PHILIP HELPS SPREAD THE GOSPEL

Mar 3

We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or be used for a sermon group discussion.

Sermon Title: PHILIP HELPS SPREAD THE GOSPEL

Scripture References: ACTS 8:1-25

Summary:

Philip is called an evangelist but that’s because of the work he does in Samaria. But before Philip was labeled or considered an evangelist, Philip was known as a man full of faith and the Spirit, actively serving the benevolence tables, one of the seven from Acts 6. In other words, Philip was an ordinary man, a convert of the Apostle's work, but set on fire by the Holy Spirit! God uses people who deny living for themselves and instead make themselves available and obedient to God’s will and work on earth. Philip became an extraordinary instrument in God’s hands because he decided to live by faith and share his changed life. Where Philip goes the gospel goes because he was saved through the gospel…

Notes:

Acts 8:1-25

V.1-3 The church spreads from persecution

Saul and his hostility against the church are introduced. He would go from house to house causing havoc and putting men and women in prison. Later, we would learn from Paul that when brought to trial he would cast his vote to have them killed (Acts 22:4; 26:10).
The wave of persecution scattered believers through the regions of Judah and Samaria.
Remember Acts 1:8 and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth…This is being fulfilled as Jesus said it would.
Devout men according to Stanley Horton “were godly Jews who had not yet accepted Christ as their Messiah and Savior, but who respected Stephen and courageously rejected the decision of the Sanhedrin as wrong and unjust” ACTS, page 159.

V. 4-8 Gospel advancement in Samaria

But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. Instead of persecution stamping out the faith, God uses it to spread the message of His kingdom. Philip takes the gospel to Samaria.
As Philip shared the gospel he also demonstrated the power of the gospel. The miracles authenticated and confirmed Philip's message about Jesus. We read that Philip cast out demons and healed the paralyzed and the lame. Imagine the crowds and the city spreading the word of these events. More and more people would come to hear Philip.
Joy spread through the city because where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom and therefore, joy!

V. 9-13 Simon the sorcerer believes and is baptized

Philip gains an admirer by the name of Simon, known as a sorcerer there in Samaria.
V. 10-11 His reputation and following. There are different views of his level of sorcery.

“For some time they had been under the influence of a magician by the name of Simon (v. 9-11). Simon probably combined astrology with magic to promote himself as a person with great authority and power. Many had been deceived by his tricks and were thus convinced he had supernatural power. His followers acclaimed him as ‘the divine power known as the Great Power.: Apparently among them he had immense prestige, for they saw him as a deity on earth or the incarnation of a great godly power.” FullLife Bible Commentary, page 574.
One commentary argues it wasn’t just tricks but demonic power. Simon of Samaria practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. Because of his “sorcery,” the ability to exercise control over nature and/or people by means of demonic power, people called him the Great Power. They may or may not have thought of him as possessing deity. At any rate Simon boasted that he was someone great, and the people of Samaria believed him. Furthermore, he accepted their adulation. 8:11–12. Simon’s magic means his sorcery, his demonic powers (the Gr. words for “practiced sorcery” and “magic” are related). Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 372). Victor Books.
Luke clearly depicted Simon as a worker of magic, a charlatan who made money from his bag of tricks. Had we only the account in Acts, there would never have been any question about whether he ever was anything more. The early church fathers, however, tell of a heretical Gnostic sect of Simonians in the second and third centuries who traced their beliefs back to the Simon of Acts. The earliest account is that of Justin Martyr from the middle of the second century. Justin was himself a Samaritan and wrote that Simon, a Samaritan from the village of Gitto, was worshiped by “almost all” of the Samaritans of his day as “the first god.” Dating his rise to acclaim in the reign of Claudius, he spoke of Simon’s journey to Rome, where he was worshiped as a god and had a statue erected to him with the inscription “to the holy god Simon.” Justin also noted that he was accompanied by a female named Helen, who had been a former prostitute, whom his followers claimed to be “the first idea generated by him.” Writing toward the end of the second century, Irenaeus attributed a much more elaborate system to the Simonians. It is quite possible that the Simon of Acts had virtually no connection with Justin’s Simonians but was “co-opted” by the later Gnostic group to give a New Testament rootage for their movement. -Polhill, J. B. (1992). Acts (Vol. 26, pp. 215–216). Broadman & Holman Publishers.

