1. Studies in the Book of Acts
Dr. Ronald C. Hill, Sr.
Dec. 7-10, 2011
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2. A. In Chapter 7 we find the focus on the life and ministry of Deacon Stephen. He stood up for the gospel of Christ and it cost him his life. His testimony was that while they were stoning him to death “he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God”.  

3. A. We also note that Stephen prayed that God would forgive the men who were in the process of stoning him to death.

4. B. We also find the first mention of Saul who became the greatest writer and preacher in the New Testament.

5. Acts 7:58 
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

6. Acts 8:1-4
1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

7. Acts 8:1-4
2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

8. Acts 8:1-4
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

9. Acts 8:1-4
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

10. C. There was a great persecution against the church, which was at Jerusalem.

11. 1. The murder of Stephen caused the enemy to accelerate their persecution unlike any seen before. This time the target was not just the individual, Stephen, but the whole church.

12. 2. Although the persecution was deadly, nevertheless it accomplished the direct will of God. It causes the diaspora of the Jews that had accepted Christ as Lord. They went throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria.

13. 3. The apostles were the only believers that remained in Jerusalem.

14. Acts 8:2
2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

15. D. In Verse 2 the Bible says that devout men carried Stephen to his burial. This is note worthy because it was against the Jewish law to make lamentations at the funeral of an executed

16. D. person. However, certain bold and devout men gave Stephen the burial that was due this first Christian martyr.

17. Acts 8:3
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

18. E. The word “havock" in the Greek is “lumainomai” and it means to treat shamefully or with injury; to ravage; signifies the act of a ferocious animals seeking prey. Paul harassed the church, smashing down

19. E. doors, arresting men and women in their homes, and sending them off to prison. All the time while doing this evil work he thought he was doing the will of God.

20. Acts 8:5-8
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

21. Acts 8:5-8
6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

22. Acts 8:5-8
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

23. Acts 8:5-8
8 And there was great joy in that city.

24. F. Philip preached the Gospel of Christ to the city of Samaria and God confirmed His word. The people got into one accord and accepted the message from Philip the deacon. God used Philip to perform many miracles. He

25. F. cast the devil out; he healed the sick and the lame walked
F. cast the devil out; he healed the sick and the lame walked. And according to verse 8 there was great joy in that city.

26. Acts 8:9-13
9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

27. Acts 8:9-13
10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

28. Acts 8:9-13
11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

29. Acts 8:9-13
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

30. Acts 8:9-13
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

31. G. In verse 9 we are introduced to Simon the sorcerer
G. In verse 9 we are introduced to Simon the sorcerer. He was also known as Simon Magus. It is also believed by some that Simon was the founder of Gnosticism. Gnosticism is a doctrine that valued inquiry

32. G. into spiritual truth above faith
G. into spiritual truth above faith. They believed salvation to be attainable only by the few whose faith enabled them to transcend matter. They believed only those that had superior knowledge could know God.

33. H. Simon had previously made a big impression on the city of Samaria by his amazing feats of sorcery. Sorcery is the use of supernatural power over others through the assistance of evil spirits. It is witchcraft and black

34. H. magic. He pretended to be very important, and some of the people were actually convinced that he was “the great power of God”. He had bewitched the people. The Greek word for bewitched is

35. H. “existemi” and it means to
drive out of one’s senses; to be amazed beyond measure.

36. 1. It is so very important that we have personal knowledge of God
1. It is so very important that we have personal knowledge of God. We also must hear and obey the word of God and be filled and led by the Holy Spirit. If we refuse to walk with God we set ourselves up to be

37. 1. deceived by the spirit of the devil when he is using people
1. deceived by the spirit of the devil when he is using people. No one but no one is beyond being deceived when we refuse to walk in the light of God’s word.

38. Acts 8:12
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

39. I. Philip’s message and the power of the Holy Spirit were much greater than that of Simon the sorcerer.

40. 1. As we preach the word of God He will always confirm that the Kingdom of light is far greater than the kingdom of darkness.

41. J. The 4 Major things Philip preached were:

42. #1 The word of God
Acts 8:4
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

43. #2 He preached Christ, death, burial and resurrection
Acts 8:5
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

44. #3 He preached the things of the Kingdom of God
Acts 8:12
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God,

45. #4 He preached the name of Jesus Christ
Acts 8:12b
12 and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

46. K. The kingdom of God is the sphere where the rule of God is acknowledged. We must preach and teach that the kingdom of God has come and that He rules over all.

