Acts 8:4-8

https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+8:4-8

Philip in Samaria

4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.

Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.

8:4 Persecution forced the believers out of their homes in Jerusalem, and along with them went the gospel. Sometimes we have to become uncomfortable before we'll move. We may not want to experience it, but discomfort may be the best thing for us because God may be working through our hurts. When you are tempted to complain about uncomfortable or painful circumstances, stop and ask if God might be preparing you for a special task.

8:5 This is not the Apostle Philip (see John 1:43, 44), but a Greek-speaking Jew, "full of the Spirit and wisdom" (6:3), who was one of the seven deacons chosen to help with the food distribution program in the church (6:5).

8:5 Israel had been divided into three main regions--Galilee in the north, Samaria in the middle, and Judea in the south. The city of Samaria (in the region of Samaria) had been the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel in the days of the divided kingdom, before it was conquered by Assyria in 722 B.C. During that war, the Assyrian king took many captives, leaving only the poorest people in the land and resettling it with foreigners. These foreigners intermarried with the Jews who were left, and the mixed race became known as Samaritans. The Samaritans were considered "half-breeds" by the "pure" Jews in the southern kingdom of Judah, and there was intense hatred between the two groups. But Jesus himself went into Samaria (John 4), and he commanded his followers to spread the gospel there (1:8).

8:7 Jesus encountered and drove out many demons during his ministry on earth. Demons, or evil spirits, are ruled by Satan. Most scholars believe that they are fallen angels who joined Satan in his rebellion against God, and who can cause a person to be mute, deaf, blind, or insane. Demons also tempt people to sin. Although they can be powerful, they are not able to read our minds and cannot be everywhere at once. Demons are real and active, but Jesus has authority over them; and he gave this authority to his followers. Although Satan is allowed to work in our world, God is in complete control. He can drive demons out and end their destructive work in people's lives. Eventually Satan and his demons will be thrown into the lake of fire, forever ending their evil work in the world (Revelation 20:10).

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Sometimes the importance of the message is such that it cannot be silenced. Even through persecution the Good News must be told. How did the Good News make it to the ends of the earth? God works to turn bad stuff into good. God has done it over and over. God evolves things to righteousness. Refinement. Commitment. Truth. When silenced in one place, we take the message to the people who listen and they are blessed. I see it happening even in these days. And it is wonderful -- wonder full.

Almighty Father, thank You for the Good News of Your Son and His Disciples turned Apostles and their followers. They demonstrated commitment and perseverance to us. Thank You for helping those who carry Your message today. Help us be true to Your Word. When we forget, remind us so we can take the task back up anew. Forgive us our shortcomings and help us keep Your purposes first in our minds. Don't let us get distracted, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Song: https://youtu.be/CACOsoOQWY4

Have a blessed day.