Morning Message: Saul's Extended Ministry

Bobservations Column
Titled - "Saul's Ministry Expanded"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The Lord expands Saul’s outreach, in spite of Saul seeking to raise havoc with more distant members of the Church. He requests letters of introduction into the City of Damascus. What he is finding is that there are fewer and fewer Christians in the land of Israel. Many fled out of their homeland, and found fresh, untouched mission fields where the Gospel could spread freely.

Now, the City of Damascus was northeast of Jerusalem, well up into Syria, almost 100 miles as the crow flies. It would have been quite a trip, but Saul must have heard that many Christians had gone in that direction. And it was on that Road to Damascus that Saul was stopped in his tracks; a great light shone down upon him; all his traveling companions heard a voice, but only Saul was privy to the words spoken to him alone.

My middle grandson heard from a young gal, who told him that she heard from the Holy Spirit that they were to be together. His response to her was, “Why would God tell you, and not tell me as well?

God can speak to individuals clearly, but it takes “ears to hear,” to know that it is actually God speaking. That’s discernment. And in Saul’s case, when he asked who it was that was speaking to him, the Lord said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutes…” It must have been unnerving to Saul!

Jesus was executed very publicly, and Saul had been chasing down His followers all over the land, and Jesus’ voice came directly to him. Astonished, Saul the Pharisee, who believed in the Spiritual Realm, must have been undone. “What would you have me do, Lord?”

The first steps that Saul took, he took in blind faith, literally, as his ministry expended into preaching about Jesus. It was a 180-degree change for him. Saul’s companions led him into Damascus, where he remained sightless for three days, and was told to go search for a Disciple named Ananias, on a certain street. The Lord our God can redirect, and He protects. When He speaks to us directly, we are being called into His service for something, He shall provide all we need, according to His riches in glory!

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Acts 9:1-25 - "Saul's Extended Ministry"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

I would say that the conversion of Saul is perhaps one of the miraculous stories of human history.  Outside of the work of our triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I don't know of any greater influence in the church.

Saul, whose name becomes Paul, is the author of most of the New Testament books, thirteen to be exact.  He is the inspired author of the New Testament books that shape all our theology, and all of our understanding of the gospel.

It appears his conversion is so important in God's scheme of things, that it occupies much of the book of Acts. 

Saul's conversion in Acts 9:1–25 describes how a violent persecutor of the early church encounters the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus and is transformed into a bold preacher of the faith.

The conversion of this man was the pivot on which the future of the church turned, and it was fitting that because of the massive importance of his conversion that it be a unique conversion because he was such a unique individual: by birth, a Jew; by conviction, a Pharisee; by citizenship, a Roman; by education, a Greek; and then by grace, a Christian. He became a missionary, a theologian, an evangelist, a pastor, a teacher, a preacher, an organizer, a leader, a thinker, a statesman, a fighter, and a lover, all at the same time. It would be hard to imagine that there has been another one like him. 

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  Coming Soon!

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Saul (9:1) - The apostle Paul was originally named Saul, after the first king of Israel. He was born a Jew, studied in Jerusalem under Gamaliel (22:3), and became a Pharisee (23:6). He was also a Roman citizen, a right he inherited from his father (22:8). Verses 1-19 record the external facts of his conversion (see also 22:1-22; 26:9-20). Philippians 3:1-14 records the internal spiritual conversion.

Breathing Threats and Murder (9:1) - Saul was bloodthirsty as Chapter 8 began, and nothing has changed in his demeanor with this new chapter, as Luke notes that he was “still breathing threats and murder.” The very breath that he inhaled animated him into a ravaging animal “against the disciples of the Lord.”

Damascus (9:2) - Damascus is considered the most ancient city in the world. At the time of Paul, many Jews lived there, and Josephus notes that at the time of Emperor Nero, a full ten thousand Jews were slaughtered there, showing how great the number was. Damascus is not the capital of Syria. It is located sixty miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea and about 160 miles northeast of Jerusalem.

Who Were of the Way (9:2) - This description of Christianity, derived from Jesus' description of Himself (John 14:6), appears several times in Acts (19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). This is an appropriate title because Christianity is the way of God (18:26), the way into the Holy Place (Hebrews 10:19, 20), and the way of truth (John 14:6; 2 Peter 2:2).

A Light . . . From Heaven (9:3) - The appearance of Jesus Christ in glory (crf. 22:6; 26:13), visible only to Saul (26:9). The magnificence of the light outshined the radiance of the sun. With this ultra-intense display of the glory of the Lord now stated, the narrative will continue in the verses ahead.

