Monthly Archives: June 2021

Acts 8- Philip and The Eunuch

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And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. Acts 8:30-33

The Holy Spirit led Philip to talk to an Ethiopian eunuch, have you ever felt led by the Holy Spirit to talk to someone? The eunuch was reading Isaiah 53 and didn’t understand who the prophecy was talking about, notice the eunuch said to Philip “How can I understand, unless someone should guide me” This is why preaching is very important, we can’t assume everyone understands the Bible or knows Christ

The Bible is clear that the prophecy of Isaiah 53 was fulfilled by Jesus, when you read the detail and accuracy of the prophecy, it’s amazing that it was written over 700 years before Christ was born. What would have happened if Philip was not obedient to the Holy Spirit? The eunuch may have never known Christ or heard the gospel message, listen to the Holy Spirit and be obedient!

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? Acts 8:34-36

Who was Isaiah 53 written about? It was all about Jesus, and Philip shared the gospel with the eunuch based on Isaiah 53. If someone asks you to show them the gospel from the Old Testament, show them Isaiah 53! The eunuch understood the gospel and received Christ, now “What would prevent him from being baptized”? Nothing! Baptism is a profession of your faith in Jesus, if you believe you should be baptized!

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:37-39

The eunuch professed Christ as Lord and Philip baptised him. Some translations are missing verse 37 which doesn’t make sense. If you haven’t received and understood that Jesus is your Lord, then why would you get baptized? After the baptism the Holy Spirit removed Philip, and the eunuch went back to Ethiopia sharing the good news of Jesus Christ!

One obedience of the Holy Spirit probably transformed hundreds, many thousands of lives. Think about it, the eunuch , who had a high position of authority, probably went back to Ethiopia and preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone! Listen to the Holy Spirit, be obedient in Jesus Name , Amen!

Acts 8- Simon The Sorcerer

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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. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Acts 8:12-14

There was a sorcerer named Simon, he became very famous among the people performing magic. However when Philip came with the gospel and demonstrated signs and wonders via the Holy Spirit, Simon became jealous and wanted the power of the Holy Spirit. Little did Simon understand that this is not how God works. Many false prophets and teachers today try to mimic and blasphemy the Holy Spirit today

As Philip continued to preach the gospel many people came to Christ and were baptized. This generated such a buzz that the Apostles decided to come down to Samaria to see the revival that was happening

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. Acts 8:15-17

Now the interesting thing we see here is even though the believers were baptized with water, they were not yet baptized with the Holy Spirit as Jesus taught in John 3. The Apostles laid hands on the new believers and they were baptized by the Holy Spirit. There are two baptisms, the water and the spirit!

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. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Acts 8:18-20

Simon the sorcerer wanted the power of the Holy Spirit, he was a false convert. He didn’t really care about God, he just wanted the power of God. How many false converts do we still see today? Peter rebuked the sorcerer because Simon believed he could purchase God with money! Again we see the deity and sacredness of the Holy Spirit

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Acts 8:21-23

Peter told Simon to repent of his sin, and his heart was not right with God. This is the difference between a true and false convert. Christianity is a heart issue, we must become Born Again with a clean heart through Christ!

God will not be mocked, we can’t pretend to be a Christian, God reads our hearts and minds. Examine yourself, and get right with God in Jesus name Amen!

Acts 8- Persecution of The Church

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And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. Acts 8:1-2

As we continue to look at the death of Stephen, we see that Paul consented or approved of his death. Saul began to persecute the Church, as it says “there was a great persecution” why did Paul do this? Well he had zeal for God, yet his zeal was misled. He believed he was honoring God with his work, however Paul was actually fighting against God, as he will later find out on the Road to Damascus

We see that the Church began to become scattered, remember how Jesus described us as sheep scattered without a Shepherd. Paul was actually doing the work of Satan and trying to destroy the Body of Christ, but what we found out over history is that the Church is unbreakable. The more you persecute the Church, the more it grows stronger and bigger in size!

