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Lesson 17

On the Road with Peter

Acts 9:32-43

 I have often discovered that the best laid plans often do not work out as I expected.  In Proverbs 16:9 the writer says, “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”  This certainly does not mean that we are not to prepare for the future or stop learning or just wait around to see what is going happen.  For many years as I studied the Bible, I could not figure out why God had given me such a passion.  It seemed that I was doing it for my own growth.  What I learned that in order to teach or lead or whatever God is calling us to do that He gives the person the drive to know all that he needs to know to carry out the task.  I do not know what God has planned for my future, but I do know that I want to be ready when He says this is the next step for you to take.

Sometimes In the church we spend more time talking about what we are going to do than actually performing the tasks.  We have by-laws, constitutions and manuals of procedures which often times hinder us from following God’s leading.  We find ourselves having to try figure out what to do or how to work around man made rules to perform the ministries to which God has called the church.  In our lesson today and next week we will see a man who just went where God led him and found that the situations for service just came to him.  We must keep our eyes open to what is occurring around us.  If we do, we will be able to discern the reason that God has brought people and situations into our lives.

Acts 9:32

None of the events that took place in the life of Peter would have occurred if he had remained in Jerusalem.  Peter probably felt a freedom and the leading of the Holy Spirit to travel more since the hostility against the church had stopped for a while.  Prior to the incidents that follow, there may have been a sense that his leadership was not needed as much in Jerusalem to keep the church together in the face of the persecution that took place under Saul.  Now there was peace and Peter could leave the church in hands of other leaders like James. 

The healings in Lydda and Joppa opened the door to the real purpose God had planned for him.  There is no indication why he happened to be travelling through those regions west of Jerusalem. It would not appear to be a continuation of the trip he had made with John because he is the only one mentioned.

1. Why did Peter begin travelling more at this point?
2. What more could he accomplish by remaining in Jerusalem?
3. In what ways was it detrimental to the growth of God’s kingdom for him and others to continue to just serve in Jerusalem?
4. What was the challenge for him?

Acts 9:33-35

We do know what took place in Lydda.  He first healed a man named Aeneas.  This opened the door for many from Lydda and Sharon to become followers of Christ.  It is interesting that there was no call by the disciples for Peter to heal the man.   As a result of the miracle many in those two cities became followers of Christ? 

1. What did Peter appear to be doing in Lydda?
2. Why do we not see any reference to Peter preaching?
3. Just looking at the setting in which the healing occurred what does it tell us about what Peter hoped to accomplish?
4. What was special about Aeneas that God should heal him?
5. How is it people became believers without the sharing of the gospel by Peter?

Acts 9:36-37

In the nearby city of Joppa another drama was being played out that would affect Peter’s life.  There was a disciple there by the name of Tabitha or Dorcas in Greek.  Tabitha took her Christianity seriously.  It was said of her that she continually performed acts of kindness and charity.  As the narrative continues it is said that Tabitha died and was prepared for burial.  As tragic as this event was in the lives of those who knew her, there was a sense of hope.

1. What are the admirable qualities that are seen in the life of Tabitha?
2. Why was a person like her so important to those who knew her?
3. Why did they not bury her immediately, as is the custom in the Middle East?
4. Why was there, in their minds, hope for a different outcome?

Acts 9:38-39

Peter now enters the scene.  Rather that burying Tabitha on the day of her death they sent for him.  He was still in Lydda so two men were sent to ask him to come with them.  The Scripture does not mention that they asked him to raise her from the dead but only implored him to come with them.  Upon arriving he was confronted by those who had benefited from Tabitha’s kindness.

1. Why was Tabitha not buried immediately?
2. What did they hope Peter would be able to do?
3. Who would benefit by Tabitha being brought to life?
4. What thought was given to what it would mean for her to be raised from the dead? 

Acts 9:40-42   

Peter put everyone out of the room.  He then prayed.  Only then did he speak her name.  Upon hearing her name she opened her eyes and sat up.  Peter then extended his hand and she got up.  He then called all of the saints and widows “presented her alive.”

As would be expected the word of what happened went throughout the city.  Once again many who heard became followers of Christ?

1. Why were the widows showing Peter the things that Tabitha had made?
2. Why did Peter put all of the people out of the room?
3. For whose benefit was Tabitha raised?
4. What was the good that came out of this event?
5. What could be the witness of Tabitha from that point on in her life?

Acts 9:43

This is an important verse that should not glossed over. In it there is the continuing change taking place in Peter’s life.  The verse reads, “Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.” Why is this verse so important?  To answer one only needs to look at the way the Jewish religious would view such a man as Simon.  Because he constantly worked with the skins of animals he would have been considered unclean by the Jewish religious leaders and would not have been allowed to worship in the temple.  Peter puts aside all those rules and stayed with an unclean man.  He could not know it but, this time also was preparing him for what lay ahead which will be discussed next week.

1. Why would Simon be considered unclean according to the Jewish religion?
2. What did this mean in terms of his ability to worship in the temple?
3. What was happening in the life of Peter that he would not have any problem staying with such a man?
4. Why did Peter remain in Joppa?
5. Why are we not given any more information about Peter’s activities there? 

During the coming week as you think about this lesson, you should spend your time

• Praying that God would continue to provide unexpected opportunities for you to witness.
• Consider how you might use the gifts God has given you in service here at Bethany Place
• Put your own agenda, wants and needs aside and consider how you might encourage and help others.

