Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.
9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.
14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”
25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
Introduction
Two thousand years out, it’s easy to miss how shocking the salvation of the Samaritans would have been to the Jewish Christian community. The Samaritan people were neither Gentiles nor were they Jews; they were a detested third entity. The route from Jerusalem to Galilee was through the land of Samaria, but Orthodox Jews would take a much longer route, just to avoid being defiled by an “unclean” people. The Samaritans, in turn, despised the Jews, claiming the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) as their own but changing words and sacred places to fit themselves. In John 8:48, the Jews, seeking to slander Jesus, accuse him of having a demon and being a Samaritan.
And now we read how God scatters the young church into Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1–4). The spread of the gospel beyond the boundaries of Jerusalem may seem inevitable from our point of view, but it took tragedy and subsequent persecution to disperse the believers across the region. John Stott explains, “What is plain is that the devil (who lurks behind all persecution of the church), overreached himself. His attack had the opposite effect to what he intended. Instead of smothering the gospel, persecution succeeded only in spreading it.”
Observation
- What circumstances brought Philip to Samaria? What did he say and do there? How did the Samaritan people respond?
- The Greek word prosecho is used three times in verses 4–13. It means “to pay close attention to something, give heed to, follow.” Find the verses in which this phrase is used and note what or whom the people are paying attention to, as well as their responses.
- What did Simon say about himself? What name had the people of Samaria given him?
- Why did Peter and John travel to Samaria?
- What is Peter’s interpretation (via the Holy Spirit) of Simon’s heart?
Interpretation
To learn more about the origins of the Samaritan people, read 2 Kings 17:24–29, Ezra 4:1–5 (the “adversaries” described in this section are leaders from the province of Samaria), and John 4:7–24. The Samaritan religion went through many changes to become what it was in Jesus’ day, but one thing remained: the animosity between the Jews and Samaritans, kindled through the centuries by mutual acts of violence and the Samaritans’ eventual claim that they were the true chosen people of God.
- With so much hatred on either side, what does it tell you about God’s grace and mercy that the Samaritans were the first people outside the main Jewish community to whom the gospel was preached?
- Luke uses the phrase “the word” (ESV) throughout this passage to describe the giving and receiving of the gospel. What is he trying to highlight about the gospel message? (See Romans 10:17 and John 17:14–17.)
- Verse 13 tells us even Simon himself believed and was baptized, yet in Peter’s strong rebuke, he says Simon’s heart is not right before God (v. 21). Is it possible to believe and not be saved? What is the difference between mere belief and saving faith? (See James 2:19; Romans 8:6–9, 10:9–10; and John 3:3–8.)
- In verses 15–17, we read about the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Samaritan believers. How is this a unique event?
- Read John 3:8, Ephesians 2:13–14, 18, and Romans 8:16. Why did God delay pouring out the Holy Spirit until the arrival of the apostles Peter and John?
- What does it mean to be in the gall of bitterness and bound by iniquity (v. 23)? How were these things motivating Simon?
Application
- The Jews regarded the Samaritan people with great contempt and hostility, viewing them as heretics and half-breeds. Is there a specific person or people group you’ve rejected sharing the gospel with? If so, why?
- The Greek word translated as “to pay attention to” implies a close attention, following, intentionally turning one’s mind toward something. When the people of Samaria were closely following Simon, they were “amazed.” When they turned this careful attention to Philip, there was “much joy.” What do you spend your days paying attention to? In turn, how does what you pay attention to impact your thoughts and actions?
- Sorcery is an effort to manipulate, control, change, or redirect God. Simon longed to manipulate and control the power of God for his own purpose and glory. In what ways do you make yourself believe you could harness the will and power of God for yourself?
- The Holy Spirit moved powerfully through Peter and John, bestowing gifts and speaking words of truth. When have you encountered the power and direction of the Holy Spirit? How did you respond?
For further study
- “The Difference between Amazement and Faith” by Paul Tripp
This devotion is adapted from the Acts Study Guide: Chapter 6–11. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The Study Guide includes an 11-week curriculum with small group studies, group inductive studies, as well as 55 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
