A Study Through Acts

1
Chapter 8
A Study Through Acts
2
Introduction.

• In our study of Acts 6-7, we saw five important
  events
• There was a distinction between the work of the
  church in evangelism and providing benevolence to
  needy saints.
• Even religious leaders who were in error could be
  taught the word of the Lord.
• There would be those who would reject the Word of
  God.
• Some people were strongly affected by God's word.
• Stephen was the first Christian martyred for the
  cause of Jesus Christ.

3
Saints Spread the Gospel

• After the death of Stephen, there arose a great
  persecution against the church at Jerusalem.
  (Acts 81-4)
• Because of the persecution, the church was
  scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. (vs
  1)
• Devout men buried Stephen. (vs 2)
• Saul made havoc of the church, throwing men and
  women into prison. (vs 3)
• The saints, being scattered, went everywhere
  preaching the word. (vs 4)

4
Saints Spread the Gospel

• Philip preached the gospel in Samaria. (Acts
  85-13)
• Many people received the teachings of Philip.
  (vs 5-7)
• Simon had convinced the people that he had the
  power of God. (vs 9-11)
• After the people heard Philip, they believed and
  were baptized. (vs 12)
• Simon also believed and was baptized. (vs 13)

5
Saints Spread the Gospel

• Peter and John went to Samaria. (Acts
  814-25)
• The apostles sent Peter and John to Samaria so
  that the people might receive the Holy Spirit.
  (vs 14-17)
• Simon offered Peter and John money for this
  ability. (vs 17-19)
• Peter rebuked Simon and told him to repent. (vs
  20-23)
• Simon repeated of his sin. Peter and John
  returned to Jerusalem. (vs 24-25)

6
Saints Spread the Gospel

• Philip preached the gospel to the Ethiopian
  treasurer. (Acts 826-40)
• An angel directed Philip. (vs 26)
• Traveling on the same road to Gaza was a man of
  Ethiopia. (vs 27-28)
• An angel told Philip to go to the chariot.
  Philip asked the man if he understood what he was
  reading. (vs 29-33)
• Philip taught the man about Jesus. (vs 34-35)
• The man asked to be baptized. (vs 36-38)
• The Spirit caught Philip away and the man from
  Ethiopia went on his way rejoicing. (vs 40)

7
Key Events from Acts 8

• Key Event 1 Persecution led to the scattering
  of the saints in Jerusalem. (Acts 81-4)
• The persecution drove the saints back to their
  home countries, preaching the word.
• Consider the benefits of trials and persecutions
  within our lives. (James 12-11)
• Paul taught that tribulations produces
  perseverance. (Romans 53-5)
• The key to enduring persecutions and tribulations
  is to not give up. Instead, finish the race. (1
  Cor 924-27 Heb 121-2)

8
Key Events from Acts 8

• Key Event 2 Multitudes in the city of Samaria
  believed and was baptized. There was great joy
  in the city. (Acts 85-13)
• This is an early example of conversions outside
  of Jerusalem. This is no small example of the
  Gospels power to salvation. (Rom 116-17)
• Paul taught that God would give the increase. (1
  Cor 35-8)

9
Key Events from Acts 8

• Key Event 3 Simon the sorcerer was converted
  to the truth. He then put is soul in jeopardy by
  sinning. Simon later repented of his sin. (Acts
  89-25)
• The story of Simon teaches us that a saved person
  can jeopardize his own soul.
• The Bible teaches that a person can leave Gods
  fellowship. (1 John 15-10)
• The Bible teaches a fearful expectation of
  judgment will await those who sin willfully.
  (Heb 1026-27)

10
Key Events from Acts 8

• Key Event 4 Philip taught the man of Ethiopia
  beginning with an Old Testament prophecy
  concerning Jesus. (Acts 826-40)
• Philip asked the man if he understood what he was
  reading. Are we that knowledgeable to ask such a
  question to a stranger whom we see reading the
  Bible?
• The Old Testament is important to understanding
  the death of Jesus Christ. (Cf. Romans 154
  Galatians 323-25)

11
Key Events from Acts 8

• Key Event 5 The man of Ethiopia was baptized.
  (Acts 826-40)
• This is the first record and the baptismal
  process in action after Jesus's death.
• Philip preached Jesus.
• The man asked about being baptized.
• The man professed his belief.
• Philip took the man into the water and baptized
  him. Cf. Mark 1615-16 Matt 2818-20.

12
In Conclusion

• Remember the key points seen in our study
• Persecution led to the scattering of the saints
  in Jerusalem.
• Multitudes in the city of Samaria believed and
  was baptized. There was great joy in the city.
• Simon the sorcerer was converted to the truth. He
  then put is soul in jeopardy by sinning. Simon
  later repented of his sin.
• Philip taught the man of Ethiopia beginning with
  an Old Testament prophecy concerning Jesus.
• The man of Ethiopia was baptized.