IBS Seminar 8 : Acts 8:1-40

Objective: To consider how God guides and discern the difference between the authentic and counterfeit ministry.

1. A Zealous Persecutor : Saul the Pharisee 8:1-3

2. A Faithful Preacher : Philip the Deacon 8:4-8
2.1 Servant Heart 6:1-6
2.2 Tolerant Attitude 8:4-5
2.3 Boldness in Evangelism 8:5

3. A Clever Deceiver - Simon the Sorcerer 8:9-25
3.1 Simon's Background: Counterfeit Miracles 8:9-11
3.2 Simon's Belief: Superficial Faith 8:12-13
3.3 Simon's Behaviour : Questionable Motives 8:18-24

4. A Concerned Seeker : An Ethiopian 8:26-40
4.1 Philip Heard God's Voice 8:26
4.2 Philip Obeyed God's Will 8:27
4.2.1 Specific Guidance
4.2.2 General Guidance
4.2.3 Divine Appointments

4.3 Philip Took the Initiative 8:30
4.4 The Lord Honoured Philip 8:34-39

"There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world," wrote Victor Hugo, "and that is an idea whose time has come." Christianity was much much more than an idea. It was dynamite! The events in Acts 8 centre around four different characters caught up in the spread of the most revolutionary idea in the world: Saul, Philip, Simon and the unnamed Ethiopian. Lets look at them briefly, then focus in on the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian which takes up the bulk of Luke's record.

1. A Zealous Persecutor : Saul the Pharisee 8:1-3
We know from later on in Acts that Saul was one of the elite young Pharisees, a Roman citizen, educated in Jerusalem by Gamaliel, well on his way to becoming a great leader for the Jewish faith. What makes the opening verses of chapter 8 so horrifying, is that Saul was zealous not only in destroying fellow Jews who had become followers of Christ, but was doing it all in the name of God. He did it with a clear conscience, convinced that it was God's will to eradicate these heretics.

When it says in verse 3 that he began to "destroy" the church, the image Luke uses is of a wild animal attacking its prey. In later life, Paul describes his former life in Acts 26 as being obsessed, a blasphemer, who went as far as using torture to try and get Christians to recant. For now we leave him still unconverted, Saul the Pharisee, a zealous persecutor.

2 A Faithful Preacher : Philip the Deacon 8:4-8
Persecution does to the church what wind does to the seed. It scatters it and only produces a greater harvest. The believers in Jerusalem were like God's seed, and the persecution was used by God to plant them in new soil which could bear fruit. Three things that we can pick out about Philip's example.

2.1 Servant Heart 6:1-6
Philip was one of the seven chosen by the Apostles to look after the meals on wheels service for widows in Acts 6. It says he was recognized as a man "full of the Spirit and wisdom" 6:3, and must have had a practical caring heart for the elderly and needy. But as in the case of Stephen, the Lord had other ideas. The first time we meet Philip in ministry is in Acts 8:4.

2.2 Tolerant Attitude 8:4-5
It is noticeable in verse 4, that it was not the established leaders of the church who were scattered but the congregations that had to get out of town. Philip was one of them. His first stop was Samaria. That is quite significant. Orthodox Jews looked down on Samaritans (see John 4 for details) Ever since the Assyrians had deported the middle class Jews into exile and left the farmers and labouring class to look after the land, there had been tension between the two groups. The returning Jews turned up their noses at those who'd stayed behind because they had intermarried with the surrounding peoples. The Samaritans had also evolved their own temple and priesthood at Samaria, in competition with Jerusalem. Today there are only around 200 ethnic Samaritans left. Because of the Arab-Israeli tensions, it isn't possible for tour groups to visit them. By the time Philip arrived the cold war had been going on for at least 400 years. Philip had no such qualms. He was open to the needs of Samaritans, and brought a kind of spiritual glasnost that softened their hearts. He had a servant heart, and a tolerant attitude.

2.3 Boldness in Evangelism 8:5
Philip didn't retreat to Samaria to escape persecution. He went to talk about Jesus. The very thing that had got them into hot water in Jerusalem. He displayed a courage and boldness that was not afraid of the consequences of sharing his faith.

Like Stephen, Philip had a unique ministry of "miraculous signs", similar to that of the Apostles, which involved the healing of paralytics and cripples. It says as a consequence there was great joy in the town. Essentially Philip is a model, an example to us in these three areas - his servant heart toward the needy, his tolerant attitude to other nationalities, and his boldness in witnessing. He was not afraid of the likes of Saul the Pharisee, the zealous persecutor. But there were other dangers closer to home within the church....

