“Brother Saul, the Lord…has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 9:17).

Philip’s Ministry: Samaria  Resulted from the stoning of Stephen (8:1)  Two powers at work  Simon Magus, the “Great Power”  Philip, proclaiming the Messiah  The Samaritans believed & were baptized

Philip’s Ministry: Samaria (p.2)  Peter and John come down from Jerusalem  To supervise? To authorize?  The gift of the Spirit  Simon’s request  Compare w/ Ananias  Peter recognizes the “bitter poison” in him (Deuteronomy 29:18)  Peter & John return, preaching thru Samaria

Philip’s Ministry: The Ethiopian  Philip (directed by an angel, led by the Spirit) encounters an Ethiopian official  Leads him in reading Isaiah 53  Tells him the good news about Jesus  “What prevents me from being baptized?”  He is…& leaves w/ joy  Philip is taken away

The Conversion of Paul  Paul continues his rabid attacks  Cleanses Jerusalem?  Leaves for Damascus  Damascus road experience!  “Why do you persecute me?  “Who are you?”  Blinded by the light  Philippians 3:12  2 Corinthians 4:6

The Conversion of Paul (p. 2)  Restoration through a “double vision”  To Ananias: “Go!”  To Saul: “Wait for restored sight”  Saul sees…is baptized…and eats  Saul begins to preach  In Damascus…  In Jerusalem…  The church enters into a time of  Peace  Consolidation  Encouragement  Growth  Holy reverence