4. “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.”
We know that God overrules for blessing—that Satan can never get the upper hand. But these dear believers not only knew that—they put this knowledge into practice. Those dear, persecuted Christians who were scattered everywhere did not spend time telling others of the severity of the persecution, nor of how difficult life had become for them, nor did this persecution discourage them in the path of faith. They preached the Word wherever they were scattered. The very gospel, which had brought this persecution on them, was the joy of their hearts to share with others. May we use every circumstance of life to preach the gospel to others! “Be instant in season, out of season” (2 Tim. 4:22Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (2 Timothy 4:2)).
5. “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.”
Even the poor Samaritan woman knew that the proud Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans. Apart from a work of God in their heart, the Jews could never accept that the Messiah (Christ) would reach out in blessing to the despised Samaritans. Yet, in the day of grace, that is just what Philip the evangelist had the joy of proclaiming—a message of blessing to the unworthy Samaritans through the Christ. Let’s not try to determine who is worthy or not to hear of Christ—let’s just preach the gospel.
6. “And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.”
God granted special signs to accompany what Philip said. Everyone who heard and saw paid attention to that message. In the measure that our actions support what we preach, people will be willing to listen to us.
7. “For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.”
The message Philip preached was clearly marked by complete power over the effects of sin. We do not expect to see these physical signs today. But they are ever in evidence spiritually. Those in the grip of the wicked one find freedom in Christ. Those unable to control sin and vice which have overtaken them find liberating victory in Christ. Those unable to walk to God’s glory are now able to do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:3131Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)).
8. “And there was great joy in that city.”
The Old Testament history of the city of Samaria (the capital of the rebellious ten tribes of Israel) is marked by continual sadness, strife, violence and destruction. And it did not become a happier place after the King of Assyria (2 Kings 17:66In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes. (2 Kings 17:6)) overran it, carrying Israel (those constituting the ten tribes) away captive. But now the work of God in Jerusalem, marked by great grace and great power, reaches out with great joy to the hopeless.
9. “But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one.”
Man ever strives—like Simon—to be a great one. But the gospel of God makes nothing of man, for its divine Author made Himself of no reputation. Being great, the Lord Jesus willingly took upon Himself the form of a servant. Believing the gospel brings great joy and true humility to the sinner.
10-11. “To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.”
Satan, the father of lies (John 8:4444Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (John 8:44)), would invest Simon with wicked demon power in order to astonish the people. There is much in the world today which in the name of religion seems to accomplish astonishing things. But the true great power of God is publicly displayed in great weakness. “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor. 12:99And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)).
12. “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
The truth of God, the gospel of His grace, produces its effects, not in a display of great power, but in a public display of the symbol of death (the greatest example of weakness known in this world): They were baptized. The gospel makes nothing of man but everything of Christ, and that through His death at the cross.
13. “Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.”
Evidently this servant of Satan believed only what he could see. Simon desired power, and in Philip’s preaching, he saw the effects of a power far greater than that which Satan was able to give him. He believed only that there was a power available greater than what he possessed. Being astonished by these displays, he is baptized and connects himself in outward fellowship with Philip.
14. “Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John.”
Here is a further, wonderful effect of the gospel of God’s grace. Those at Jerusalem—believing Jews—are brought to a place where they happily have dealings with the Samaritans. Peter and John are sent by the apostles to express fellowship with the results of Philip’s preaching and to be God’s channels of further blessing to the Samaritan outcasts. The true gospel always has this effect—bringing together in unity and joy that which was divided and at enmity.
15-17. “Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.”
Philip was mightily used of God to bring the gospel to Samaria. And through him, mighty works and miracles were wrought. Yet he is not given power to impart the Holy Spirit to the new believers. How important that we fulfill the service the Lord has given us, without seeking a greater service.
We also learn here that baptism does not impart the Spirit of God. Faith in Christ’s finished work does (Eph. 1:1313In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13)). Though already baptized in the name of Jesus, the Samaritan believers must wait for the apostles from Jerusalem to lay hands on them to receive the Spirit. Thus, in the early church, the unity of the Spirit (Eph. 4:33Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)) was maintained as the grace of God spread beyond the Jewish nation.
18-19. “And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.”
The Lord had told His disciples, “Freely ye have received, freely give.” Unregenerate man seeks to make financial gain of the free grace of God—whether by turning the temple of God into a house of merchandise or seeking to purchase the power of God.
Simon, though baptized (vs. 13), was still an unbeliever. Baptism does not save. Simple faith in Christ alone brings salvation to a lost soul. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)).
Ed.