1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 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: How learn of baptism? 3. No infants — “believed - men and women.” v No “church” consulted about their baptism. 5. Simon also converted. v Cf. Mark 16:16.

5. 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 Never conferred by others. Hence ceased.

6. Conversion of the Samaritans
VI. Simon’s sin. V 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 God’s two laws of pardon.

7. 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.