Notice there was a great sorrow or lamentation over Stephen. As stated previously he was believed to be the first martyr of Christianity, but Stephen is now with The Lord as we seen in Chapter 7

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Acts 8:3-4

Paul tried to single handedly destroy the Church, he went from house to house , seeking Christians and putting them in prison or persecuting them. However the more he persecuted the Church , the stronger they became. As the Christians began scattered, it allowed them an opportunity to share the gospel to a larger audience. Christianity was actually spreading due to the persecution

This reign of terror by Paul was why the Church was reluctant to accept Paul when he became Born Again on the Road to Damascus. We must remember that Jesus has the power to transform even the worst of sinners!

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 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. Acts 8:5-7

Philip used this opportunity to head to Samaria and preach the gospel there. There he started a revival, performing miracles and healings by the Holy Spirit. Even though the Church was being persecuted, the Body of Christ was growing and spreading across the entire world

God can use what was meant for our harm and use it for our good, don’t live in fear, trust in Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you Amen!

Acts 7- Death of Stephen

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When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Acts 7:54-56

Chapter 6-7 in the book of Acts documents the events of a disciple named Stephen. Now remember from previously , he was one of the seven men chosen by the Apostles, a deacon of the Church of Jerusalem.  Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit and highly respected among the Church. Many historians believe Stephen was the first martyr in Christianity. 

Stephen was performing many signs and wonders in the name of Jesus, and when the orthodox Jews confronted him about this, they couldn’t stand up against the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. So they made false accusations against Stephen, claiming he was speaking blasphemy against Moses and God. They acquired false witnesses to make false claims against him in front of the religious leaders (Acts 6: 8-15)

While Stephen was on trial, being filled with the Holy Spirit, he looked up into Heaven and saw Jesus sitting at the right hand of God. Imagine the comfort Stephen must of felt knowing The Lord was looking over him

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Acts 7:57-59

When they asked Stephen to give his testimony, he basically went through the entire Bible from Abraham to Moses to Jesus. Only someone filled with the Holy Spirit could have gave such a great exegesis of the Bible, however the religious leaders were unable to comprehend the gospel

We notice a man named Saul responsible for the stoning of Stephen, this was the Apostle Paul before he became Born Again on the road to Damascus. This is why Paul calls himself the “Chief of Sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15) Paul was partly responsible for the death of Stephen, and he carried that guilt with him the rest of his life. But God took a man like Paul and used him for his good to spread the gospel to all the Gentiles

Notice what Stephen says before he dies “Lord Jesus , receive my Spirit” This is significant because in the Old Testament Psalm 31 “Into your hands I commit my spirit” , this was a prayer often said in Judaism to God. Stephen is displaying the deity of Christ by committing his Spirit into the hands of Jesus!

Acts 6- The Chosen

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And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:1-4

As we study the book of Acts, we still see the roles and responsibilities start to develop and how the Church handled it. The Apostles were being burdened with “secular work” as distributing food to those in need, and it was taking a toll on their spiritual work. Anyone who’s been in ministry knows, it takes alot of time and dedication to study the Word of God, and remain in the Will of God

The Apostles decided to appoint a group of seven men to take over this duty, so the Apostles can be freed up to focus on their spiritual work. Now I know some would look at this and say the Apostles are being lazy or even egotistical. However from my experience being bi vocational , working in the Ministry and having a secular job, I understand the burden the Apostles faced here. There is just not enough hours in the day!

Notice the Apostles said they will “give themselves over to pray continually and the ministry of the gospel” How many people live a sacrificial life like this? Not many, to dedicate your life to God is harder than you think. Remember the Apostles already walked away from their careers when they were called by The Lord to serve

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:5-7

Notice this move pleased the rest of the Church, there was no grumbling or gossip, everyone was pleased to serve and follow Gods will. Imagine if the Church today was more like this! Notice they selected the seven men who were all filled with the Holy Spirit and had faith. Everyone has different callings from God, these men humbly accepted their roles with great joy to serve God

And lets see the result “The gospel increased and the Church multiplied” Since the Apostles were freed up to focus on the ministry, the gospel of Christ was spread even more generating more disciples! God knows what he is doing!

From a human perspective it may have seemed like a vain move but God knows what he’s doing! We are all given different gifts and different roles all for the same main purpose, to glorify Jesus Christ! Amen!