47. L. The Kingdom of God is:

48. #1 The Kingdom has come
St. Matt. 12:28
28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

49. ST. MATTHEW 3:2   
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

50. #2 The Kingdom of God is with in the believer
St. Luke 17:21 
21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

51. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
#3 The Kingdom of God is not in word only
1 Corinthians 4:20
20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

52. #4 To be full of the Holy Ghost is to be full of the Kingdom of God
Romans 14:17 
17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

53. Acts 8:13
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

54. M. There seems to be some doubt about the legitimacy of Simon’s conversion. There is no sign of repentance; there is no confession of sin.

55. N. But there is the statement that he continued with Philip and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs, which were done.

56. 1. It would seem that Simon was only concerned about the secret of the ability Philip had to heal the sick and perform miracles. He showed no concern for his soul. It was all about what he was going to get. Does this sound familiar?

57. Acts 8:14-17
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

58. Acts 8:14-17
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

59. Acts 8:14-17
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

60. Acts 8:14-17
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

61. O. In verse 14 we find the first mention of the Apostles leaving the revival at Jerusalem. As we remember persecution had caused everyone else to leave Jerusalem.

62. Acts 8:1
1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

63. Acts 8:18-21
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

64. Acts 8:18-21
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

65. Acts 8:18-21
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

66. Acts 8:18-21
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

67. P. Simon “The Sorcerer” was deeply impressed by the fact that the Holy Sprit was given when the apostles laid their hands on the believers at Samaria. He had no deep sense of the spiritual implications of this, but

68. P. rather looked on it as a supernatural power, which would serve him well in his trade. So he offered money to the apostles in an effort to buy the power.

69. Q. Peter’s answer indicates that Simon was not a truly converted man:

70. 1. Peter told him “your money perish with you” no true believer will ever perish

71. 2. ”You have neither part nor portion in this matter
2. ”You have neither part nor portion in this matter.” In other words, he was not a part of the fellowship.

72. 3. “Your heart is not right in the sight of God”
3. “Your heart is not right in the sight of God”. This is a fitting description of an unsaved person.

73. 4. “You are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity
4. “You are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” Could these words be true of a person who has a new heart through regeneration?

74. Acts 8:22-24  
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

75. Acts 8:22-24  
23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

76. Acts 8:22-24  
24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

77. R. Peter urged Simon to repent of his great sin, and pray that his wicked plan might be forgiven.

78. 1. We note that Simon didn’t pray for himself: another indication that he didn’t know the Lord. He was the forerunner of those who would rather go to a human mediator than to the Lord himself.

79. 2. There was no true repentance on the part of Simon indicated by the words, “Pray to the Lord for me that none of these things which you have spoken may come upon me”!

80. 3. He was not sorry for his sin, but only wanted to avoid the consequences, which that sin may bring upon him.

81. S. It is from this man, Simon, that we get the modern word, “Simony” which means making a business out of that which is sacred.” It includes the sale of indulgences and other supposed spiritual benefits and all forms of commercialism in divine matters.

82. Acts 8:25 
25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

83. LIFE LESSONS

84. 1. IF WE AREN’T SUFFERING PERSECUTION FROM RELIGIOUS PEOPLE IT’S AN INDICATION THAT WE MAY NOT BE DOING THE TRUE WORK OF GOD.

85. 2. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE PEOPLE LIKE SIMON “THE SORCERER”, WHO WILL BE USED BY THE DEVIL TO DECEIVE PEOPLE INTO THINKING THEY ARE REPRESENTING GOD.

86. 3. PHILIP DIDN’T SEEK TO EXPOSE THE DOCTRINE OF SIMON; HE SIMPLY SHOWED THE DIFFER-ENCE BY PROMOTING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

87. 4. AS WE WALK IN THE WORD AND RELEASE THE GLORY OF GOD HE WILL CONFIRM THAT WE ARE HIS PEOPLE

88. 5. THE MAN OF GOD DIDN’T ADDRESS SIMON “THE SORCERER” UNTIL HE SOUGHT TO TAKE PART IN THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

89. 6. PEOPLE WHO ARE OPERATING IN THE SPIRT OF THE DEVIL WILL OFTEN SEEK VALADATION BY ATTEMPTING TO ATTACH THEMSELVES TO THE TRUE MEN AND WOMEN OF GOD. WHEN YOU ARE ANOINTED,

90. 6. BE CAREFUL WHO YOU ALLOW INTO YOUR INNER CIRCLE.

91. 7. WHEN SIMON OFFERED TO BUY THE POWER OF GOD PETER WAS QUICK TO REBUKE HIM. WE TOO MUST STAND UP FOR THE WORD OF GOD WHEN THE DEVIL IS SEEKING TO USE SOMEONE TO VIOLATE THE WORD OF GOD.

