Acts 8:1-24
Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against
the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad
throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.
Devout men buried Stephen, and lamented greatly over him.
But Saul ravaged the assembly, entering into every house, and dragged
both men and women off to prison.
Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the
word.
Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed to them the
Christ.
The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken
by Philip, when they heard and saw the signs which he did.
For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came
out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were
healed.
There was great joy in that city.
But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice
sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be
some great one,
to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying,
"This man is that great power of God."
They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with
his sorceries.
But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning the
Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and
women.
Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip.
Seeing signs and great miracles occuring, he was amazed.
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had
received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had
come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for as yet
he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of
Christ Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy
Spirit.
Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying
on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, "Give me also
this power, that whoever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit."
But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because
you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn't
right before God.
Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the
thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of
iniquity."
Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things
which you have spoken happen to me."
Insight- After Stephen was murdered, a great persecution came upon the
believers in Jesus Christ and they were scattered, but that resulted in the
Gospel being preached in many places. Saul of Tarsus created havoc by
persecuting believers. Philip proclaimed Christ in Samaria and many people were
healed of their sicknesses and delivered from demonic spirits. Peter and John
came down to Samaria and prayed for the new believers to recieve the anointing
of the Holy Spirit. Simon, a sorcerer offered money to the disciples to get the
anointing, but was sharply rebuked by Peter.
Question- Are you aware that some who claim that they are believers in
Jesus Christ are like Simon the sorcerer, who have ulterior motives?
Prayer- Dear Father in heaven, grant me discernment to know who are
true believers and those who falsely say that they are believers. In Jesus
name. Amen.
Listen/Download Audios- Male & Female Voices
http://www.johnsoncherian.com
No comments:
Post a Comment