We need to learn to seize every opportunity to serve wherever we find ourselves.  Although one of the primary ways to witness is through the spoken word we need to realize the smallest deed done in kindness can have tremendous affect on a person’s life.  As others see us acting in a Christ-like manner they will be drawn to the Savior we lovingly serve.  Let us use all the tools God has provided to us to advance His kingdom.

Additional notes:

C-Peter healed Aeneas of a paralysis that had kept him bedridden for eight years.  As a result of the healing many in Lydda and Sharon came to know the Lord. (Acts 9:32-36)

GC-A follower of Christ abounds with deeds of kindness and charity. (Acts 9:36)

C-Tabitha a disciple who lived in Joppa died.  When Peter came he prayed for Tabitha, Dorcas, and God brought her back to life.  This act brought many in Joppa to Christ. (Acts 9:36-42)

 C-Peter spent many days with a man named Simon.  He was a tanner.  Therefore, he would be considered unclean according to the Jews. (Acts 9:43)

Lesson 16

A New Life for Saul

Acts 9:19-31

Each of us needs encouragement along life’s journeys.  I have had three men who have had a great influence in my life.  These men challenged and encouraged me, each in his own way, to grow as a follower of Christ.  One was a minister I had when just a young person.  After I became an adult the minister of the church I was attending began to mentor me.  He was the person who was instrumental in getting me involved in studying the Scriptures in a systematic way.  It was at that point that I began to write what I was learning out of God’s word.  The third was a co-worker who challenged me to begin memorizing Scripture.  Although he already knew a great deal of the Bible, he and I worked together for several months on memorizing the book of Ephesians as we rode back and forth to work.  Even after we no longer travelled together I continued to memorize other books.  It only took the spark that he provided to start a fire in my heart to know God’s Word.  I would not be where I am today without each of them.  I thank God that He saw fit to bring such men into my life.

We as a church should know that the church will not continue if each generation does not impact the next one for Christ.  Deuteronomy six speaks of the importance of mentoring.  It tells us that the fathers, mature men and women, should teach the children, those younger people in the church, at every opportunity.  To do so, means that we have to spend time learning and growing also.  We cannot model or teach what we do not know.  Saul knew a great deal about the law but he needed others to help him along the way.  We need to be the church at Damascus to help the next potential Saul along the way.

Acts 9:19

This verse is one that most of us gloss over in our reading in Acts.  It, however describes a very critical time in the life of Saul.  Following his baptism Saul spent time with the disciples in Damascus before embarking on the task of proclaiming the gospel.  Although not was well known as Barnabas, Ananias never-the-less played an important role in Saul’s development as a new follower of Christ.  We have already read about his part in Saul’s conversion.  We are not told how he was instrumental in bringing the two parties together. Without his efforts we cannot say what would have happened.

1. Why were these several days so important to Saul?
2.  Who was instrumental in bringing Saul and the church together?
3. What does this say about the faith of Ananias?
4. What did Saul gain from this time?

Acts 9:20-21

After spending time with the disciples Saul began immediately to proclaim the gospel in the synagogues of Damascus. His preaching had a great impact on those who heard it because they knew why he had originally come to Damascus.  It is interesting that although the people were amazed at the preaching of Saul there is no mention of a great influx of new believers into the church.  There is a lesson to be learned.  Saul was faithful in doing what God had called him to do and was willing to leave the results to God. 

1. How was Saul able to begin sharing the gospel so quickly after being converted?
2. In what ways would his message be different from what the other apostles would preach?
3. Why was there not great additions made to the church at this time?
4. What would it take for Saul to begin to see results from his preaching?
5. How did the people view him at this point?
6. Why did he start in the synagogues?
7. What results might be expected from preaching in such a venue?

Acts 9:22

Even though there is no indication of many conversions, this time was not wasted.  Saul used it to hone his skills.  This verse tells us that he was “increasing in strength.”  He was definitely getting stronger in his ability to answer the questions that he faced from the Jews. He obviously used all of his training in the Old Testament in presenting his arguments.  As we have seen throughout our study of Acts that the apostles and now Saul continually referred to the Old Testament prophecies in proving that Jesus indeed was the Messiah to come.

1. What was the nature of the strengthening that Saul was acquiring?
2. In what ways did he confound the Jews with his preaching?
3. In what ways was he able to prove that Jesus is the Christ?

Acts 9:23-25

As has been seen over and over both in the gospels and now in Acts that when those who opposed the truth laid out before them could no longer refute the message they attempted to destroy the messenger.  We find that it is no different whether the preachers were lowly fishermen or a well known Pharisee the result was always the same.  Saul had been one of them, but because he brought a message they did not want to hear they attempted to kill him.  Fortunately, the plot was uncovered and the disciples were able to get him out of Damascus.

1. Why did the Jews want to kill Saul?
2. What does the willingness of the disciples helping him escape said about the relationships that had been built?
3. What actions by the Jews show their determination in getting rid of Saul?

Acts 9:26-28

These two verses show two different responses to Saul as he attempts to unite with the church in Jerusalem.  The first is the natural tendency to fear one who has caused great harm.  The disciples were wary of this sudden conversion of Saul and did not know whether to believe what he was telling them.

