Sermons From Acts - The Conversion Of The Samaritans (8:1-13)

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                          "THE BOOK OF ACTS"

               The Conversion Of The Samaritans (8:4-13)

INTRODUCTION

1. We have seen that preaching the gospel was not without controversy...
   a. Some took issue with the message of Christ's resurrection - Ac
      4:1-3
   b. Persecution became progressively worse - Ac 4:21; 5:40; 7:54-60
   c. Stephen's death led to the dispersal of many Christians from
      Jerusalem - Ac 8:1-3

2. But as Christians were scattered abroad, so was the gospel...!
   a. Christians went everywhere, "preaching the word" - Ac 8:4
   b. Among them was Philip, one of the seven selected in chapter six
      - Ac 6:5; 8:5
   c. His evangelistic efforts involved the Samaritans and the Ethiopian
      eunuch - Ac 8:4-40

[In this study, we shall examine "The Conversion Of The Samaritans". 
They were the offspring of inter-marriages at the time of Assyrian
captivity (2Ki 17:24-41) and disdained by most Jews (Jn 4:9)...]

I. THE MINISTRY OF PHILIP AT SAMARIA

   A. THEY HEEDED PHILIP...
      1. He preached Christ to them - Ac 8:5
      2. They heeded the things he spoke - Ac 8:6
      3. Having heard and seen the miracles which he did - Ac 8:6
      4. Such as casting out unclean spirits, healing the paralyzed and
         lame - Ac 8:7
      5. Leading to great joy in the city - Ac 8:8

   B. THEY FORMERLY HEEDED SIMON...
      1. A sorcerer, who had astonished the people, claiming to be great
         - Ac 8:9
      2. Of whom all had said, "This man is the great power of God - Ac
         8:10
      3. Astonishing them with his sorceries for a long time - Ac 8:11
   
   C. THEY THEN BELIEVED PHILIP...
      1. As he preached the kingdom of God and the name of Christ - Ac
         8:12 
      2. They believed and were baptized, both men and women - Ac 8:12
      3. Even Simon also believed and was baptized - Ac 8:13
      4. Who continued with Philip, amazed at the miracles and signs he
         did - Ac 8:13

[This is the first gospel preaching to those not fully Jews.  Let's
therefore take a closer look at...]

II. THE CONVERSION OF THE SAMARITANS

   A. THE SAMARITANS...
      1. The gospel message preached by Philip
         a. We are told that he preached "Christ" - Ac 8:5
            1) This undoubtedly included Christ's death, resurrection
            2) The same things Peter preached about Christ in chapters
               2 and 3
         b. We are told that he preached "the things concerning the
            kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ" - Ac 8:12
            1) What things concerning "the kingdom of God"?
               a) John, Jesus, and the apostles had earlier taught the
                  kingdom was "at hand" - cf. Mt 3:1; 4:17; 10:7
               b) Later, Paul and John wrote of the kingdom as present
                  - Col 1:13; Re 1:9
               c) The expression "kingdom of God" literally means the
                  "reign of God"
               d) It is likely that Philip spoke of the rule and reign
                  of God now present in the Person of His Son Jesus 
                  Christ - cf. Mt 28:18; Ac 2:36; 5:31
            2) What things concerning "the name of Jesus Christ"?
               a) Likely that repentance and remission of sins were now
                  being proclaimed in His name - Lk 24:47
               b) It clearly included what Jesus commanded - Mk 16:15-16
      2. The response of the Samaritans
         a. They "heeded the things spoken by Philip"; this implies
            obedience - Ac 8:6; cf. He 5:9
         b. They "believed" and "were baptized" - Ac 8:12
         c. Like Peter, Philip faithfully fulfilled the Lord's great
            commission - Mk 16:15-16
         d. Heeding the things spoken by Philip therefore included
            baptism - cf. Ac 2:38; 22:16

   B. SIMON THE SORCERER...
      1. Was Simon truly converted?
         a. Many deny that he was, because of what happened afterward
         b. But Luke (inspired by the Holy Spirit) says Simon "also
            believed" - Ac 8:13
         c. Simon believed just as the others did
         d. Therefore his faith was as real as the rest of the
            Samaritans
         e. While there may be fanciful traditions concerning Simon
            outside of the Bible, the indication of Scripture is that his
            conversion was real
      2. Simon is an example of how fallen Christians can be restored
         a. He was later told to "repent" and "pray" - Ac 8:22
         b. When a Christian sins, therefore, he needs not to be
            baptized again, but to repent and pray, confessing his sins 
            - cf. 1Jn 1:9
         c. Simon reveals how quickly Christians can be overtaken in
            sin, but also how they can obtain forgiveness and be 
            restored!

CONCLUSION

1. The conversion of the Samaritans (including Simon) is simple and
   straightforward...
   a. When Christ is preached and heeded - Ac 8:5-6
   b. People will believe and be baptized - Ac 8:12-13

2. Their conversion is as simple and direct as the commission under
   which Philip preached...
   a. Jesus commanded His apostles to preach faith and baptism - Mk
      16:15-16
   b. Philip fulfilled that great commission regarding the Samaritans 
      - Ac 8:12-13

How about you?  Have you believed and been baptized?  If so but you then
strayed from the faith, have you repented and prayed like Peter later
told Simon to do?  

In either case, do not delay to "heed" the commands of the gospel...!
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