3. A Clever Deceiver - Simon the Sorcerer 8:9-25
Read 9-13, 18-23. "Philosophers have merely interpreted the world in different ways. The real task is to change it." Those are the words of Karl Marx, a man who had little time for ivory tower academics or armchair dreamers. He was a revolutionary, and 'Revolution,' he said, 'requires action.' You do not change the world just by theorising. You have to get up and do something. The big question is: what? The revolutionary praxis of Marx and his disciples, as we have witnessed in many places in the last 150 years, is one of violence, class conflict and political authoritarianism. That such tactics have changed the world no one can question, but whether they have succeeded in changing the world for the better is much more debatable. The recent collapse of communism in the Soviet Union is not particularly encouraging in that respect.

Without a clear moral basis for society and government, their society is merely imploding. The very real fear is of the rise of another autocratic dictator. We can surely ask whether there is not some better way to change the world; some methodology of revolution which is superior to guns and bombs? The Book of Acts believes shows that there is indeed an alternative: the revolution of Jesus. In the very first chapter, the risen Jesus set out his agenda of world conquest: 'Wait until you have received power from on high and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth' Tonight we have reached Samaria and the story of Simon. If you remember our look at the story of Barnabas and Annias and Sapphire in chapter 5, we discovered that it is a basic principle in Scripture that wherever God sows His true believers, Satan will eventually sow his counterfeits (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43). This was true of the ministry of John the Baptist (Matt. 3:7ff) and Jesus (Matt. 23:15, 33; John 8:44), and it would be true of Paul's ministry also (2 Cor. 11:1-4). The enemy comes as a lion to devour, and when that approach fails, he comes as a serpent to deceive. Satan's tool in this case was a sorcerer named Simon.

3.1 Simon's Background: Counterfeit Miracles 8:9-11
The word translated "amazed" in Acts 8:9 and 11 means "astounded or confounded." It is also translated "astonished" in Acts 8:13. The people were amazed at the things that Simon did and, therefore, they believed the things that he said. They considered him "the great power of God." From this we learn a profound lesson. Not all claims to miracles or the supernatural are divine in origin. We are specifically warned in Scripture of false signs and wonders. There is one simple way of distinguishing the authentic from the counterfeit. Simon's sorcery was energized by Satan (2 Thes. 2:1-12) and was used to magnify himself, whereas the miracles Philip performed were empowered by God and were used to glorify Christ. When ever people dwell on or talk about supernatural power without reference to Jesus Christ, the alarm bells should start ringing. Even dwelling on the ministry of the Holy Spirit at the expense of a Christ centred faith can be deceptively dangerous. Jesus is quite explicit that the role of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus. He will take of what is mine and make it known to you. The Holy Spirit points people to Jesus, because it is only through Jesus and his death on the cross that our sins can be forgiven, that we can be born anew. Counterfeit miracles. Simon started to lose his following as the Samaritans listened to Philip's messages, believed on Jesus Christ, were born again, and were baptized. Simon's background, counterfeit miracles.

3.2 Simon's Belief: Superficial Faith 8:12-13
What does it mean that "Simon himself believed"? (Acts 8:13) We can answer that question best by asking another one: What was the basis of his "faith"? His faith was not in the Word of God, but in the miracles he saw Philip perform; and there is no indication that Simon repented of his sins. He certainly did not believe with all his heart (Acts 8:37). His faith was like that of the people of Jerusalem who witnessed our Lord's miracles (John 2:23-25), or even like that of the demons (James 2:19). Simon continued with Philip, not to hear the Word and learn more about Jesus Christ, but to witness the miracles and perhaps learn how they were done. Simon's Background - Counterfeit Miracles. Simon's Belief - Superficial Faith.

3.3 Simon's Behaviour : Questionable Motives 8:18-24
The wickedness of Simon's heart was fully revealed by the ministry of the two apostles. Simon not only wanted to perform miracles, but he also wanted the power to convey the gift of the Holy Spirit to others and he was quite willing to pay for this power! It is this passage that gives us the word simony, which means "the buying and selling of church offices or privileges." It was this that sparked off the reformation for Martin Luther. Disgusted that Roman Catholic priests were selling indulgences - that is promising time off in purgatory, for a fee, it was simony that sparked off the reformation for Martin Luther. Simony is not as rare today as we might hope. When television evangelists promise to pray for you if you send them a donation, when they promise you blessing, prosperity or healing if you send them a donation, don't believe them. As you study the Book of Acts, you will often find the Gospel in conflict with money and "big business." Ananias and Sapphira lost their lives because they lied about their gift (Acts 5:1-11). Paul put a fortune-teller out of business in Philippi and ended up in jail (Acts 16:16-24). He also gave the silversmiths trouble in Ephesus and helped cause a riot (Acts 19:23-41).