Barnabas, the encourager, becomes an ally of Saul.  He was willing to believe what Saul had told him and to give Saul the opportunity to become part of the body of Christ in Jerusalem.  Rather than jumping to conclusions he was willing to listen to the testimony of Saul and he himself shared those events with the church.  Based on the word of Barnabas, Saul was accepted by the disciples.

Saul took up where he had left off in Damascus.  He began to travel about the city and spoke out “boldly in the name of the Lord.”

1. What does this incident show about the attitude of the early church?
2. In what ways were they like the church today?
3. In what ways were they different?
4. What two traits possessed by Barnabas do you admire?
5. In what ways were both Ananias and Barnabas the same?
6. What affect did the actions of both men have on the church?
7. What events took place upon the acceptance of Saul into the church?  

Acts 9:29-30

Saul began sharing with the Hellenistic Jews.  These are the same people who opposed Stephen.  Remember that Saul was part of the group that had Stephen executed.  Now he was proclaiming Christ to them and arguing with them.  As they had with Stephen when they could not refute the things they were hearing they became determined to kill Saul also. 

To save him the disciples spirited him off to Caesarea.  He then returned to his home in Tarsus.  What happened there will be a lesson for another time.

1. Why did the Hellenistic Jews refuse to listen to one who had once been a part of them?
2. What was he sharing that they could not refute?
3. What did the actions by the disciples about the how they now regarded Saul?

Acts 9:31

A chapter that started speaking about the great danger to the church not only in Jerusalem but in all Judea, Galilee and Samaria ended with the people experiencing peace.  With the threat of persecution removed during this period the church continued to grow.  It was “going on in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.”

1. Why was the church now experiencing peace?
2. How far had the church spread at this point?
3. Why would the church grow in this kind of climate?

This would be a good time at the beginning of the new year to give thought to which of the individuals in the narrative you would see yourself being. You might look at the characteristics of each of them and pick those you may to want to emulate:

• The transformed Saul
• The disciples of both the churches in Damascus and Jerusalem
• Ananias
• Barnabas

We need to be careful that we do not fall in the trap that we have seen in the church at Jerusalem.  They let fear cloud their judgment.  They were not willing to accept the fact that people can change.  God is in the business of changing people.

Our attitude should be that of the church at Damascus who saw the potential in Saul and were willing to mentor him correcting his theology where he was off track but also helping him to build on his strengths of teaching and preaching.  Because they were so open to see the positive in Saul they did not hinder his spiritual growth.  We too need to be constantly looking at others in our body and those who might come to the church for ways to help them grow and use how God has wired them for God’s kingdom. 

Just think if the disciples in Damascus had rejected Saul what would the church look like today.  We must not forget that each person in our midst may be another potential leader of the church with the impact on the world like that of Saul.

This process can start with each of us assessing how God can even use you or me.

Additional Notes:

RT-All that Paul had and all he had accomplished needed to be handed completely over to Christ.  By doing this he did not become less of a Jew, a Benjamite or learned keeper of the Law. One thing is certain he did not lose his passion for what he believed.  He, however, had been given a new direction and a new focus for using all God had given him.  Christ had made him new on the inside in order to take him to places among people he did not know with a new purpose.  Paul saw the world in a different light after the scales of blindness were removed. (Acts 9: Phil. 3:1-10)

C-From the time he became a follower of Christ, Paul, instead of persecuting the church at Damascus, began to proclaim the gospel of Jesus in the synagogues. (Acts 9:20-22)

GC-When one is able to present the truth he will confound the opponents of Christianity. (Acts 9:22)

GC-If you understand the Bible you will be able to use it to answer some of life’s most difficult questions for unbelievers as you witness to them. Remember to do it with all gentleness not haughtiness or false piety. (Acts 9:22; 1 Peter 3:15; Col. 4:6)

C-Those who had once been Paul’s compatriots were now plotting to kill him because he was now preaching Jesus. (Acts 9:23)

DM-The Jews continually tried to suppress the truth.  In this case it was Paul one of their own group that attempted to kill. (Acts 9:23-24, 29)

 C-Paul escaped from Damascus and went to Jerusalem where he tried to associate with the disciples.  Understandably they were suspicious of his intentions since only recently he had been a persecutor of the church. (Acts 9:25-26)

C-In Barnabas Paul found a needed friend who was willing to trust him and bring him into the fellowship of the believers. (Acts 9:27)

DM-Barnabas overcame any misgivings he may have had about Paul.  He took him under his wings and became his mentor.  Paul was even brought by Barnabas to meet the Apostles.  (Acts 9:27)

C-In the city in which he done the most harm to the Christians, Paul began to speak out boldly in the name of the Lord. (Acts (9:28)

C-Some of the Hellenistic Jews tried to put Paul to death after hearing the message.  He was sent away to Tarsus for his protection. (Acts 9:29-30)

RT-Things have not changed a great deal since the time that the book of Acts was written.  People are still trying to still the voice of those who move in their midst boldly proclaiming the name of Jesus.  If the world could only see that out of the proclamation of this word of truth, man can find life then he would not go to such great links to destroy it.  The primary difference between those of the early Christian era and the present day is that even with the tremendous opposition and persecution the followers of Christ experienced there were many who were willing to listen with a genuine anticipation to what was being promised to them.  Today even though the same truths are being taught there is less of a tendency to listen at all.  (Acts 9:28; 1 Peter 2:2)

C-For a time the churches throughout the areas of Judea, Galilee and Samaria experienced a time of peace.  They were being built up and went about in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  The churches under these conditions continued to grow in numbers. (Acts 9:31)

 GC-One continues to grow when he has the fear of the Lord and lives in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 9:31)

Lesson 15

 Paul, A Man on Fire

Acts 9:1-19

For years I have been interested in studying motivation.  It is the whole idea of discovering what makes people do what they do.  I want to know what drives a person to accomplish all they do in their lifetime.  Why is it that some people are driven and some do not ever seem to have a desire to achieve anything of value.  I have especially try to understand why some followers of Christ seem to be on fire in their faith and others just want to drift along. 