Saul, Saul (9:4) - The Lord is making a personal, emphatic, and targeted call to Saul. It is personal by calling him by name. It is emphatic because he calls it twice. And it is targeted because of the accusation leveled at him, “Why do you persecute Me?”

Why are you Persecuting Me (9:4) - An inseparable union exists between Christ and His followers. Saul's persecution represented a direct attack on Christ (cf. Matthew 8:5, 6). The One, as yet unknown to Saul, directly accuses him of persecution, and He indicates that it is a persecution against His own being. He does not say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting My people?” Rather, he says, “Me.” If thought through, it is another clear indication of eternal salvation. The people of the Lord are “in” the Lord. An attack against them is an attack against Him. And alignment with Him brings the believer into union with Him in a permanent covenantal relationship.

Goads (9:5) - Here, the word translated as “goads,” kentron, is introduced. It is from kenteo (to prick) and thus it signifies “center,” as in the sharp part of a sting, a thorn, a sharp weapon, and so on. It is used in reference to the sting of bees, scorpions, and so on (see Revelation 9:10). It is also used figuratively as something that stings in the emotions, as in “the sting of death” referred to by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:55. Jesus’ words certainly came from a proverbial expression of the time. It is seen in various ancient Greek writings. The meaning for Paul is that he is acting like a dumb ox that kicks against the goads that are intended to prod him along. Instead of responding positively, he kicks back into the goad itself. A common saying that gives a similar sense is, “You’re only hurting yourself.”

Hearing a Voice (9:7) - A literal rendering of the Greek is, “hearing indeed the voice but seeing no one.” This is a verse that naysayers and those who attack the Bible will point to when claiming there are contradictions in Scripture. The reason for this is that it says later in Acts – “And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me.” Acts 22:9 The supposed contradiction is eliminated through understanding the intent of what has been said. The same word, akouó, is used in both passages. It means physically hearing, but it also means to understand.

Ananias (9:10) - One of the leaders of the Damascus church and, therefore, one of Saul's targets (cf. 22:12). Ananias has been selected for the specific purpose of being a reliable testimony to the Lord’s having chosen Saul (Paul) for his apostolic ministry.

1. Ananias is a resident of Damascus, the city targeted by Paul.
2. Ananias is a disciple of Jesus, the specific group targeted by Paul.
3. Ananias is a devout man, meaning his testimony is known to be reliable.
4. Ananias is not an apostle. As such, this fact will add unique credence to Paul’s ministry. Paul’s apostolic doctrine came not from one of the apostles (Galatians 1:17), but directly from the Lord. Further, his calling is from the Lord, but the message is transmitted by a regular disciple.

Street Called Straight (9:11) - This street, which runs through Damascus from the east gate to the west, still exists and is called Darbel-Mustaqim. The street called Straight is still in Damascus today. Damascus was redesigned during the Greek period by a man named Hippodamus, giving it a grid structure. The street called Straight was 1,500 meters long, extending across the city. It is the longest of the streets on this grid. There is the Mariamite Cathedral of Damascus on Straight Street which was built in the 2nd century. Since then, it has been rebuilt multiple times, and it presently is known as the seat of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. It is to this street that Ananias is directed to go “and inquire at the house of Judas.”

Tarsus (9:11) - Tarsus is the birthplace of Paul and a key city in the Roman province of Cilicia, located on the banks of the Cydnus River near the border of Asia Minor and Syria. Identifying him as Saul of Tarsus is to pinpoint him distinctly from others named Saul. And more, it is also to inform the reader that he is a Jew that was a part of the dispersion. Thus, he would be familiar with the way Gentiles lived. He would also more than likely speak several languages and dialects (see 1 821 Corinthians 14:18).

Chosen Vessel (9:15) - The Greek literally says, “he is a choice vessel to Me.” Jesus looked beyond Saul’s current state and saw the value in him. Calling Saul a vessel is a Hebraism that is used in various ways in the Old Testament. There was perfect continuity between Paul's salvation and his service; God chose him to convey His grace to all people (Galatians 1:1; cf. 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11). Paul used this same word four times (Romans 9:21, 23; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Timothy 2:21).

Bear My Name (9:15) - The meaning is that Saul would be an ambassador of Christ Jesus, a function where a person bears the name – meaning one to communicate the intent and words – of the one who sends him. Saul twice specifically states that he is an ambassador of the Lord. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, he cites it in connection with the other apostles, saying, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” Also, in Ephesians 6:20, he says, “for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” As you can see, in both of those instances, the idea of bearing the name of Jesus is evident. The apostle spoke on behalf of the Lord, conveying His intents and purposes for those they encountered. In Saul’s case, that was to include writing out epistles on behalf of the Lord. Jesus next notes that Saul’s authority extended to representing Him “before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.”

