Textual Studies From The Gospel Of Luke & The Acts Of The Apostles

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Luke’s “Second Treatise” takes a major turn starting at this chapter The first 7 chapters chronicles the gospel only in Jerusalem Almost exclusively, only the apostles taught Stephen’s stoning changed everything

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Luke’s “Second Treatise” takes a major turn starting at this chapter The “second phase” of Jesus’ final words in Acts 1:8 will begin to be the focus

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Saul’s Persecution vv. 1-4 Saul was in “hearty agreement” re: the stoning of Stephen v. 1a The Jerusalem church was persecuted…the disciples scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, except the apostles v. 1b

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Saul’s Persecution vv. 1-4 The Christians did not go into hiding…they went about preaching v. 4 Most young organizations would have folded Not the kingdom of God…providence provided a way for the gospel to spread cp. Rom 8:28

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Saul’s Persecution vv. 1-4 Stephen was lamented, buried v. 2 Saul continued his antagonism v. 3 He “ravaged the church” Disciples, not even safe in their own homes, were taken away to prison

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Philip & The Apostles In Samaria vv Philip, one of the 7, arrives in the city of Samaria…begins preaching v. 5 The multitudes listened to his words as well as saw his miracles vv. 6-7 cp. Mk 16:19 There was much rejoicing in the city v. 8

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Philip & The Apostles In Samaria vv Luke introduces us to Simon vv He was “sorcerer” The city was enthralled with his “abilities” Sorcery was fraudulent…audiences were drug-induced [Greek word pharmakeia ]

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Philip & The Apostles In Samaria vv Luke introduces us to Simon vv Sorcery is an attempt to know, tell the future Sorcery is a work of the flesh Gal 5:20 Sorcery brings judgment from God Rev 21:8

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Philip & The Apostles In Samaria vv Samaria responded to the gospel vv Many believed Philip preaching about Christ, the kingdom…they were baptized Even Simon obeyed the gospel cp. Rom 1:16 Philip’s miraculous ability impressed Simon

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Philip & The Apostles In Samaria vv The apostles come to Samaria vv Peter & John are sent…the new converts did not yet possess the Holy Spirit “They had only been baptized…” Peter & John lay hands on them

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Philip & The Apostles In Samaria vv Simon’s sin vv He notices what Peter & John are doing…he offers them money to do the same Point Ù “old sinful habits” were resurfacing cp. Eph 4: :8 Col 2:20 – 3:17

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Philip & The Apostles In Samaria vv Simon’s sin vv Peter rebukes Simon, his “offer” He “…had no portion in this matter” (he wasn’t an apostle)

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Philip & The Apostles In Samaria vv Simon’s sin vv He was in danger of “perishing” v. 20 His “heart was not right before God” v. 21 He needed to “repent of wickedness” v. 22 He needed “forgiveness” v. 22

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Philip & The Apostles In Samaria vv Simon’s sin vv He was in “the gall of bitterness & the bondage of iniquity” v. 23 Was Simon lost? Had he been saved? v. 13 cp. Mk 16:16

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Philip & The Apostles In Samaria vv Simon’s sin vv This passage offers a strong refutation of the error of “Once Saved, Always Saved” (The impossibility of apostasy)

Lesson 32 – The Gospel Spreads 8:1-40 Philip & The Apostles In Samaria vv Simon’s sin vv Obvious difference between 8:22 and 2:38 Simon accepts Peter’s rebuke…requests Peter also pray for him v. 24 The apostles return to Jerusalem v. 25