Acts 8 Commentary
“But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in jail”. Verse 3. But the church wasn’t destroyed! Not even a scratch!
“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went”. Verse 4. Probably the devil regretted killing Stephen!
While Chapter 7 focuses on Stephen’s sermon and martyrdom, Chapter 8 belongs to Philip, one of the seven ‘deacons’. Philip preached in Samaria and was later guided to minister to the Ethiopian official.
We can see how the Spirit is in charge of the operation. Operations in multiple places. The entire world gets the blessing. Samaritans also receive the special gift of the Spirit in a display of inclusiveness. It confirms the global nature of God’s special gift.
The special gift cannot be bought. Simon the sorcerer must learn this important lesson!
See how Simon the sorcerer has a ‘godly’ title but is deeply involved in cultic practices. There are times when people have used the term God to refer to another god.
Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is raising His church in all places, including Samaria and Ethiopia. He is also raising an army in Saul, but he doesn’t know a thing about it. This chapter begins with an off statement but it isn’t out of place. Saul is an active agent in scattering the church. He inadvertently sends hundreds of evangelists far and beyond. Not too long from this point, Saul will convert and evangelize from inside the church.
Who can win against God!
The Ethiopian official is reading Isaiah 53. He doesn’t understand it until Philip shows up. See how the Holy Spirit prepares both men!
The Holy Spirit has His script during all these operations. Jesus writes the script. The Book of Acts is a record of Jesus Christ’s acts through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the star of the movie! Nothing has changed. The Spirit remains in charge of Salvation, to the Glory of God.
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