The Pilgrim Path---Acts 8: 1 – 25

Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord pain attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, carrying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.

But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 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 the good news of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed , and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the LORD Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your sliver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!” You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the LORD that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the LORD, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the LORD, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

“…the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ”

---Persecution pushed the Believers out of Jerusalem---and they carried the Gospel to many cities and villages.

---Preaching and the performance of many miracles occurred: Deacon Philip was a leader in the advance of the Gospel. He was truly full of the Spirit and wisdom (we pray for such “slaves of the God-Man” to bless the Church and world).

---People seem to be transformed on the outside---who have never been changed on the inside: Simon the Magician is the example of such a man. He gave mental assent to the message of the Gospel. He was baptized. Yet, he thought you could purchase the power of the Holy Spirit (giving rise to the term simony: buying or selling church office or functions, privileges, etc.).

---Peter the Apostle must correct Simon (verses 20 – 23). Simon needs to repent. It is not that Simon has lost his salvation: Simon was never converted. He desperately needs to consider his need before the Holy God of heaven---he must run to the Savior Jesus the LORD!

---People mattered to these Followers of Jesus Christ---even Samaritans. And remember, the Jews typically thought Samaritans as “religious half-breeds.” If they wanted to insult someone---they called them a, “Samaritan.” Now---they are taking the good news of Jesus Christ to Samaritan villages. They even want people they had previously “hated” ----to know the love of God in Jesus Christ the LORD. The Gospel broke down the barriers. The Gospel enabled them to see people differently. The Gospel gave them the power to love all people.

From Simon Kistemaker: Peter is actually quoting from Psalm 78: 37, where the psalmist records the unfaithfulness of the rebellious Israelites who perished in the desert. Peter looks at the well-spring of Simon’s life and knows that spiritually Simon is serving not God but himself. There is only one way to effect a change in this condition and that is to repent. By implication, Simon’s earlier confession of faith and subsequent baptism (v. 13) are meaningless because of this unrepentant heart.

The Heidelberg Catechism, Question 21---“What is true faith?”

True faith is not only a knowledge and conviction that everything God reveals in his Word is true; it is also a deep-rooted assurance created in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel that, out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ, not only others, but I too, have had my sins forgiven, have been made forever right with God, and have been granted salvation.

From Charles Haddon Spurgeon: Fish sometimes leap out of the water with great energy, but it would be foolish to conclude that they have left the liquid element forever; in a moment they are swimming again as if they have never forsaken the stream; indeed, it was but a fly that tempted them aloft, or a sudden freak: the water is still their home, sweet home. When we see long accustomed sinners making a sudden leap at religion, we may not make too sure that they are converts; perhaps some gain allures them, or sudden excitement stirs them, and if so, they will be back again at their old sins. Let us hope well but let us not commend too soon.

From Samuel Rutherford: I urge upon you…a nearer communion with Christ and a growing communion. There are curtains to be drawn by in Christ that we never saw, and new foldings of love in him. I despair that ever I shall win to the far end of that love, there are so many plies in it; therefore, dig deep, and sweat, and labor, and take pains for him, and set by so much time in the day for him as you can: he will be won with labor.

HYMN

Father, I know that all my life is portioned out for me;

The changes that are sure to come, I do not fear to see:

I ask thee for a present mind, intent on pleasing thee.

I would not have the restless will that hurries to and for,

Seeking for some great thing to do, or secret thing to know;

I would be treated as a child and guided where I go.

In service which thy will appoints there are no bonds for me;

My secret heart is taught the truth that makes thy children free;

A life of self-renouncing-love is one of liberty.

Anna L. Waring, 1850

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason