Conversion of the Samaritans Acts 8:1-25 Introduction: 1. History of city and race. 1 Kgs. 16:23-24 2 Kgs. 18:9; 17:22-29. 2. Points leading to lesson: a. Great persecution. Ax 8:1. b. Apostles remain in Jerusalem. 8:1. c. Others scattered and preaching. 8:1, 4. Note: This presentation is not intended for viewing by the audience, but can be used that way if you want.

Conversion of the Samaritans  I. The preacher — Philip.   A. Not apostle but the evangelist. Ax 8:5; 6:1-6; 21:8. B. His work as deacon terminated by dispersion of the church. II. What he preached. V. 5. A. Christ, the burden of preaching if inspired men. 1 Cor. 2:2; Gal. 6:14. B. “Christ,” “gospel,” and “word” all the same. 1 Cor. 2:2; 15:1; Ax 8:25. Compare “preaching Moses” Ax 15:21.

Conversion of the Samaritans  III. “Preach Christ, let other folks alone.”   Preached fully (Ax 20:20, 27), will antagonize others: 1. As “Son of God.” Matt. 16:18 — antagonize infidel. 2. As “Saviour.” Titus 2:13-14 — antagonize Universalists. 3. As “saving the obedient.” Heb. 5:9 — antagonize Calvinists. 4. As “God’s Prophet.” Acts 3:22 — antagonize Islamic. 5. As “High Priest.” Heb. 3:1 — antagonize ecclesiastical priests. 6. As “King.” 1 Tim. 6:15 — antagonize most. Explain kingdom: territory, subjects, conditions. B. Preaching Christ will cause revolution one way or other.

Conversion of the Samaritans IV. Results of Philip’s preaching: A. People under spell of magician — unfavorable for reception of the gospel. 1. Magic and miracles compared - one to excite the curiosity; other to benefit mankind. 2. Vast difference seen by people. V. 6. 3. Miracles to confirm the word. Mk. 16:20; Heb. 2:2-4. B. Great joy in the city. v. 8. Why? C. What people did: 1. Believed & baptized. v. 12. Cf. Mark 16:15-16. 2. How learn of baptism? 3. No infants — “believed - men and women.” v. 12. 4. No “church” consulted about their baptism. 5. Simon also converted. v. 13-14. Cf. Mark 16:16.

Conversion of the Samaritans V. Visit of Peter and John. V. 14.   A. Purpose? Impart Holy Spirit. V. 15. B. Had fallen on none. v. 15 — not a prerequisite to baptism or salvation. C. Why the miraculous endowment? 1. Apostles needed inspiration — revealing God’s will. 2. In absence of apostles, others needed miraculous aid; revelation complete. D. How imparted? v. 17. Never conferred by others. Hence ceased.

Conversion of the Samaritans VI. Simon’s sin. V. 18-19. A. No “yet” when Peter said “bond of iniquity. v. 21, 22. Apostasy. B. Only one sin mentioned; “this thy wickedness” v. 22. C. Not “alien sinner’s” prayer. v. 22-23. God’s two laws of pardon.

Conversion of the Samaritans Conclusion:   A. Conversions today follow same essential pattern. B. Circumstances differ: 1. Philip had miraculous gifts — no finished New Testament. 2. I have finished New Testament — no miraculous gifts. C. Only one thing necessary. Romans 1:16-17; 1 Pet. 1:23-25.