Rev. David Holwick
First Baptist Church
West Lafayette, Ohio Bible study
March 29, 1989
Acts 8
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I. Samaria (an area with heretical Jews) is evangelized by deacon Philip.
A. The people believe and are baptized. 8:12
1) Simon, a sorcerer, also believes and is baptized. 8:13
B. Philip's signs and miracles are a main attraction. 8:13
1) Simon follows Philip everywhere. 8:13
II. The apostles Peter and John from Jerusalem visit Samaria.
A. The Spirit had not yet come on the Samaritan believers. 8:15
1) They were only baptized into the name of Jesus. 8:16
B. By prayer and laying on of hands they received the Spirit. 8:17
III. Simon's true nature revealed.
A. He tries to buy the ability to give the Spirit to others. 8:18
B. Peter tells him he does not belong to God. 8:21,23
1) He is challenged to repent. 8:22
IV. Difficulties of passage.
A. Questions:
1) Were the Samaritans really Christians?
2) Did the Spirit come on them long after they were saved?
3) Did Simon lose his salvation, or never really have it?
4) Does the gift of the Spirit depend on a high church official?
a) Roman Catholic bishops do the confirmation of each believer
b) But compare Acts 9:17. Ananias a layman, not an apostle.
B. Possible answers:
1) The Samaritans were genuinely saved but did not have the Spirit
a) Problem: The NT says the Spirit is necessary for salvation
2) They were genuinely saved and had the Spirit to believe, but
did not have the gifts (or fullness) of the Spirit.
a) There was a delay in the gift of the Spirit because the
whole church (and not just part of it) had to know
the Samaritans were being converted.
3) The Samaritans were not genuine Christians.
a) They "believed Philip." Was this hero-worship only? 8:12
1> They had followed Simon the same way. 8:9-10
b) They did not have the Spirit.
1> Romans 8:9 states the Spirit is necessary for salvation
c) Simon also believed and was baptized, yet was not
saved. 8:21
"THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ACTS - PAUL AND THE DISCIPLES OF THE BAPTIST"
I. The disciples of John the Baptist. 19:1
A. They were not aware the Spirit was coming.
B. They had been baptized by John the Baptist.
1) John's baptism signified repentance.
2) John pointed the way to the Messiah, Jesus.
II. They receive the Spirit. 19:5
A. They were baptized into the name of Jesus.
B. Paul placed his hands on them.
C. They spoke in tongues and prophesied.
SUMMARY OF BOTH ACCOUNTS
I. Possession of the Spirit is necessary to be a (full) Christian.
II. The Spirit is evident when gifts (tongues, prophesy) are present.
III. Prayer and laying on of hands accompanies the gift of the Spirit.
Copyright © 2024 by Rev. David Holwick
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