The early church had its priorities straight: it was more important to preach the Word than to win the support of the wealthy and influential people of the world. Peter's words to Simon give every indication that the sorcerer was not a converted man. "Thy money perish with you!" is pretty strong language to use with a believer. He had neither "part or share in this ministry" ("this word") and his heart was not right before God. While it is not out of place for believers to repent (see Rev. 2-3), the command to repent is usually given to unbelievers. The word thought in Acts 8:22 means "plot or scheme" and is used in a bad sense.

The fact that Simon was "fulll of bitterness and captive to sin" indicates that he had never truly been born again. Simon's response to these severe words of warning was not at all encouraging. He was more concerned about avoiding judgment than getting right with God! There is no evidence that he repented and sought forgiveness. A sinner who wants the prayers of others but who will not pray himself is not going to enter God's kingdom. This story shows how close a person can come to salvation and still not be converted. Simon heard the Gospel, saw the miracles, gave a profession of faith in Christ, and was baptized; and yet there is little evidence that he was ever born again. He was probably one of Satan's clever counterfeits; and, had Peter not exposed the wickedness of his heart, Simon would have been accepted as a member of the Samaritan congregation! Read 8:25.

But God was in control, and despite the counterfeit, His church continued to grow. Even though the persecution was still going on, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the Gospel in "many villages of the Samaritans" as they went their way. They lost no opportunity to share the Good News with others now that the doors were open in Samaria. Oliver Cromwell was another, like Karl Marx who started a revolution...

4. A Concerned Seeker : An Ethiopian 8:26-40
Read 8:26-31. The Ethiopian represents many people today who are religious, read the scriptures, and seek the truth, yet do not have saving faith in Jesus Christ. They are sincere, but sincerely lost. They need someone to show them the way. Lets look at how the Lord provided that someone. In this passage we see how the Lord was able to utilize Philip's abilities and more important still his availability.

4.1 Philip Heard God's Voice 8:26
This assumes Philip was listening and recognized God's message whether the messanger, the angel was visible or not. Through the angel the Lord spoke to Philip. The message was personal and specific. The Lord is sovereign in the way He chooses to communicate with us. It is rare that he uses angels! Most commonly He uses the scriptures and our consciences. If we are to hear God's will we must be listening and discerning. That assumes a familiarity with His word, and a sensitivity in our consciences. Philip heard God's voice.

4.2 Philip Obeyed God's Will 8:27
This assumes not only that Philip was listening to the Lord but also that he was willing to do what the Lord asked. This raises the question of guidance, of how God guides.

4
.2.1 Specific Guidance
He was told specifically where to go but not who to talk to. Nor was he told what to do when he got there. Why? Because what we have here is the combination of the general and the specific guidance of God. The Lord did not need to tell Philip what to do or who to talk to at this stage. Why?

4.2.2 General Guidance
Because the Lord had already given them the Great Commission before His ascension, "Go into all the world making disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all I have commanded you, and I will be with you." Matthew 28:18-20 It comes in all four gospels and the beginning of Acts, so its a five fold command. All five emphasize something different so they are worth comparing.

Matthew : Discipleship Matt 28:18-20
Mark : Universality of Gospel Mark 16:15
Luke : Repentance & Forgiveness Luke 24:47
John : Authority of Believer John 20:23
Acts : Power and Strategy Acts 1:8

There is a lesson in guidance here. Do not expect the Lord to give specific guidance on matters he has already made his will known in scripture. You do not need guidance for example that you should not marry a non-Christian. Its a waste of time asking him. He has already said through Paul, "Do not be yoked with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14) We don't have to ask Him whether or what we should say to unbelievers. He's told us. "Tell them about Jesus".

4.2.3 Divine Appointments
The founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, Bill Bright has an unusual definition of a "Divine Appointment" For him if you spend more than five minutes with a person, that is a Divine appointment. An appointment to talk about Jesus with the person. With me it takes more like a few days... Like us, Philip had been commissioned to take the Gospel to all nations, to anyone he met who was willing to listen. Verse 5 shows he had proven his reliability in being willing to share the gospel with unpopular Samaritans, so the Lord used him again to reach someone even more un-liked by Jews, this Gentile leader. The Lord had the Ethiopian in mind for this "Divine appointment" but he didn't tell Philip. Verse 27 suggests that it was as Philip was on his way he met this Ethiopian official. Once Philip was in the right place, the Holy Spirit told him what to do. I liken this to the inner prompting we receive through our conscience. It takes sensitivity to recognize what is the Lord's leading and not our own desires. Check out this one...

