When Persecution Accomplishes The Purposes Of God. Acts 8:1-25.

Pause for thought

God used the persecution that had arisen following the stoning of Stephen to drive the church out of Jerusalem, They were scattered everywhere preaching ( gossiping the gospel) 8:4 see Acts 1:8.

Philip was a deacon not an apostle, he was a man full of the Holy Spirit and faith 6:5 He had left Jerusalem because of the persecution and found himself in the city of Samaria. As he preached the gospel and did many miracles, this caused his hearers to listen intently to his message about the Kingdom of God and the person of Jesus. Many believed and were baptised in water 8:12

These Samaritan believers were born again believers they were indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Now through the laying on of hands by the Apostles Peter and John they received a new experience of empowerment as the Holy Spirit “fell upon them”. The Holy Spirit was now not only in them, but also on them, this was their baptism “in” or “with” the Spirit 8:15

There was a great move of the Spirit in Samaria, great joy! with many believers being added to the church. Where there is revival and Holy Spirit power, sins not repented of often come to light, as with Ananias and Sapphira see 5:1-11 so Simon the sorcerer’s sin was revealed when he offered money for the gift of God. Peter saw that Simons heart had been poisoned by bitterness and was bound by iniquity. Please note Peter gave Simon the opportunity to repent 8:22-24.

A verse to remember

And the Multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did 8:6. N.K.J.

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