V. 12 But now the people began to follow Philip and believe the gospel message about Jesus Christ. Many men and women were baptized.

The contrasts and comparisons between Simon and Philip are striking. Both performed miracles, Simon by demonic power and Philip by divine power. Simon boasted and welcomed acclaim to himself, but Philip proclaimed Christ. People were amazed at Simon’s magic, but people were converted to Christ by Philip’s ministry. Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 373). Victor Books.

Simon also was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed. Simon himself believed and was water-baptized and began following Philip. Luke purposely shows the victory and power of the gospel over sorcery and magic multiple times in Acts.

V. 14-17 The Apostles come to share and pray for the Holy Spirit to fill them

The apostles were most likely sent to confirm the gospel was being accepted by the Samaritans and to encourage the new believers.
Upon arrival they learned the people had believed and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ “but they had not received the gift of the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. That is, the Spirit had not fallen on any of them in the way He had fallen on the believers on the Day of Pentecost” -Horton, ACTS, page 164.
After salvation is the blessing of being filled, receiving, or baptized in the Holy Spirit. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is for personal edification and power to be witnesses for the Lord.

Just as baptism in water is an outward testimony of what has taken place inwardly through salvation, so baptism in the Spirit provides outward evidence of the Spirit’s powerful presence flowing through a believer's life. God’s Spirit already lives within and directs Christian’s lives from the point of salvation (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:19). Yet, baptism in the Spirit is vital for experiencing God’s full power and purpose for their lives. In a sense, salvation puts the Holy Spirit into people, and then you “receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” which helps bring the Spirit out through them in powerful ways. -FireBible page 1718

The baptism of the Holy Spirit was essential to the early church (should be today). The Apostles most likely gave further teaching and explanation before laying hands on them in prayer. When the apostles laid their hands on them they received the Holy Spirit.
Note they did not pray for salvation but to receive the Holy Spirit. Also note, laying on of hands is not a formula that has to be followed (Acts 2:1-4; 10:4-46).
How would they know if they had received the Holy Spirit? The initial (dominant) physical sign was and is, speaking in tongues (heavenly language, enabled by the Holy Spirit - not human initiative).

V. 18-24 Simon’s heart is exposed

Simon saw something. The clause Simon saw that the Spirit was given implies there was some external manifestation to evidence the coming of the Holy Spirit. Possibly it was speaking in tongues, though the Scripture does not say so (cf. 2:4; 10:45–46; 19:6). Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 373). Victor Books.

Why doesn’t Luke include they spoke in tongues? “Luke often does not explain everything when it is clear elsewhere. For example, he does not mention water baptism every time he tells about people believing or being added to the Church; however, it is clear that the failure to mention water baptism is not significant. Other places show that all believers were baptized in water.” Horton, ACTS, page 166.

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of hands he did not come to receive himself, instead he fell back into his old thinking and desire for self-glorification. This demonstrates a wicked heart, not a new heart. Simon appears to want glory, a following, and significance as if he is called to be an apostle. Peter discerns this with the help of the Holy Spirit.
**A valid question is brought up…Was Simon truly saved? Or…did Simon, young in the faith, need this rebuke and discipleship?
Stanley Horton says: “Some have questioned whether Simon truly believed. But the Bible says he did and does not qualify the statement in any way. Moreover, Philip, a man led by the Spirit, surely would not have baptized him if he had not given evidence of being a true believer” ACTS, page 164.
FLBC (FullLife Bible Commentary) page 574, says: The verb believe (pisteuo) is used for the faith of both Simon and the Samaritans. But Simon’s subsequent behavior reveals he remains in bondage to his sins, unregenerated. He is still “full of bitterness and captive to sin” (v.23) and tries to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit. His faith is superficial, resting apparently on miracles alone. He has failed to experience genuine repentance and lacks a real spiritual understanding of the gospel.
Was Simon saved? Luke did not specify this clearly, so it is difficult to be dogmatic. But seven facts suggest that Simon probably was not born again: (1) The verb “believe” (pisteuō) does not always refer to saving faith. Simon’s faith could have been like that of the demons in James 2:19, merely intellectual assent. (2) Furthermore, faith based on signs is not a trustworthy faith (cf. John 2:23–25; 4:48). (3) In addition, Luke never stated that Simon received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17–18). (4) Simon continued to have a self-centered interest in the display of miraculous power (vv. 18–19). (5) The verb “repent” (metanoeō) used in verse 22 is normally addressed to lost people. (6) The word “perish” (eis apōleian) employed in verse 20 is strong. It is related to the word “perish” in John 3:16. (7) The description of Simon in Acts 8:23 is a better description of a lost man than of one who is saved (cf. Deut. 29:18). Still one cannot be dogmatic on this point. Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 373). Victor Books.
This is a strong rebuke from Peter but needed. The work of the Spirit is grace, a gift from God, not something that can be bought. Simon’s thinking was off here and Peter discerned more than what was spoken by Simon.
- Perhaps, Peter discerned jealousy and sinful motives in Simon about the following that left him to follow Philip and the gospel. This is having spiritual discernment and knowledge, Peter could be operating in both spiritual gifts: discernment and word of knowledge.
- This encounter with Simon serves as a warning to those who wish to have power and position for self-exaltation.

