ASV)

Two things occurred:

1. The Holy Spirit through Stephen exposed a den of stiff necked haughty men by evidence of Stephen’s good deeds.

2. Stephen called it correctly in his closing testimony: “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53 you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it”

Lessons learned

From Acts chapter One, we find the Holy Spirit is well manifest in very significant ways. Anointing the obedient disciples of Christ at Pentecost; gifts of the Spirit manifest in full view of thousands as they were attracted to the loud noise that attended the presence of the Holy Spirit; the healing of the lame man; the beginning of the persecution of the ‘The Way’ and its members in court hearing after court hearing; and now the first murder directly related to activities of the Holy Spirit by Stephen, known as the first martyr.

Query:

Where are you with your relationship with the Holy Spirit? Do you believe Holy Spirit is as busy today as in former times? Do you see personal evidence daily in your life? Do you pray for GOD to continue to send Holy Spirit upon the many believers and their collective and individual circumstances – especially as we hear of reports of torture and murder of Christians? You do not ‘always resist the Holy Spirit’, do you?

As we continue our look at Acts of the Apostles, the evidence of Holy Spirit is indisputable and hopefully will rekindle or magnify your own faith and to inspire you through prayer to add incidents of good via GOD’s Holy Spirit. †

NOTE: All scriptures quoted are from the New International Version [NIV] unless otherwise noted.

Bibles Designations

KJV – King James Version

NIV – New International Version

NWT – New World Translation

ASV -- American Standard Version

Acts Chapter 8 – How the Church Grows

EPILOGUE to Stephen’s death:

Chapter 7 concludes as follows. Please note the italicized verse.

^“At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

The epilogue:

“And Saul approved of their killing him.

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him.3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.” Acts 8:1-3 [emphasis added]

This information has a bearing on the Acts of the Apostles going forward. But for Chapter 8 it basically lets you know persecution was ramped up with the bold and faith filled testimony of Stephen. However, one of the things the persecution did was to scatter everyone from Jerusalem except the Apostles.

Chapter 8 records the acts of GOD’s Spirit through Philip

As we familiarize ourselves with the rest of chapter 8, there are notable actions and attitudes recorded that serve as reminders as to what TO DO and NOT to do.

Philip heads to Samaria. This is what GOD’s Spirit accomplished in one city:

1. Release of impure spirits of many

2. Paralysis and lameness was healed in many

3. Encounter with Simon, a sorcerer in the city.

What NOT to do:

In 2 Cor 6:1 this is recorded: “Working together with him, we also urge you not to accept the undeserved kindness of God and miss its purpose.” (NWT) [emphasis added]

“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” 2 Cor 6:1 (KJV)

Philip meets a man named Simon who is regarded in the city as ‘a man rightly called the Great Power of God’. Yet, despite all his magic and sorcery, when the folks believed Philip and his testimony about Jesus they were baptized. Simon too was a ‘believer’ and got ‘baptized’.

Peter and John were dispatched from Jerusalem to Samaria upon hearing of the growth of the church in Samaria. When they arrived, Peter and John prayed for Holy Spirit to bless the new believers. With the laying on of hands from Peter and John the new believers received the Holy Spirit.

Simon, apparently was willing to accept the grace of GOD but was way too interested in the purchase of the Holy Spirit and Apostolic way of laying on of hands of new believers. Read his question and Peter’s response:

“When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”” Acts 8:18-24

Clearly, this is a case of accepting GOD’s grace in vain…or more to the point, accepting grace but missing its purpose! This is an obvious case of what NOT TO DO!

What to do:

So, Philip is directed to move on by an angel of GOD. He headed south to Gaza. The following is the account of what TO DO!

“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” Acts 8:26-31 [emphasis added]

This man was a high-ranking official. In our day, the parlance he would be a CFO [Chief Financial Officer]. Though he held such ranking he manifested a very humble demeanor when he acknowledged he did not understand what he was reading. Beseeching further ‘unless someone explains it to me.’ Blessed indeed is he for GOD put him together with the very one who could explain it to him!

The part of Isaiah the CFO was reading Isaiah 53:7,8. He then further indicated what TO DO.

“The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” [37] 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.” Acts 8:34-39

The CFO then gets the ‘understanding’ the scripture he read was about Jesus. He heard the gospel from Philip. He then got baptized in water and REJOICED!

Continuing acts of GOD’s Spirit

Again, as we started this series we have learned the many acts of the Holy Spirit. As a result, the church continues to grow here and there in cities and along the highways of the many who preached.

As we learn GOD’s desires for ourselves, do we do so with humility or with a view of personal gain? Do NOT accept GOD’s grace and MISS ITS PURPOSE. √

Next chapter we again visit the man mentioned in Chapter 7, Saul.

NOTE: All scriptures quoted are from the New International Version [NIV] unless otherwise noted.

Bibles Designations

KJV – King James Version

NIV – New International Version

NWT – New World Translation

ASV -- American Standard Version