What I have discovered which may not be universally true is that those who have lived lives in rebellion against God become dynamic Christians once they are transformed.  One example is a former fellow worker of mine who until he attended the Air Force Academy was an avowed atheist.  His conversion to Christianity came after reading C.S. Lewis’s “Space Trilogy.”  From that point on he became a dynamic believer, memorizing Scripture, becoming involved with the Navigators and become an encourager to people like me.  He actually helped me get started in memorizing Scripture and was willing to do it alongside me.

This is the way I see Paul.

One of our tasks is to look for those who have the potential to become leaders in our Church.  There are those who have a drive that needs to be guided by all of us in encouraging them in their spiritual growth.  For each of us we need to look within to see if somehow we are shortchanging God because of our apathy.  He desires that each us become a dynamic follower of Christ who will impact the world around us.  This cannot take place unless a true transformation has occurred in our own lives.

 Acts 9:1-2

Verse 1 provides us with a person who is totally consumed with the task he has set out to accomplish.  The idea of breathing threats seen here would indicate that all Saul thought about and talked about was ways to persecute the disciples.   His actions would indicative of man under the conviction of the Holy Spirit.  His treatment of the people was his way of recoiling from the work God was doing in his heart.  I am reminded of the scene in Quo Vadis when Nero became frustrated and angry because as the Christians were being martyred they were singing.  We can see this in the actions of Paul the more those he was persecuting acted as Stephen did the more he tried to stamp out Christianity.

Questions that may come to mind are:

1. What characteristics would see as admirable in Saul at this point in his life?
2. Why was Saul so fanatical and vehement about persecuting believers?
3. What impact do you think that the death of Stephen had on his continuing actions against the church?
4. Why did he not go after the apostles?
5. How was his actions possible preparation for what God was going to do in Saul’s life. 

For some reason Saul suddenly changed his strategy in attacking the Church.  He asked for permission to continue his persecution of the followers of the way in the synagogues of Damascus in Syria.

1.  Why did Saul suddenly shift from trying to destroy the church in Jerusalem to go into another country?
2. What did he hope to accomplish by going to Syria?
3. What does it say about the early disciples that Saul was going into the synagogues to carry out his mission?

Acts 9:3-9

 Unknown to Saul his request for a letter authorizing him to arrest Christians was to lead him to a defining moment in his life.  It was on his way to Damascus that he was confronted by Christ.  Let’s look at the sequence of events that took place.

• There was the blinding light that knocked Saul to the ground.
• Jesus spoke to him asking, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
• Saul asked His identity but was given the answer, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.”
• He was then ordered to go into the city and wait for instructions.
• The men with him heard the voice but did not see the vision.
• It was only when Saul arose from the ground to proceed into the city did he realize that he was blind.
• He was led into the city and waited three days in the dark neither eating nor drinking anything.

Saul had finally met someone more powerful than he.

1. Why did Jesus ask Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
2. Why was Paul willing to obey the instructions of Jesus?
3. Why could the men not see what Saul was seeing?

Acts 9:10-19

The Lord appeared to Ananias and commanded him to go to Saul and give him a message.  Saul was to be a witness to the Gentiles.  He was also to tell him that he would also face suffering for the Lord’s name’s sake. 

After having reservations he finally obeyed the command of the Lord and went to Saul.  When Saul heard the message he

• Received his sight
• Was baptized
• Stopped fasting and ate.

1. What happened to the men who had come with Saul?
2. What do you believe they thought of him now that he was blind and helpless?
3. As was asked above about Saul, What do you admire about Ananias?
4. How would you respond to a command like the one given to Ananias?
5. What does it say about Ananias that he was willing to obey the command of Christ?
6. What indication do we have that Saul was ready to hear what Ananias had to say to him?

 Think back to the time when you responded to the call of Christ. 

1. Why would God want us to be part of His kingdom?
2. What prompted you to become a Christian? 
3. What did that decision mean to you?
4. What responsibility do you have because of your decision?
5. If you were called to obey Christ in the way that Ananias was what do you believe you would do?

We must take our call to follow Jesus seriously.  God will do all that is within His power to reach us, but leaves the final decision to us.  We may never face the situation that confronted Ananias.  We should however always be open to listen to the Lord.  There may come into our lives when someone like Saul may appear to be beyond hope or who in our opinion would not fit into the church.  He or she may be the very person to whom God would want us to witness.  We can never be sure that the one God brings into our midst may be a chosen vessel of His to accomplish great things.  