Before Gentiles, Kings, and the Children of Israel (9:15) - Paul began his ministry preaching to Jews, but his primary calling was to Gentiles. God also called him to minister to kings such as Agrippa and likely Caesar.

Be Filled With the Holy Spirit (9:17) - The Spirit had already been active in Paul's life: convicting him of sin (John 16:9), convincing him of the lordship of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:3), transforming him (Titus 3:5), and indwelling him permanently (1 Corinthians 12:13). He was then filled with the Spirit and empowered for service. Saul received the Spirit without any apostles present because he was a Jew (the inclusion of Jews in the church had already been established at Pentecost) and because he was an apostle in his own right because Christ personally chose him and commissioned him for service (Romans 1:1).

He is the Son of God (9:20) - The content of Paul's message was the Jesus Christ is God.

After Many Days Were Past (9:23) - A period of three years in which he ministered in Nabatean Arabia, an area encompassing Damascus south to the Sinai peninsula.

Gates (9:24) - Damascus was a walled city, thus the gates were the only conventional means of escape.

Morning Message: The Eunuch of Ethiopia

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "The Eunuch of Ethiopia"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Back in Jerusalem again with Peter and John, Philip heard a word from the angel of the Lord. Philip obeyed, and headed for the road to Gaza. It is a main trade route following the coast line all the way to Egypt. Once on the road, Philip meets a man of the Court of the Queen of the Ethiopia. He is a eunuch, faithful and devoted to doing the Queen’s business. Such servants were often made eunuchs so that no desires of intimacy would interfere with their Master’s or Mistress’s business and household needs.

He had traveled to Jerusalem to worship, and while returning home, Philip came upon him as he was sitting in his chariot, reading the Book of Isaiah. An Ethiopian reading Isaiah? It seemed odd for the time, but in their conversation, Philips asks him if he understands what he is reading, which was Isaiah 53: 7,8. The Ethiopian wanted to know to whom the passage referred. Philip was not going to miss such an important opportunity!

This is a story for today! With all the gender reassignment and transgenderism in our culture, a man physically mutilated into a genderless and sex-less life, finds new purpose, and eternal life by following Jesus Christ.

With the eunuch’s question, Philip obliged him, and shared Jesus with the man. As they traveled together, the two came to a body of water. The eunuch asked if he could be baptized. Philip’s response was appropriate and correct - “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.” And after having listened to Philip’s story of Jesus’ life, and power, and sacrifice, the eunuch said,

“I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

The chariot driver was ordered to stop, and the two went down into the water, where Philip baptized him. At the testimony of Philip, this eunuch became a man of Christ, a follower of Jesus Christ.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” - Romans 12:2

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Acts 8:25-40 - "The Eunuch of Ethiopia"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Last week we looked at Acts 8:1-24 and saw the outbreak of severe persecution of the church in Jerusalem following the martyrdom of Stephen. Saul was a major figure in this persecution and was even going house to house to find believers and drag them off to jail. In Acts 22:4 he even said that he had persecuted them to death. The result was that believers fled from Jerusalem into the regions of Judea and Samaria. The goal of the persecution was to destroy the church, but the actual effect was to spread and expand the church for, as verse 4 states, “those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.”

We also saw last week the role that Philip had in taking the gospel to the Samaritans. Remember that Philip was one of the Seven chosen in Acts 6 because he was of good reputation and full of the Spirit and wisdom. He preached Jesus Christ to the Samaritans despite the traditional animosity that existed between the Jews and them. The Samaritans were the descendants of the remnant of Jews that had intermarried with the gentiles brought to the land by Assyria after they had conquered Israel. By the time of Jesus they had developed a perverted form of worship of the true God, yet even with their errors, they were looking for the promised Messiah. When Philip explained Jesus to them and accompanied his preaching with miracles of healing and casting out demons, many believed and were baptized.

When Peter and John came, they prayed and imparted the Holy Spirit to the Samaritans. The apostles were first hand witnesses that the Samaritans had truly become disciples of Jesus, and the Samaritans saw they were only a part of something bigger and no longer could cling to their independent religion. The division that had existed between the Jews and Samaritans was closed by their common faith in Jesus Christ.

We also saw last week the false faith of Simon the Magician. Tragically, profession and reality can often be very different from each other. Simon’s interest was being able to have the power that Philip, Peter and John had, not in actually himself being a true disciple of Jesus Christ. He was more interested in his own glory than that of God. Peter rebuked him and called him to repent, and though Simon asked Peter to pray for him, there is no indication that Simon did repent. Church history attributes the origin of a heretical theological system to Simon.

Both external persecution and the internal threat of heresy failed in their purpose. The church continued to grow.

