3 "But Saul laid waste the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4 "They therefore that were scattered abroad went about 5 preaching the Word. And Philip went down to the city of 6 Samaria, and proclaimed unto them the Christ. And the multitudes gave heed with one accord unto the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard, and saw the signs which 7 he did. For from many of those which had unclean spirits, they came out, crying with a loud voice; and many that were 8 palsied, and that were lame, were healed. And there was much joy in that city. 9 "But there was a certain man, Simon by name, which beforetime in the city used sorcery, and amazed the people of 10 Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one; to whom 11 they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is that power of God which is called Great. And they gave heed to him, because that of long time he had amazed 12 them with his sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men 13 and women. And Simon also himself believed; and being baptized, he continued with Philip; and beholding signs and great miracles wrought, he was amazed. 14 "Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto 15 them Peter and John; who, when they were come down, 16 prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. But as yet he was fallen upon none of them; only they had been 17 baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."
Golden Text.—"Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the Word." Verse 4.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) What was the course of Saul toward the church at Jerusalem? Verse 3. Note 1. (2) What was the result of this persecution? Verse 4. Note 2. (3) Where did Philip go? What did he do there? Verse 5. Note 3. (4) What was the effect of his preaching? Verse 6. (5) What was the nature of the miracles performed? Verse 7. (6) How did these things affect the people of the city? Verse 8. Note 4. (7) What noted man had been receiving attention in Samaria before Philip came? By what means did he gain influence? Verse 9. Note 5. (8) To what power did the people ascribe Simon's work? Verse 10. (9) What increased their regard for him? Verse 11. (10) What influence broke this spell? Verse 12. Note 6. (11) How was Simon himself affected? Verse 13. Note 7. (12) What did the apostles at Jerusalem do when they heard of the work in Samaria? Verse 14. Note 8. (13) What did these men do on arriving at Samaria? Verse 15. Note 9. (14) Why did they take this precaution? Verse 16. (15) What was the result of their prayers? Verse 17. Note 10.
NOTES.
1. This first general persecution of Christians was by the Jews. But for the unsettled condition of the Roman Government in that country, they could not have carried so high a hand. Pilate had been summoned to Rome for trial on charges preferred by them. Then the Emperor Tiberius died, and for a brief time the Jews had their own way in Jerusalem, and the Sanhedrin were not slow to take advantage of the situation.
2. The scattering abroad was overruled by the Lord for the advancement of the truth. Whereas the Jews meant to scatter and weaken the influence of the disciples, in the providence of God it became as the scattering, or sowing, of good seed that brought forth fruit abundantly.
3. Philip was another of the seven deacons who, like Stephen, was an active agent in spiritual work as well as in the temporal duties of his special office.
4. "Great Joy."—The Lord wonderfully blessed the preaching of Philip in Samaria, witnessing to the truth of his words in the practical help of those who were suffering in body or soul. That which had caused sorrow in Jerusalem had been the means of bringing joy to Samaria.
5. Verses 9 and 10 furnish conclusive evidence that men may be deluded by "sorcery" (or witchcraft, communication with evil spirits) into believing not only that the sorcerer, or medium, is "some great one," but is really the "power of God."
6. Satan had instigated the persecution in Jerusalem for the purpose of destroying the work of the Lord, and now the power of the Gospel was brought to bear upon Satanic delusion in Samaria. Satan had used the power of perverted civil government as his medium of attack, while the Lord used only the melting power of the Gospel of love; and the results show which is the more effectual force.
7. Simon was of those who "received the seed in stony places;" he was converted by the miracles, and the truth found a hard soil. Conversions on that basis must soon take deeper root or result in backsliding.
8. The help which came to Philip from Jerusalem was no doubt timely, for the responsibility of the situation was very great. Peter's bringing to light the true character of Simon was of the utmost importance.
9. The united prayers of Philip and the brethren who came to his assistance added much to the strength of the work. The fervent prayer of one righteous man availeth much (James 5:16) and the Lord is present by special promise where "two or three" are together in His name. So it proved in this instance.
10. There was good reason for special outpouring of the Holy Spirit at this time. The mass of the converts, like Simon, had believed because of the miracles they saw, and unless fortified by the power of the Spirit would, sooner or later, be drawn away by some other wonder-working power—perhaps to Simon himself.