Lesson 13

Making Lemons into Lemonade

Acts 8:1-23

 Over the years while working for the International Mission Board my boss would often encourage me to take an overseas mission trip.  My standard answers were.  First, I had not been called to serve as a missionary.  Secondly, I always fell back on the verse found in 1 Samuel 30:24 which talks about the two hundred men who watched over the baggage.  While others went to the mission field, I believed that my task was to stay at home with the baggage and lend support and encouragement to those going. 

All of the arguments disappeared as I was able to make four trips overseas, one to Venezuela and three to Russia from 2000 to 2003. I learned a great lesson from those experiences.  I must be prepared to be used by God to reach those who do not know His Son.

It is so easy for all of us to get wrapped up in whatever becomes our “baggage” to watch.  The kind of excuses I used can keep us from missing out on the exciting and challenges things God has for us to do.  Our lesson today will talk about men who were prepared to take on new tasks as God opened the doors of opportunities for them.  The question we might ask ourselves, Am I truly being sensitive to what God desires for me or am I closing my mind and heart by always staying by the stuff?

 Acts 7:58-8-1

There are a couple items to be addressed before beginning chapter 8.  In verse 58 Saul is mentioned for the first time. His task at that early event was to watch the robes while the others did the dirty work of stoning Stephen.  Secondly, with the death of Stephen there was a shift in the strategy in dealing with the church by the Jews.  Up until this point the apostles had been the focal point of all the persecution.  Now a new tactic came into play.  The Jews broaden it to include the seven and then the entire church in Jerusalem.

1. What did they hope to accomplish with this new tactic?
2. What influence did witnessing the trial and murder have on what Paul was about to do?
3. Why would one who had watched the robes become so involved in the persecution of the church?
4. Why did Saul agree so strongly with the actions of his fellow “Freedmen”?

Acts 8:1-2

The treatment of the apostles was tame in comparison to what took place against the church after the death of Stephen.  Luke described it as a “great persecution”.  It was so intense that many of the believers fled from Jerusalem and were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.  The one group that seemed impervious to what was taking place was the apostles.  Acts 8:1 tells us that they remained in Jerusalem.

1. Why did Saul and the other men who had killed Stephen leave the apostles alone?
2. Why did these twelve men not leave Jerusalem?
3. Why did God allow the persecution to take place in the first place? 
4. Why did the dispersed believers go to Judea and Samaria and not beyond those two regions?

One last thought as we leave these verses.  Let us consider the possibility that the day that Saul began to persecute the church set in motion the events which would very soon lead to his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus.

While havoc was taking place in the life of the church Stephen was buried by some men.

1. Why do their actions at the time of his burial seem strange?
2. How would you expect them to react?

Acts 8:3

The persecution of the church reach new heights as Saul now became the chief protagonist.  We are told that he ravaged the church.  In the Greek ravaging is to exercise brutal and sadistic cruelty.  These are actions we might expect of a madman or fanatic.

1. Why did Saul attack the church so viciously?
2. What impact did Stephen have on Saul in the way he faced death?
3. What impact did the history lesson Stephen presented have on a man like Saul?
4. In what way might a man of Saul’s education and religious background take the words of Stephen as a personal attack?
5. What did Saul and the others hope to accomplish with their treatment of the men and women who followed Christ?
6. What resulted from the persecution?

Acts 8:4-8

We begin to see the answer to the last question as we see the believers leaving Jerusalem and were preaching in all the places they went.  Even though Saul and others sought to destroy the church the persecution actually had just the opposite effect.  In verse 5 we find Phillip travelling to Samaria.  Remember this was part of Jesus’ command to the apostles to go into Judea and then into Samaria in an ever widening sphere where the gospel was to be proclaimed.  Phillip was a perfect candidate to bridge the gap between Jews and Samaritans since he was a Christian from a Greek background.  Thus he would not have all of the prejudices of the Jews to overcome as he shared the gospel. 

1. From their reactions to Phillip what could say about the kind of people that he encountered in Samaria?
2. How did the Samaritans respond to the good news that was brought to them?
3. What was the importance of performing signs and wonders among these people?
4. What did the types of signs help in his sharing about Jesus?
5. Why was it so important that the healing taking place go beyond just the physical?

Acts 8:9-11

Simon, the magician now enters the picture. He is described as one who claimed to be someone great.

1. What was the source of his supposed greatness?
2. How does an individual like Simon hold sway over people?

Acts 8:12-13

When Phillip began to preach and heal the people believed the message Phillip brought about the kingdom of God and Jesus Christ and were baptized. We are told that even Simon believed.

1. What was the difference between the two messages being presented to the people?
2. Why did they turn from Simon to the message of Phillip?
3. What was it about what Simon saw that convinced him to believe?
4. What might be some red flags for us when we see someone like Simon saying that they believe in Jesus Christ? 
5. What are individuals like him really believing?
6. What was still missing in the lives of all of the Samaritan believers?  Verses 14-17 will answer that question for us.

Acts 8:14

Only when the apostles heard that something was taking place in Samaria did any of them venture out of Jerusalem to see what was happening.  Peter and John, two of the leaders, were sent to investigate.  Notice upon the arrival of these two men that Phillip faded into the background.  His work, for the time being, was done. 

1.  Why did the apostles wait until someone else had done the ground work before deciding to leave Jerusalem?
2. What situation did the apostle find when they came to Samaria?
3. Why had Phillip not completed the task of helping them receive the Holy Spirit?
4. How can a person believe and baptized and not receive the Holy Spirit?
5. What did it mean for the people to finally receive the Spirit?