This week we are in Acts 8:25-40, and we see the gospel extended to an Ethiopian and to the coastal cities while at the same time we find a sharp contrast between a true seeker of God and the false profession of Simon.  This Ethiopian, by the way, is the first Gentile reached with the gospel. 

Persecution failed its purpose. It did not destroy the church. Instead, the believers spread out over the regions of Samaria and Judea proclaiming the gospel to everyone. Luke cites Philip as a key figure in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to the Samaritans, then to an Ethiopian eunuch who believed and was baptized, then to the coast cities of Judea. We can trust God to fulfill His purposes regardless of what efforts man may make to try to stop them. In the chapter ahead, we will find out that God can even change the hearts of persecutors so that they also become proclaimers.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Testified (8:25) - The word used, diamarturomai, is stronger than simply testifying. It is the giving of full and clear testimony. HELPS Word Studies says it “is always in the Greek middle voice which emphasizes witnessing done with a high level of self-involvement, i.e., with strong personal interest motivating it.” Hence, it may be more suitably translated “having earnestly testified.”

Preached (8:25) - "to say" or "to speak" - They earnestly testified and spoke the word of the Lord.

Gaza (8:26) - One of the five chief cities of the Philistines. The original city was destroyed in the first century B.C. and a new city was built near the coast. Gaza, or Azzah, means “Strong,” or “Strong Place.” It was granted to Israel as a part of their inheritance when the borders were originally defined in Numbers 34. It was then assigned to Judah in Joshua 15:47.

Ethiopia (8:27) - “The name for the lands lying south of Egypt, including the modern Nubia, Cordofan, and Northern Abyssinia. Rawlinson speaks of subjects of the Ethiopian queens living on an island near Mero, in the northern part of this district. He further remarks: The monuments prove beyond all question that the Ethiopians borrowed from Egypt their religion and their habits of civilization. They even adopted the Egyptian as the language of religion and of the court, which it continued to be till the power of the Pharaohs had fallen, and their dominion was again confined to the frontier of Ethiopia. It was through Egypt, too, that Christianity passed into Ethiopia, even in the age of the apostles, as is shown by the eunuch of Queen Candace.

Eunuch (8:27) - This can refer to one who had been emasculated, or generally, to a government official. It is likely he was both since Luke refers to him as a eunuch and as one who held a position of authority in the queen's court - that of treasurer, much like a minister of finance or secretary of the treasury. As a physical eunuch, he would have been denied access to the temple (Deuteronomy 23:1) and the opportunity to become a full proselyte to Judaism.

Candace (8:27) - Rather than a name, this is a title used only here in the Bible, Kandaké. Like the term Pharaoh, it is a term used as the dynastic title for the queens of Ethiopia. As such, the person now being described is a high-level official and a eunuch assigned under her. Next, the term Kandaké is explained with the words, “the queen of the Ethiopians.” This man, who is a eunuch under Candace is the one “who had charge of all her treasury.”

Reading Isaiah (8:28) - The common way to read was out loud, and this is what would have made the coming events possible. What is most probable is that he was reading the Greek translation of Isaiah, the LXX, or Septuagint. Greek was the lingua franca at the time and would surely have been known to someone in the courts of Candace. He seems to know the importance of seeking God through the Scripture (Luke 24:25-27; John 5:39, 46; Romans 10:10-15).

The place . . . He Read (8:32, 33) - He is specifically reading Isaiah 53:7, 8. The word translated as “place” is only found here in the Bible, perioché. It signifies the contents of a passage. Today, we might say, “the chapter of Isaiah,” or something similar. This allows us to know the section, portion, or particular area that is specifically set apart in one way or another.

Led as a Sheep to the Slaughter . . . Lamb Dumb Before his Shearer (8:32) - "led as sheep . . ." signify willing compliance and even innocence as if it is the right thing to do. "Lamb Dumb . . ." indicate the calm nature of the lamb. It will not resist the master’s manipulation of its body as its hair is cut away. Likewise, Christ did not resist as He was mocked, beaten, scourged, and crucified. He willingly submitted Himself to those appointed over Him and to the will of the Father who had sent Him.

Humiliation . . . Judgment (8:33) - Isaiah 53:8 is speaking of the coming Messiah. Equivalent to the idea of His imprisonment. It is in this state of humiliation and being bound and oppressed that He was also denied justice. In studying the events of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, it is clear that a large number of actions occurred that were contrary to the law. Volumes have been written about this demonstrating the completely unfair trial that Christ Jesus faced.

Of Whom Does the Prophet Say (8:34) - His confusion was understandable. Even the Jewish religious experts were divided on the meaning of this passage. Some believed the slaughtered sheep represented Israel; others thought Isaiah was referring to himself, and others thought the Messiah was Isaiah's subject.

