In Acts 8:5-7, we meet Philip again, the second of the seven helpers (after Stephen) that were listed in chapter 6 (see Acts 6:1-7) as having been commissioned to serve.
Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.
Acts 8:5-7 NIV
While seven guys were assigned to help with food (or money) distribution, at least some of them (including Stephen and Philip) seem to have been active in spreading the word, as well. Perhaps the scattering of believers away from Jerusalem (Acts 8:4) meant that there was no longer a need for coordinating centralized support in Jerusalem.
Translations differ as to whether this was “a city in Samaria” [NIV], or “the city of Samaria” [NASB, Reese], but all people need Jesus, so perhaps it isn’t important that we know for sure where this happened specifically.
Again, we have amazing signs performed by Philip (as he was empowered by God), and these serve to confirm that the news that Philip was teaching about the Messiah was correct. Remember, the people of this region had probably heard of others claiming that they were – or had met – the promised Messiah, but other than Jesus Christ, all of those who claimed His role were shown to be liars (or at least misled).
It’s one thing to make a claim about being a savior. It’s quite another to actually be the Savior, which Jesus was. Similarly, it’s one thing to make a claim about someone else being the Messiah (and telling others that another person is worthy of our commitment and service). It’s quite another thing to back that up with facts, whether through attesting signs (showing God’s validation on Philip’s message), or through the fruit of a life that has been changed by Jesus and is guided by the Holy Spirit today.
What was the result?
So there was great joy in that city.
Acts 8:8 NIV
The message and ministry that Philip shared brought a positive result, “there was great joy in that city” (or “much rejoicing” [NASB]). Sometimes, I think that we have this idea that if we share the good news of Jesus, people are going to be unhappy. Maybe they will pick on us, or not be our friends anymore. Maybe it will be awkward.
In fact, when the word of God came to this “city in Samaria”, there was rejoicing. Some might argue that the rejoicing came because of physical and spiritual healing, but let’s ask ourselves a few questions: Do we still serve the same God? Does He have any less power over the world than He did then? And, even if God doesn’t choose to perform miracles to accompany our teaching about Jesus, what would it look like if each of us in the body of Christ stepped up and served others as we were called to do so? Wouldn’t many be rescued from poverty, hopelessness, sickness, and sorrow?
I think that would be worth rejoicing about.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for October 22, 2023
References:
- The Lookout, October 22, 2023, © 2023 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
- New Testament History: A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Acts, by Gareth L. Reese. © 1976, College Press Publishing Company.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Acts, by Dennis Gaertner. © 1993 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 