Acts 8:18-19

Simon is a prime example of one who may believe enough to be part of a fellowship.  They may even be actively involved in the work of the church but who have not genuinely been willing to totally commit themselves to Christ.  I am afraid that churches are full of people who think they are saved based on the fact that they are members and may have even been baptized but have never truly come to Jesus and accepted the Salvation He wants to give them.  The church does these individual a terrible disservice by allowing them to remain in their unsaved condition.

How do we know that Simon was such a man?  All we have to do is to see the reasons he joined the church in the first place and the fact that he was willing to buy the privilege of laying hands on others, probably for profit and power, that the selected people could receive the Holy Spirit.

1. What was the difference between what the apostles were doing and what Simon wanted to do?
2. What did Simon not seek?  There is no indication that he desired to receive the Holy Spirit himself.   
3. What was the real reason that Simon wanted the ability to give the Holy Spirit?

Acts 8:20-25

Peter responded to Simon very emphatically.  He told him:

• The gift is now for sale
• Your desire shows that you are an unregenerate sinner
• You are going to perish
• You need to repent
• You need to seek God’s forgiveness

Let us think about how Peter responded to Simon

1. What does it say about the character of Peter?
2. What could have been the worse thing he could have done in this situation?
3. Why did he leave it up to Simon to pray?
4. What do you think about Simon’s response to Peter in verse 25?
5. What did indicate about him?
6. In what ways do we need to be like Peter in his handling of this situation?

 Each of you know from your own experiences that difficult times have either already taken place in your lives or will at some point.  The question each of you need to answer is how will you respond to your situation?  Will you see difficult times when things are not going your way as an opportunity to be a witness for Christ or hide behind your problems?  Sometimes when you are going through trials it will open your eyes to all of the suffering and those who are lost who need what Christ has to offer to them.

The early church took advantage of a very bad situation and used it reach out to others.  As a result the church continued to grow in a way that could not have happened if all the believers had remained cloistered in Jerusalem. 

The final lesson that can be learned this morning is let all of us to begin to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit to be aware of those even among our members who may have never made a decision for Jesus Christ.  It is so easy for us to assume that those who have been a part of the fellowship truly have an understanding of what it means to be saved.  How can we as a church make sure that this does not happen?

1. Pray for discernment
2. Try to make sure that each person is involved in a small group
3. Provide a loving atmosphere where people are able to be open and honest  about their walk with the Lord
4. There should never be an attitude of condemnation but a willingness to guide others into a true relationship
5. We should also never condone false doctrine
6. We are to be willing to pray with someone, like to Simon, who is caught in the throes of sin.  Sometimes people may even feel incapable of praying for themselves because of a deep hurt in their lives.

Next week we will see Phillip at work again.  The Ethiopian will provide us with a contrast to Simon.

Additional Random Notes:

C-The Jews began from that point to persecute the church.  It was so severe that many of the believers left and went to other regions in Judea, Samaria and beyond even into Syria.    (Acts 8:1)

DM-The day Paul began to persecute the church set in motion the events that would lead to be his dramatic conversion. (Acts 8:1, 3; 22:4)

RT-Faced with being marginalized by society may the church use this subtle form of persecution to become insurgents into the world full of spiritual darkness.  It is to spread the word of God under of the authority of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:1-5)

C-Paul became an integral part of the persecution that was taking place as he ravaged the church and putting many of the believers into prison. (Acts 8:3)

RT-As persecution began against the church those who were driven out of Jerusalem “went about preaching the word.”  They were not defeated but spiritually energized.  As Paul would say later, “They knew whom they believed. (2 Tim. 1:12)  Philip, one of the seven, even carried the message to the despised Samaritans. (Acts 8:4-5)

C-Philip went to Samaria when the persecution came upon the church at Jerusalem.  He began preaching there.  The crowds were attentive to his words and he was able to heal and cast out demons.  “There was much rejoicing in that city.”  Not since the visit of Jesus had the people had such a reason for hope and joy as when they now heard the good news from the lips of Philip. (Acts 8:5-8, 12)

DM-Philip took to heart the command of Jesus to go into Samaria.  When he did he found people waiting to hear the good news and many believed. (Acts 8:5-8, 12)

GC-With the proclamation of Christ there is rejoicing in the lives of the people touched by His saving power. (Acts 8:5, 8, 39)

C-Simon, the magician, who had been viewed as someone great by the Samaritans also became a believer upon hearing the words of Philip and seeing the miracles he performed.  Somehow Simon understood that these acts were genuine and beyond anything he had been able to do with his slight of hand. (Acts 8:9-11, 13)

DM-To Simon salvation and the receiving the Holy Spirit was a greater magic than he had been able to perform.  He was so impressed that he was willing to pay money to have it.  Peter saw through his scheme and admonished him to repent of his sinful ways or perish. (Acts 8:9-13, 18-24)

GC-One who comes to Jesus turns away from what is false and believes in that which is true.  We believe when the word was preached and were baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:12, 37)

RT-John went from wanting to call down fire from heaven to destroy some of the Samaritans to proclaiming the good news of Christ to them. (Acts 8:14-15, 25)

