Saul and Philip, the Evangelist, Acts 8:1-25

This post concerns how Saul and Philip, the Evangelist, reacted upon Stephen’s stoning.

Saul and Philip, the Evangelist, discusses the aftermath of Stephen’s death, Acts 8:1. “…Saul approved of his execution…there arose on that day a great persecution… they were…scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.”

Then, after the stoning, Saul vigorously took part in persecution.

Philip, the evangelist, not the apostle, did miracles and preached Christ to the Samaritans. (He had been given the gift of the Spirit by the apostles and could do miracles as proof that he spoke from God.)

Before Philip arrived, a sorcerer, Simon, used tricks of magic to cause the people to praise him, Acts 8:10. If anyone could recognize whether Philip’s miracles were real and not just a magic trick, Simon could. Instead, both Simon and the Samaritans became Christians. Acts 8:12-13. “…when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after…baptized…continued with Philip… seeing signs and great miracles…”

When the Jerusalem church heard about Philip’s miracles and the baptism of not full-blooded Jews, they accepted the results, Acts 8:14-17. “…they sent to them Peter and John, who …prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit…he had not yet a fallen on any of them, but they… baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus…they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.”

This action teaches that the passing on of the gift of the Holy Spirit occurs only when the apostles intentionally lay their hands on baptized believers.

Simon offered money to attain this ability. Peter said, “no.” Simon had no part in the giving of the Holy Spirit. He needed repentance and prayer for forgiveness.

Clearly, this teaches that when baptized believers sin, repentance and prayer provide forgiveness.

This important chapter provides valuable lessons.

1.The gift of the Holy Spirit comes only by the laying on of hands of the apostles.

2.Samaritans, although not full-blooded Jews, became members.

3.Christians need to repent and pray for forgiveness of any sins incurred after baptism.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

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