Preached Jesus (8:35) - The Ethiopian eunuch has been reading prophecy. As such, Philip began with prophecy. The eunuch was reading Isaiah. As such, Philip began with Isaiah. The words of Isaiah were about the Suffering Servant. As such, Philip began with this depiction. By beginning with this and building upon it, Luke next records that Philip “preached Jesus to him.” The word is the same one, euaggelizó, already seen three times in this chapter (8:4, 12, & 25). It means “to announce good news.” The Ethiopian eunuch is hearing the good news of Jesus Christ. Philip has obeyed his calling, he has been attentive to the duties associated with it, and a person who was once far off is being drawn near through the preaching of the good news. The results of this will be seen as the narrative continues.

Caught Philip Away (8:39) - Literally snatched away in a miraculous fashion. Here, the word harpazó is used. It signifies to seize, snatch, catch away, and so on. It is a forceful action of removal. Rather, he was snatched away by an external force, meaning the Spirit. As incredible as this sounds, it is not without precedent. It happened in the Old Testament, such as in the taking away of Enoch in Genesis 5, and which is explained in Hebrews 11:5. Elijah was also taken bodily to heaven in a chariot of fire and a whirlwind in 2 Kings 2:11. Ezekiel was taken in the spirit to another location in Ezekiel 3, but that could simply be a vision and not a physical transportation. In the New Testament, the word harpazó is used fourteen times. Each time it is used with a clear reference to a physical removal, even if it is stopping such a physical removal (such as in John 10:28). It is used of Paul being caught up to the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2 & 4. Admittedly, Paul says there, “whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know.” Even if it was out of the body, there was a removal from one place to another that was not accomplished by the one being transported. If it was in the body (of which he was not sure), then a physical transport would have taken place. The word is also used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 when speaking of the saints being “caught up” together with the dead in Christ at the rapture.

Azotus (8:40) - The first-century name for the ancient Philistine city of Ashdod, located twenty miles north of Gaza. This was a distance of about thirty miles from where he was, and nothing is said of him anywhere else. He was on the desert road to Gaza, and then he was found at Azotus.

Morning Message: The Safety of Samaria

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "The Safety of Samaria"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

After Stephen had been put to death, some believers were scattered, and the Church began to spread. Some scattered out of fear of Saul’s growing persecution, but others took it as an opportunity to share the Gospel with those in nearby cities. The Chief Persecutor seems to be Saul, but in how many places could he be at one time.

Of interest is that the Jews had cause to not venture into Samaria, but Philip decided that was the perfect place to avoid the Jewish persecution, especially because Saul the Pharisee would never consider crossing into that land. Philip, with the boldness of the Holy Spirit went to the City of Samaria also known as Sebaste, the apparent Capitol City of the territory. His ministry to the Samaritans was successful, as there were many new converts to the Lord Jesus Christ.

You may remember that Jesus went there and met a woman at the Well of Jacob (John 4). The idolatry of Samaria left the people ripe for the Gospel, a faith of substance! This is a truth about idolatry, that one just goes through the motions of worship, without ever touching holiness, and never being introduced to God on a personal level. Jesus’ reputation had spread far and wide as He preached the Word and healed so many from their maladies. John 40-42 is key, as many Samaritans had heard of Jesus’ miracles; went to hear His teachings, and witness His healing message in person while He was yet alive! His name was not unfamiliar to them.

Now Philip was among them, bring Jesus’ ministry to them, according to His directive in Acts 1:8; .... Samaria!

“Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, ‘How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.’” - John 4:9

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Acts 8:1-17 - "The Safety of Samaria"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Many of you may have heard the rather famous story of the five missionaries who lost their lives while attempting to bring the gospel to the Huaorani people. The Huaorani were a tribe deep in the Amazon rainforest and were commonly called the Aucas, which means “savages,” because they were so violent—and not just violent toward outsiders but even toward members of their own tribe. In fact, there were so many revenge killings within the tribe that it threatened the tribe’s very survival. But five missionaries with the Alliance church—Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Roger Youderian—decided to engage this tribe with the goal of bringing the gospel to them. So they began by dropping gifts to the Huaorani from an airplane. Then, when those gifts were reciprocated time after time, the missionaries established a camp close to the Huaorani settlements. However, on January 8, 1956, the Huaorani people—for some reason that’s still a bit unclear—speared the five missionaries, killing all of them. And at first, it’s difficult even to think about how great of a tragedy this was, especially when you consider the fact that each of these men left behind wives and children. How could these seemingly senseless killings have any purpose or accomplish any good?