C-The people who had believed received the Holy Spirit as the apostles laid hands on them. (Acts 8:15-17)

C-Simon, the magician, sought the authority to lay hands upon those he chose to bestow the Holy Spirit.  He offered Peter money to purchase this power.  Peter invoked a curse on him. Simon thought that what God gave as a gift could be bought like some commodity.  Seeing that his plan was a detriment to his own eternal destiny he pleaded with Peter to pray that he might receive forgiveness for his actions. (Acts 8:18-24)

RT-The request of Simon may make us wonder if he was truly saved.  We know by what is said about all of the Samaritans that he had not received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:15-17)

GC-The Holy Spirit cannot be purchased but is bestowed through God’s grace on those who truly commit themselves to Jesus. (Acts 8:18-20)

RT-Isn’t this what the whole idea of a religion based on works is all about, being good enough to buy God’s favor? (Acts 8:20)

GC-Our hearts are to be right before God. (Acts 8:21)

 GC-Peter’s reaction to Simon’s request was to admonish him to pray that the sinful intent of his heart be forgiven. (Acts 8:22)

GC-Because of his predicament Simon asked Peter to make intercession for him.  There may be instances when we might be called upon to pray for someone else or have them pray for us in this way because we may feel inadequate to speak to God at that time.    (Acts 8:24; 12:5)

Lesson 14

A Man Along Life’s Highways

Acts 8:25-40

 I can remember as a teenager deciding to read through the book of Isaiah.  Why that book was chosen has faded from my memory.  What I discovered was that it was not easy I thought it would be, especially when the only translation available to me was the King James Version.  After reading a few chapters I became so confused that I quit.  I could not tell who was speaking.  Was it God or Isaiah, I just could not tell.  Because of my confusion the task became overwhelming.  Having experience trying to understand I can identify with the Ethiopian Eunuch.

Even when I seriously began to study the Bible, I found that I needed to start with the easiest editions to  understand what was being said.  Some of the ones that helped me are no longer available.  The Good News for Modern Man and the Living Bible both aided me in understanding God’s word.  Even as I progressed into translations I often used the paraphrase Living Bible to get the meaning of the passage.

One of the reasons we do not feel comfortable and try to avoid situations like the one in which Phillip found himself is our lack of understanding of God’s word.  Many of us would have to trouble to explain almost and passage clearly.  We just do not spend the time in His word that it is obvious that the Jew and Christian did.  Because of our biblical illiteracy the church has suffered in its attempt to face the criticism and to be able to argue on Christ’s behalf.  The idea of arguing is to be able to defend truthfulness of the Scriptures against its opponents.  Believe me they are increasing and are being emboldened by our lack of knowledge.

Acts 8:25

Peter and John spent time in Samaria reinforcing what the people had been taught by Phillip.  They took advantage of the trip back to Jerusalem by preaching in other cities along the way.

Acts 8:26

Following his experience in Samaria Phillip was directed to go down to the Road leading to Gaza.

1. What did God not leave him in Samaria to help the church to grow?
2. How would you have responded to the strange command to leave a dynamic ministry to go to the road that descended from Jerusalem to Gaza?
3. What does Phillips obedience say about his character?

Acts 8:27-28

We begin to see the reason that Phillip was ordered to go to the Gaza Road out in the desert.  Let us look at what the Scripture shares with us about the Ethiopian Eunuch.

• He was probably from present day Sudan and not the country we now know as Ethiopian.
• His position with Candace was that of a treasurer.  Candace may have been a designation for the queen mother of his country and not a proper name.
• He had been to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home.
• His choice of reading would have been somewhat strange since the Jews did not accept the idea of a suffering messiah.

The narrative leaves us questions about this man.

1. Why would he have gone to Jerusalem to worship?
2. As a eunuch what could he expect his reception by the Jews to be?
3. Why would he have come to Jerusalem to take part in the Jewish religion?
4. What does this say about his relationship with God?

His pilgrimage to Jerusalem would indicate some things about him.  Like many he had probably become disenchanted with the worship of the false gods that was so pervasive in his country.  They left him empty thus causing him to turn to the religion of the Jews.  He was either proselyte or a God-fearer.  A proselyte would be a person, even though not a Jew by birth, who accepted the Law and was circumcised into the Jewish religion.  The person who was a God-fearer was one who did not accept the idea of circumcision or like the Ethiopian Eunuch who because of his physical condition would not be allowed to worship in the assembly of the Jews but believed in the God of the Old Testament.   

Acts 8:29-33

Other than the prompting of the Holy Spirit Phillip would have no reason to approach the chariot.  Phillip was commanded to “go up to and join the chariot.”  When he did he noticed the man was reading from Isaiah.  Notice his greeting to the man.  He said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”  What an odd to ask someone whom you have never met.

1. Why would the Ethiopian have chosen Isaiah 53 to read?
2. Why did Phillip feel comfortable asking the question that he did?
3. How would you have done in the same circumstances?
4. What does this encounter say about the spiritual condition of the man?
5. Why do you think he was he had or had not found answers in his search for a relationship with God?
6. What might this say about the Jewish religion and its abilities to meet the needs of man?

The man then answered Phillip with total honesty.  Having been to the seat of the Judaism he had not found the answers for which he was earnestly seeking. 

