Acts 8:9-24 – The Next Advance

The special outpouring of the Holy Spirit was now given to the Samaritans; a sort of half way-house between Jew and Gentile. It was not through Philip (vs. 14-15), but through the Apostles. The giving of the Holy Spirit in this way is one of the “signs of an apostle” (2Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:4).

We also learn about Simon. Despite his baptism (v.13) and membership of the professing Church and acceptance that the Gospel was true, he did not trust the Saviour, and his heart was unrenewed. He thought that he could just do a deal with God. His attitude towards the outpouring of the Spirit shows this. His view of God was wrong, though he thought God was somebody to keep on the right side of. In the end he knew that he was a sinner (v. 24), but whether he ever trusted the saviour, we are not told.

Questions
1. Do you try to do a deal with God? Do you try to earn your salvation or do you come “without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1)?
2. If you have membership of the professing Church, like Simon, do you have the reality which he did not?

Prayer Points
1. Give thanks for the salvation you have in Christ.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.