If I said, "I believe the Lord guides me to talk to every attractive girl I see, therefore I believe I have a ministry to young women", I expect you would question my motives. As a general principle, if you are unsure whether the Lord is prompting you or not, ask yourself two simple questions.

1. Does this confirm or contradict his general revelation ?
2. Who gains most out of this situation ? The Lord or me ?

The Ethiopian was a key contact, just the man to take the Gospel back to his country. He was part of the Lords strategy, as much as Philip was, in fact just as much as you and I are to reach those people who live around us, and especially those of different nationalities we come in contact with. Who might be the equivalent to "Samaritans" or "Ethiopians" for us? Philip heard God's voice, and obeyed God's will.

4.3 Philip Took the Initiative 8:30
Philip had been led by the Holy Spirit to walk by the Chariot. It would have been usual for people to travel together on roads such as this for fear of ambush. When ever I travel on a train and notice someone is reading a book, I'm always fascinated to know what its called. You can tell a lot about a person by the books they read. Near enough to see the title on the cover of the Ethiopian's book, Philip took the initiative. He asked a question. A very simple question. An innocent, open question. An inviting question. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Read 8:31-35

The Lord's timing is always perfect. Not only had Philip been guided to this stranger of another race, of a different social class, and colour, but Philip asked his question just as the Ethiopian was pondering the passage in Isaiah 53 where the prophet pictures not only the Messiah but the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Philip was invited into this man's chariot to explain to him about the Cross of Christ. As we step out in faith and take opportunities to talk to people about Jesus, we find the Holy Spirit has been there before, preparing peoples hearts. Very often they are longing to understand about Jesus if only someone will explain it to them. Step out in faith and take the initiative. One of the best ways is to ask people questions first. "Do you believe there is any meaning in life?" "If you were to die tonight what where would you go?" "Who do you think Jesus was?" "If you could know God personally would you want to ?"

It was because Philip was open to the Lord, through prayer and the reading of the scriptures that he could be God's man in God's time. Philip heard God's voice, obeyed God's will, and took the initiative...

4.4 The Lord Honoured Philip 8:34-39
Through that one question, the Ethiopian opened up his heart. Philip had the opportunity to tell him about Jesus. We would call the Ethiopian "ripe fruit". Ready for picking. So keen was he to become a Christian that he wanted to stop the chariot and be baptised in the nearest drop of water ! Philip had fulfilled his responsibility. The Lord must have arranged someone else to call and do the follow-up Bible studies.... Philip got a free 'air' flight to Azotus, and the Ethiopian went home rejoicing..... Every day can be an exciting adventure if we dare to risk living it like Philip. Yes, we will make mistakes, yes, occasionally we will appear foolish in the eyes of the world, but never to the Lord. Today we do not know the future or what the Lord has for us to do. Although may not know where we are going, one thing we do know for sure, who it is we are going there with. Lets Pray.

This seminar draws on material from Warren Wersbie, Be Daring - The Acts of the Apostles, John Stott, The Message of Acts; the Holman Bible Dictionary, the Nelson Bible Dictionary, Unger's Bible Dictionary, the IVP Bible Dictionary and the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.



IBS Seminar 8 : Acts 8:1-40 : Seminar Questions

Open

1. What is your favourite road and why?

Dig

2. How might the scattering of the believers be good for the church?

3. How do you think God used the evil in Saul's heart for good?

4. What did Simon and Philip have in common (8:9-11)?

5. What does Peter's rebuke in 8:20-23 tell us about Simon and his motivation?

6. Does Simon's reply indicate a change of heart? On what basis?

7. Why would the Ethiopian have gone to Jerusalem to worship?

8. How would this have prepared him to receive the gospel?

9. Make a list of the things which God did in this passage to prepare the way for his message.

10. What is the relationship between preparation and human initiative in this encounter?

11. What is the relationship between God's sovereignty and human responsibility in this encounter?

Reflect

12. What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you? How did God use it later for good?

13. What did you learn about God in this situation?

14. What was your primary motivation in receiving Jesus Christ as your Saviour?

15. In what ways is Philip's style of evangelism similar or different to yours?

16. What are the barriers to you sharing your faith? What have you learnt from this passage that will help you overcome them?