Conversion of the Samaritans, Acts 8:5-25

This post concerns the conversion of the Samaritans.

Conversion of the Samaritans discusses their origin and then conversion to Christ.

The Samaritans descended from a mixed group of foreign people and former Jews formed when the Babylonians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. They did not accept Jerusalem as the chief site of worship. Instead, they worshipped on Mount Gerizim. They accepted the first five books of the Old Testament, but not the prophets. This was a mixed religion comprising part of what God had revealed and commanded and part of their own ideas.

In general, the Jews would have no dealings with these people. However, Phillip went to them, performed miracles to prove he was from God, and preached Jesus, Acts 8:5. “Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.”

Previously, they had idolized Simon, a sorcerer, Acts 8:11-12. “And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they … baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after … baptized, he continued with Philip.”

Thus, Philip taught these people the gospel, converted them, and baptized them so they became New Testament Christians.

Today, there are many religious groups or churches teaching part of the truth about Christianity but neglecting the necessity of baptism for the remission of sins, Acts 2:38. “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…”

Let us follow the examples in the New Testament and believe, repent, and … baptized. Then our sins remitted, we will belong to the saved people.

So, what did we learn?

1.The Samaritans, a people who partly followed God’s law, were taught and baptized for the remission of their sins.

2.Religious people today should obey all of God’s requirements for salvation.

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