However, a few years after these five missionaries were killed, two women—Elisabeth Elliot, the wife of Jim Elliot, and Rachel Saint, the sister of Nate Saint—decided that God was calling them to go back to the tribe that had killed their loved ones and continue seeking to share the gospel with them. So they went. And the Huaorani people were so amazed that these women would seek to befriend them even after they had killed the women’s loved ones. So they listened to what the women had to say about Jesus. The women explained that Jesus also had loved his enemies and, in fact, had loved them so much that he willingly died for them. And one after another, a significant portion of the Huaorani people came to know Jesus. As a result, tribal violence virtually stopped, and the Huaorani became different people—what the Bible calls a “new creation” in Christ. The women even shared the gospel with some of the very men who had actually thrown the spears that struck their loved ones, and those men were among those who became Christians. Also, in addition to the conversion many of the Huaorani, the story of the sacrifice of these five missionaries served to galvanize the missionary movement in the United States so that thousands of other missionaries were sent out all over the world to proclaim the gospel. They went because they were inspired by the story of these five missionaries. So, God used what must have at first appeared to be a senseless tragedy to do something more glorious than anyone could have ever imagined.

And that’s what we see taking place here in Acts 8 as well. Last week we studied how Stephen was tragically killed for his faith in Jesus Christ, his life was cut short and his promising ministry abruptly ended. Not only that, but his death triggered a massive persecution against the whole church. What a disaster, right?

Not quite. Stephen’s death actually ended up triggering much more than just a persecution. It ended up triggering the church’s first great missionary outreach. Up until now, the church has begun to grow, but it’s been centered in Jerusalem. Jesus had told His disciples to, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." And again, in Acts 1:8, Jesus had said, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Jerusalem was just the starting point, and now we are seeing His disciples being faithful to take the gospel further.

What Satan meant for evil, God means for Good. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" - Romans 8:28.

Chapter 7 ended with the death of Stephen. Chapter 8 will now build upon that as the persecution of the church takes hold. This begins with the person, Saul, who was just introduced in verse 7:58.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Consenting (8:1) - Paul's murderous hatred of all believers was manifested here in his attitude toward Stephen. He fully approved of Stephen's murder, by allowing the clothes of the witnesses to be watched over by him (7:58), he agreed with what was occurring and may have even prompted each person to give his best shot, or “make that apostate pay.” With this setting the tone for the start of the chapter, See 1 Timothy 1:13-15

Death (8:1) - Luke uses a noun found only here in Scripture, anairesis. It is “a taking off,” or “a taking away.” In other words, Stephen’s life was taken away from him. As such, the word can indicate the state of death, murder, slaying, and so on. The ESV gives a good translation of this by saying, “execution.” Another way of conveying the thought might be, “And Saul was consenting to his termination.”

At that time (8:1) - There was no delay in moving from one event to the next as "a great persecution against the church" arose. The idea here is that if Stephen is apostate, then all those aligned with him, and who are teaching the same doctrine, are as well. With the doctrine of Stephen now openly brought forth, the council perceived that his thoughts about the apostasy of the leaders did not die with Jesus, but that it had continued on with the apostles and disciples. They could not tolerate this. Having consented to the death of Jesus, the connection made by Stephen to the past where Israel’s leaders had put the previous prophets to death could not be swept under a rug. The writings of the same prophets who were rejected by the leaders in the past had become a part of their own Scriptures! What Stephen said was true, but in their arrogance, they rejected his words because they had already rejected the words of Jesus. Surely, they were “different” than their fathers before them. But deep inside, they knew the words against them were true. And so, the witness of these followers had to be extinguished as well.

Scattered (8:1) - Led by a Jew named Saul of Tarsus, the persecution scattered the Jerusalem fellowship and led to the first missionary outreach of the church. Not all members the Jerusalem church were forced to flee; the Hellenists, because Stephen was likely one, bore the brunt of the persecution (cf. 11:19, 20). As a result of this new persecution, Luke next records, “and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria.” The words now set the tone for what Jesus had said in Acts 1:8. The actual fulfillment of His words will be seen in just a few verses. But this persecution now is the seed that will germinate and take root in those areas. The death of Stephen, and the persecution that now follows, is the means by which Jesus’ words would begin to take effect . . . "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Except the Apostles (8:1) - They remained, because of their devotion to Christ, to care for those at Jerusalem and to continue evangelizing the region (cf. 9:26, 27).

Devout Men (8:2) - The word translated as “devout” is one that refers to being God-fearing, pious, and the like. It is used four times and each other instance refers to someone who is devout under the law. They are probably pious Jews (cf. 2:5; Luke 2:25) who publicly protested Stephen's death.

