The Martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 6:8–7:60) and the subsequent persecution of the Church led by Saul (Acts 8:1–4) set the stage for the proclamation of the resurrected Christ in Samaria (Acts 8:5).
Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-13) believed the message of the resurrected Christ (Acts 8:9–13). Simon practiced sorcery, engaging in religious superstitious awe (Acts 8:9), which is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:20) and involves false religions (Revelation 18:23). He claimed to be someone great (Acts 8:9), and the whole city gave heed to him, saying he was the power of God, the one called great (Acts 8:10). He had astonished them with his magic for a long time (Acts 8:11), but Philip evangelized the things concerning the kingdom of God (Acts 8:12), and Simon believed and continued with Philip (Acts 8:13).
The Apostles were sent to Samaria (Acts 8:14–25) after hearing that the Samaritans had accepted the Word of God; they sent Peter and John (Acts 8:14), who worshipped concerning them, praying that they would receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:15). They had only been immersed in the name of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon them (Acts 8:16), so the Apostles laid hands on them so that they would receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17).
Simon offered money for the ability to give the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18–24), bringing an offering of money to Peter and John (Acts 8:18) because he wanted the authority to give the Holy Spirit in this manner (Acts 8:19). Peter rebuked Simon (Acts 8:20–23), stating that his money would perish with him for thinking the gift of God could be purchased with money (Acts 8:20). Simon had no part or portion in this Word because his heart was not right in the sight of God (Acts 8:21). Peter instructed Simon to change his mind (Acts 8:22), not merely to feel remorse for sin but to change his mind from this wrong and supplicate that God would remove the thoughts of his heart. Simon was bound with the gall of bitterness and unrighteousness (Acts 8:23). Bitterness is characterized by deep-seated resentment, anger, or cynicism resulting from perceived wrongs, disappointments, or injustices, manifesting as a persistent and negative emotional state that often leads to grudges, hostility, and an inability to move past offenses. Unrighteousness includes determinations of the mind along with sinful actions, encompassing any action, thought, or attitude that contradicts the principles of righteousness. Simon requested that Peter supplicate for him so that none of these things would come upon him (Acts 8:24).
The Apostles preached the Word of God throughout the cities of Samaria on their way back to Jerusalem (Acts 8:25). Philip the Evangelist (Acts 8:26–40) was sent to the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26–38) by the Lord, who instructed him to go down from Jerusalem to Gaza (Acts 8:26). An Ethiopian court official of Candace was traveling (Acts 8:27), a proselyte who was reading Isaiah (Acts 8:27–28). Philip was instructed to go over to his chariot (Acts 8:29) and asked the eunuch if he understood what he was reading (Acts 8:30). The eunuch needed someone to explain it to him (Acts 8:31–33); he was reading Isaiah 53:7, which speaks of being stricken for Israel's transgression (Isaiah 53:8), His death (Isaiah 53:9), His soul being made an offering for guilt and bearing our sins (Isaiah 53:10, 12), and bearing our perversity (Isaiah 53:11). God raised Him from the dead three days later (Psalm 16:10). The eunuch asked who the prophet was writing about (Acts 8:34), and Philip explained the good news about Jesus, beginning from this Scripture (Acts 8:35). The eunuch was baptized (Acts 8:36–38), and Philip was sent to Azotus (Acts 8:39–40).
The Conversion of Paul (Acts 9:1–19) occurred as Saul traveled to Damascus to further persecute the Church (Acts 9:1–2), intending to destroy the Church (Acts 9:1). He received letters from the high priest, giving him authority to bind any who followed the Way (Acts 9:2). Jesus directly spoke with Paul (Acts 9:3–6); as Saul traveled to Damascus, a bright light shone around him (Acts 9:3), causing him to fall to the ground as he heard a voice (Acts 9:4). When he inquired who was speaking, Jesus stated that it was Him (Acts 9:5) and instructed Saul to go into Damascus and wait (Acts 9:6). The men with Saul heard a sound but saw no one (Acts 9:7), and when Saul rose from the ground, he was blind (Acts 9:8). Saul did not eat or drink for three days (Acts 9:9).
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