Acts 8:34-35

The question the Ethiopian asked opened the door for Phillip to share with him the full counsel of God.  The man asked an important question about the identity of the person about whom Isaiah was writing. We are told that Phillip began from Isaiah 53:7 and taught him about Jesus.

1. Why could the Jews not explain this passage to the Ethiopian?
2. What was Phillip able to tell him?
3. How could he go about convincing this man that Jesus was the fulfillment of this Scripture?
4. If this was the beginning point of his teaching what other evidences could Phillip use from the Old Testament?

Acts 8:36-39

1. What was the reaction to the teaching of Phillip?
2. How did the Ethiopian know about baptism?  All proselytes would have been baptized into the Jewish faith.
3. What further explanation was needed before the Ethiopian could be baptized?
4. What was his response that convinced Phillip that the man was truly a candidate for baptism?
5. If you were to judge what took place there in the desert would conclude that the new found faith was based on fact or emotion?  Why do you answer the question in the way you did?
6. What was the reaction of the man after being baptized?

Acts 8:40

Once again we see that Phillip’s task was complete as he was snatched away and found himself in Azotus.  He continued from that point and preached all the way over to Caesarea.   

Thoughts to contemplate over the next week

1.  How would you react if confronted with a like unexpected situation?
2. What are doing in your life that will prepare you for some a time?
3. Do you see yourself more like the Ethiopian with more questions than answers or Phillip who was able to answer the questions because he was prepared both in knowledge and sensitivity to the Spirit?
4. Look for someone who might begin to mentor you if you believe that you need to grow in your relationship with Christ?

As a church we need to take seriously the responsibility of discipleship.  We should never want to leave anyone in the position of the Ethiopian who left a time of worship in Jerusalem without the answers to life’s questions.  We can accomplish this kind of discipleship by providing solid Bible teaching in on campus and off campus small groups.  Those who are wise and mature in their faith should be willing to mentor those who need to grow in the faith.  What would our church look like if this was one of the essentials to be addressed by all of us?  We could then turn loose on the world Stephens and Phillips to be able to give answers for the fact of Jesus Christ and what He has done for us.  Are each of us ready to get in line to go to Samaria, Gaza, Azotus and Caesarea?  

Other Notes:

RT-A person may go to the very seat of a religion and still come away spiritually empty.  A religion can never satisfy the void in one’s life.  It will always leave one famished and thirsty.  Only when he has the truth come alive as revealed in God’s word can he experience the fulfillment which comes to him in Jesus Christ. (Acts 8:26-31)

C-After the events in Samaria Philip was directed by an angel to go to the road between Jerusalem and Gaza.  There he encountered the Ethiopian eunuch who was reading from the book of Isaiah as he travelled, having come from worshipping in Jerusalem.  Philip was told to go up to the man’s chariot where he began a conversation with the man by asking him what he was reading and did he understand it.  The eunuch invited Philip into the chariot.  Philip then explained the passage from Isaiah as it related to Jesus.  Upon hearing the interpretation the eunuch wanted to be baptized having become a believer.  He was baptized by Philip and went on his way home a new man. (Acts 8:26-38)

DM-Phillip was obedient to the instructions of the angel.  He encountered the Ethiopian.  He was the right man for the right time.  Because of his knowledge of the Old Testament prophecy he was able to answer the questions in way that led the Ethiopian to receive Christ. (Acts 8:26-38)

DM-As important as it was for Phillip to be there on the Gaza Road, God was already preparing the heart and mind of the Ethiopian to hear what Phillip would share with him.  He:

1. Had already been to Jerusalem to worship.
2. Was reading from the book of Isaiah about the suffering of the Messiah.
3. Was open to the interpretation of the Scripture given by Phillip.
4. Believed in Christ and was baptized.
5. Went on his way rejoicing at his new found faith.

(Acts 8:26-38)

S-Philip was sent down to Gaza.  There he would encounter the Ethiopian.  By this act of faith he was able to lead the Ethiopian to the Lord. (Acts 8:26-38)

OC-The Ethiopian eunuch had been to the very center of the Jewish religion.  He came away from Jerusalem with questions unanswered that is until he met up with Philip, one of the seven deacons.  Turning to the passage the eunuch was reading he used it to lead him onto the path to a new life. (Acts 8:27-37)

GC-People are to receive guidance in a way that they will understand what the Scripture  says.  This guidance implies a responsibility on everyone’s part to read and study on their own in order to gain understanding. (Acts 8:31; Rom. 15:4)

GC-Whenever we teach or preach about Jesus it should always from the background of the Scripture. (Acts 8:35)

GC-To be effective in our witness we must use the Scripture as our foundation to show Christ to the world. (Acts 8:35)

RT-The beginning point of every opportunity to witness is to be the Scriptures.  Even though the exact words may not be quoted, it is the source of the salvation narrative and the plan of God. (Acts 8:35)

C-The Spirit of God snatched Philip away and he found himself in Azotus.  He preached not only there but along the way until he came to Caeserea. (Acts 8:39-40)

S-What a way to be sent to a new mission field, Philip was snatch up after the Ethiopian was baptized and was plopped down in the middle of Azotus.  He immediately began to preach as he went on his way.  (Acts 8:40)

DM-Phillip preached wherever he was sent. (8:40)

GC-We are to share the gospel everywhere we go.                                                        (Acts 8:40; 13:5; Rom. 1:15; 15:19-20)