Carried Stephen (8:2) - Instead of simply leaving his body outside for beasts to eat, or chucking it into the valley of Hinnom (Gehenna), they removed it to a proper place. Stephen means “crown.” At this point of the narrative, it is notable that despite being stoned for supposed blasphemy, he is the first recorded person in the new dispensation to receive the martyr’s crown. Thus, his name now meets up with his reward.

He (Saul) Made Havoc of the Church (8:3) - "Made havoc" was used in extrabiblical writings to refer to the destruction of a city or the mangling of a person by a wild animal. It shows that there was a continuous stream of him relentlessly going after the people. Also, here is a word found just this one time in Scripture and translated as “made havoc.” It signifies outrage or to maltreat. Of this word, Vincent’s Word Studies says – “In Septuagint, Psalm 79:13, it is used of the laying waste of a vineyard by the wild boar. With this in mind, Luke says that Saul was “entering every house.” It would explain why it says “devout men” rather than “brethren” who were there to bury Stephen. The believers had fled. Only the devout non-believers were left. The persecution began right away, and the believers were hiding in their homes or taking the roads back to their own hometowns. For those who were apprehended, Luke next notes that Saul was “dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.” The verbs continue to show an active and ongoing action by Saul. He came after the people and he kept coming after them, tirelessly chasing them down and having them incarcerated. The word “dragging” indicates that they were in a rage as they arrested the people, so much so that they grabbed body parts – the hair, the arms, the legs – and simply dragged them out to be bound up and taken away. Noting both men and women was to show that there was no tolerance at all for anyone who held to the name of Jesus.

Went Everywhere (8:4) - It is true that this must have been a time of both fear and stress on the believers. Being uprooted suddenly and then rushing off to another place is a difficult change on most people, but we are being told these things for a specific reason, which is that those who were scattered “went everywhere preaching the word.” The word translated as “everywhere” is dierchomai. It comes from dia (through) and erchomai (to come or go). It’s not that they went everywhere and preached, but that they preached everywhere they went. Wherever they passed through, on the way to the next place, they would boldly tell the people about what they knew. This Greek word is used frequently in Acts for missionary efforts (verse 40; 9:32; 13:6; 14:24; 15:3, 41; 16:6; 18:23; 19:1, 21; 20:2).

Philip (8:5) - This is not Philip of the apostles who is recorded in the gospels, such as in Luke 6:14. Rather, this may be the same man named Philip found in Acts 6:5 who is named among the seven chosen as deacons. If it is the same Philip, he will be seen again in Acts 21:8 where he is called Philip the evangelist. As for him, it says he “went down to the city of Samaria.” He is the first missionary named in Scripture and the first to be given the title "evangelist" (21:8).

The City of Samaria (8:5) - The ancient capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, which eventually fell to the Assyrians (722 B.C.) after over 200 years of idolatry and rebellion against God. After resettling many of the people in other lands, the Assyrians located Gentiles from other areas into the region, resulting in a mix of Jews and Gentiles who became known as Samaritans.

One Accord (8:6) - "homothymadon" - With one accord, one mind, one passion. Meaning that with the preaching of Philip, there is a united response, and in this verse, it was a favorable response.

Unclean Spirits (8:7) - They are demons (Matthew 10:1; 12:43-45; Mark 1:23-27; 5:1-13; 6:7; 9:25; Luke 4:36; 8:29; 9:42). Fallen angels (Revelation 12:3) who are designated because of their vile wickedness. They frequently live inside unbelievers, particularly those who vent their wicked nature. These unclean spirits were subject to the power of Christ Jesus, and now they are shown to be subject to the power of Christ working through the disciples, such as Philip. This continues to be seen with the next words, saying that they were “crying with a loud voice.” These unclean spirits had found a home in the people they possessed, and they afflicted the people, controlling them or greatly influencing them. As they were cast out, the process was seen to be a noisy one. The one in Luke 4 recognized the power and authority of Christ. This is certainly what is happening now. They cry out loudly acknowledging that the power of the Holy Spirit had been endowed upon these followers of Jesus. As such, they “came out of many who were possessed.”

Sorcery (8:9) - The word translated as “sorcery” is found only here in the Bible, mageuó. It signifies to practice magic or sorcery. It is derived from magos (which we translate as Magi). It is for this reason that he is often called Simon Magus, or Simon the Magician. He was probably comparable to someone who goes around today and does things that bewilder the senses of the people, like Houdini, David Copperfield, and the like. By using sleight of hand, or maybe by practicing black arts, he did such things “and bewitched (astonished) the people of Samaria.” They would be captivated by how things disappeared and then reappeared, how there might be a fire that wouldn’t burn, or how something might suddenly turn into a white dove. Whatever tricks he could flabbergast the people with, they would stand amazed. And more, because he could do these things, he was also “claiming that he was someone great.”