V. 25

To love and reach out to towns in Samaria is a huge turnaround in the apostle's lives. The previous walls between Jews and Samaratins that we can read about in the gospel books are being broken down through the gospel. Jesus is beginning to break down the walls of hostility and the gentile nations are next in view. The significance of Philip’s ministry in this unnamed city is seen when Matthew 10:5–6; Luke 9:52–54; and John 4:9 are compared with Acts 8:5. Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 372). Victor Books.

Takeaways:

God has unique ways of fulfilling His plans.

Stephen's boldness and martyrdom brought out a greater boldness in Philip and the church (v 4).
God used this persecution to start the great missionary work of the church and fulfill Acts 1:8 - “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.
Don’t despise or humanize your trials. God could be utilizing a trial to work and accomplish His divine will for you and others.

God’s favorite vehicle to spread the gospel is through people saved by the gospel

The book of ACTS shows us this very obvious truth. The gospel spreads through the people who've been saved by the gospel.

The Holy Spirit is essential for empowering believers to advance the gospel!

Remember Acts 1:8 wait and you will receive power. Saved people GO into the world and make disciples through the power of the Spirit and the sharing of the Gospel.
The Holy Spirit works through us to perform miracles, proclaim the gospel with authority, and give discernment and victory in spiritual warfare.
Working miracles is for all believers. Philip demonstrates that Christ’s promise to use miraculous signs to confirm the truth of God’s Word was not limited to the Apostles or original followers. What accompanied Philip were the demonstrations of power, the miracles, while he testified and shared the good news of Jesus.
Proclaiming the gospel is for all believers. Philip wasn't formerly sent to do missionary work, he was evading persecution. But he was a man also full of the Spirit who would take opportunities to spread his gospel experience wherever he went. This path was God's doing. Why would we see ourselves any different? God has us on a path, in places, where people need Jesus. My friends, you're a missionary if you're willing to be on mission wherever you go.
Victory in spiritual warfare is for all believers. The world is hungry for the spiritual and supernatural this is why they will go to the occult and magic. But who we really need is Jesus, not power. Simon wanted power, not Jesus. Magic and sorcery are condemned. The Holy Spirit is given to empower believers to help lead those in darkness to salvation in Christ and to bring glory to God.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, 11 or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord. It is because the other nations have done these detestable things that the Lord your God will drive them out ahead of you.
The Holy Spirit is given to empower believers to help lead those in darkness to salvation in Christ and to bring glory to God. Simon wanted power for himself, not for Jesus to be glorified. We would be wise to check our hearts on this too.

Have childlike faith in God for miracles and baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes bad experiences train us or simply fear makes us overly critical, or cynical about how or when miracles can happen…or what, why, when, and how someone is filled with the Holy Spirit. What if we approach both like a child who doesn't overanalyze everything and takes our Heavenly Father’s Word as true? If we did maybe we wouldn't overthink how God is going to perform a miracle and just believe and ask that He would. If we did maybe we wouldn't get hung up on the divine or supernatural experience of speaking in tongues and be at peace that it’s His Spirit working and praying through us. I think we would experience more of what the ACTS church experienced.

Discussion:

What did God use in this sermon to speak to your heart or situation?
What part of the scripture stuck out to you and why?
In what ways do you deny living for yourself and make yourself available to God’s will and work on earth?
Which takeaway stuck out to you or applied to you the most and why?
What other notes did you highlight or write down that you would like to share?

The most important decision you will ever make!

If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!

We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.

Pray Together

We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!

Ryan Coon