Acts 8-9

Book: Acts

Jul 14

The gospel is spread to Samaria through the persecution in Jerusalem. (8:1-4). Saul leads a persecution against Christians in Jerusalem, which scatters the church, and the gospel, to Judea and Samaria. (8:1-4).

The apostolic authority as a gift to select men. (8:5-40). Philip preaches and heals in Samaria, and many come to the Lord. (8:5-8).

Responses: a. Positive: Philip, willing to serve as a deacon is granted the ability to do signs and wonders, to verify his message. (8:5-8). (Refer back to 6:3-5, the beginning of this section for Philip’s willingness to serve as a table waiter in the stead of the apostles, i.e., chosen by the church, laid hands on by the apostles, becomes a performer of signs and wonders in their stead to send the message, but none of the deacons are able to have the gift of granting the Holy Spirit, cf. 8:14). b. Negative: Simon, tries to buy apostolic gift of granting the Holy Spirit, which is given to only 12 chosen men (cf. Acts 1:2, 10:41). (8:9-40). 1. 2. Simon, a popular magician, comes to the Lord through the preaching of Philip, and is amazed at Philip's (apostolically appointed) power. (8:9-13). Simon, not recognizing the authority of apostles, seeks to buy the apostolic gift of granting the Holy Spirit. He is condemned and requests prayer. (8:14-24). c. Positive: Philip is miraculously taken to the Ethiopian eunuch who receives the Word concerning Isaiah 53. (8:25-39).

Introduction to a Jerusalem Jew to take gospel to Gentiles: Saul's conversion and ministry to Damascus (Gentile) and Jerusalem (Jewish). (9:1-30). Up until this point the resurrection has only been taken to the Jews in Jerusalem with some ministry to Judea and Samaria. However, the Sign of Jonah (resurrection) at its core was to go to the Gentiles as Jonah went to Ninevah. So, this will be accomplished in Peter at first, and then handed to the Apostle Paul for the remainder of the book, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Jonah in Jesus in the Apostles.