The Great Power of God (8:10, 11) - Simon claimed to be united to God. The early church Fathers claimed he was one of the founders of Gnosticism, which asserted there were a series of divine emanations reaching up to God. They were called "Powers," and the people believed he was at the top of the ladder.

Simon . . . Believed (8:13) - Simon was baptized into the early church and “followed Philip everywhere” (Acts 8:13). The Bible says that “the Holy Spirit had not yet come” upon the Samaritans (Acts 8:16). Later, the apostles Peter and John arrived, at which time the Spirit came upon the believers. Simon witnessed this event and “offered them money and said, ‘Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 8:19–20). At this point, Peter strongly reprimands Simon for his greed and states that he needs to “repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart” (Acts 8:22). Fearful of the apostle’s words, Simon pleads with Peter to pray to the Lord on his behalf. After this event, the Bible never again refers to Simon the Sorcerer. It would appear, contrary to apocryphal and Gnostic texts that seek to glorify his role as sorcerer and his previous satanic abilities, that Simon was repentant and may have continued to be a member of the local church in Samaria.
However, Justin Martyr and other Christian apologists like Irenaeus insist he was an antichrist and continued his sorcery, even founding Gnosticism itself. The greed of Simon is recalled in the modern word simony, “using religion as a means of profit.” Some believe Simon had a superficial belief: The text says Simon "believed and was baptized" (Acts 8:13), but commentators note his fascination was with miraculous power rather than Christ. Some claim the object of Simon's faith—the thing in which he believes—is the power of supernatural phenomena—the power of miracles that you can see with the physical eye, not Jesus Christ and the glory of his grace. When Simon tried to buy the power to impart the Holy Spirit, Peter told him, “Your money perish with you. You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.” Professing believers claim to follow Christ with words or association, while true believers possess genuine saving faith that transforms their hearts and bears spiritual fruit.

Receive the Holy Spirit (8:15-17) - The believing Samaritans had been baptized in water, but, for God’s own reasons, they had not yet been baptized in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit did come upon the Samaritans (Acts 8:14–17), but not until the apostles Peter and John were present. There are some good reasons why God waited until Peter and John were present before He sent the Holy Spirit upon the Samaritans, the fulfillment of scripture.

1) Jesus had given Peter the “keys to the kingdom” (Matthew 16:19). Peter was present—and was the main spokesman—at Pentecost (Acts 2), when the Spirit was given to the Jews. Peter was present in Samaria (Acts 8), when the Spirit was given to the Samaritans. And Peter was present in Cornelius’s house (Acts 10), when the Spirit was given to the Gentiles. Jesus used Peter to “open the door” to each of these people groups.
2) The church was to be “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 2:20). Philip the evangelist had been a deacon in the Jerusalem church, but he was not one of the twelve apostles. Peter and John needed to be in Samaria for the “official” start of the Samaritan church, just as they had been in Jerusalem for the start of the Jewish church.
3) The presence of Peter and John kept the early church unified. Remember, there was great animosity between Jews and Samaritans (John 4:9). If the church in Samaria had begun on its own, with no connection to the “Jewish” church, the church in Jerusalem would never have accepted it. The Samaritans were known historically as corruptors of Judaism (John 4:20). So, God made sure that Peter and John, apostles and Jews from Jerusalem, were present to witness the gift of the Spirit given to the Samaritans. God’s message: the church in Samaria was no heretical start-up. The Samaritans were part of the same church that had been started in Jerusalem, and they were filled with the same Spirit (see Galatians 3:28). Peter and John were eyewitnesses. Their testimony was clear: what happened in Samaria was not a separate religious movement. In this way, God prevented the early church from immediately dividing into different sects.

4) The Lord took pains to ensure the unity of the early church. Jesus had commanded the gospel to be preached in Samaria (Acts 1:8). Philip the evangelist obeyed that command, and God blessed. Whatever animosity existed between the Jews, and the Samaritans was overcome by the unity of the Spirit. The church today should continue to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

Note: It is important to understand that we receive the Holy Spirit the moment we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. Here where the Samaritan's had not yet received the Holy Spirit, we must remember the book of Acts is a history of how God started the church. It is the record of the transition between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, and much of what we see in Acts relates to that transition as stated in the paragraphs above. The Samaritans’ manner of receiving the Spirit should be taken for what it is—an accurate account of what happened in their case.

Laid Hands on them (8:17) - Here, the laying on of hands signified apostolic affirmation and unity. The laying on of hands is a biblical practice used to symbolize blessing, healing, ordination, or the imparting of the Holy Spirit, though it is not strictly mandatory for God to work.