92. Acts 8:25 
25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

93. After Peter and John had testified and preached the word of God they returned to Jerusalem. Their evangelist efforts among the Samaritans continued however in many of the Samaritan villages.

94. Acts 8:26 
26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

95. Phillip was having a successful preaching ministry to great crowds in Samaria. They were experiencing a great spiritual awakening in Samaria.

96. In the middle of this great move of God the Lord sent an angel to Phillip and instructed to leave the revival where many were being saved to go to a desert place to minister to one man.

97. How many of us would be able to hear God instruct us to leave a fruitful ministry and to a place that seems to be a demotion.

98. Phillip obediently left that ministry to travel on a desert road. Because Phillip went where God sent him Ethiopia was opened up to the gospel of Christ.

99. Acts 8:27 
27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

100. Ethiopia was located in Africa in the southern part of Egypt and the Sudan. This man had apparently become a Gentile convert to Judaism, since he had been to Jerusalem to worship.

101. As a eunuch he was the chamberlain to the queen
As a eunuch he was the chamberlain to the queen. Eunuchs were men who were deprived of some or all of their sexual organs. In the ancient near east, eunuchs were considered extremely trustworthy.

102. Royalty often employed them, sometimes as keepers of harems.

103. This eunuch was also the chamberlain to the queen
This eunuch was also the chamberlain to the queen. A chamberlain is an officer who manages the household of a noble. He is a high-ranking royal court official. He was in charge of all her treasure.

104. Candace was not the name of the queen but rather a title given to the mother of each Ethiopian king.

105. Acts 8:28-29 
28-29 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

106. Phillip now will discover the reason God led him to leave the revival in Samaria. The Holy Spirit directed Phillip to join himself to this Chariot. God had set it up that the eunuch would be reading the scripture that he did not

107. understand at that very moment. God has split second timing.

108. Acts 8:30-31 
30-31 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?  And he said, How can I, except some man

109. Acts 8:30-31 
30-31 should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

110. The eunuch was reading the word of God
The eunuch was reading the word of God. He was doing what everyone should do if they want to know who God is.

111. No doubt God saw that the eunuch had a real desire to know Him
No doubt God saw that the eunuch had a real desire to know Him. This is why God sent Phillip to the desert. God will always see to it that when a person has a sincere genuine desire to know Him he provides a teacher.

112. When the student is ready and open to learn the teacher will appear.

113. Phillip opens the conversation with a friendly question; Do you understand what you are reading?

114. The eunuch readily admits his need of someone to guide him, and invites Phillip to sit with him in the chariot. Thank God they did not allow racial prejudice to prevent them from fellowshipping around the word of God.

115. In verse 31 we also note that the eunuch did not allow his pride to prevent him from asking for help. We must never let our insecurity or pride to get in the way of understanding God’s word.

116. Acts 8:32-35    
32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

117. Acts 8:32-35    
33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

118. Acts 8:32-35    
34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

119. Acts 8:32-35    
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

120. The eunuch wondered whether Isaiah was speaking of himself or of some other man.

121. Some think that the Old Testament is not relevant today, but Philip led this man to faith in Jesus Christ by using the Old Testament. Jesus Christ is found in the pages of both the Old and New Testaments.

122. Acts 8:35    
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

123. This of course gave Philip the desired opportunity to tell how these scriptures were perfectly fulfilled in the life and death of Jesus of Nazareth.

124. This event recorded in the New Testament sets the New Testament seal of approval on the interpretation of Isaiah 53.

125. Acts 8:36-39    
36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

126. Acts 8:36-39    
37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

127. Acts 8:36-39    
39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

128. Acts 8:36-39    
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

129. The Ethiopian asked another question in verse 36

130. The way to receive good instructions is to ask good questions.

131. Acts 8:39-40    
39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

132. Acts 8:39-40    
40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

133. Philip was suddenly transported to the city of Azotus which was the Old Philistine city of Ashdod, more than twenty miles north of where he baptized the Ethiopian eunuch.

134. The spirit of God transported men in the Old Testament

135. 1 King 18:12     12

136. II King 2:16     16

137. Ezekiel 3:14     14

138. Ezekiel 8:3   
3 And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem,

139. Ezekiel 8:3   
3 to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where [was] the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.

140. Some day real soon there is going to be a far greater translation and transportation. This will take place when our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ comes again.

141. 1 Thessalonians 4:  
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

142. 1 Thessalonians 4:  
17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

143. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:  
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

144. Notes available online for download
Studies in Acts
Notes available online for download
This template can be used as a starter file for a photo album.