Acts 8


I. Saul persecutes the church. Vs. 1-4

    A. Saul approved the stoning of Stephen. Vs. 1

    B. The church in Jerusalem was scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, because of great persecution against them. Vs. 1

    C. The apostles stayed in Jerusalem. Vs. 1

    D. Devout men buried Stephen. Vs. 2

    E. Saul made havoc of the church. Vs. 3

    F. As the church was scattered, they preached the word. Vs. 4

II. The Gospel preached in Samaria. Vs. 5-25

    A. Philip preached Christ to those in the city of Samaria. Vs. 5

    B. People believed and miracles were done. Vs. 6-7

       1. Unclean spirits were cast out of people.

       2. People with palsies were healed.

       3. The lame were healed.

    C. Simon, a sorcerer, believed and was baptized. Vs. 8- 13

    D. The church at Jerusalem sent Peter and John to Samaria. Vs. 14

    E. Peter and John prayed for those who were baptized that they might receive the Holy Ghost. Vs. 15-17

       1. “(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)” Vs. 16

       2. “Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” Vs. 17

          Note: i) This experience was recorded to let us know that you are saved only in the name of Jesus Christ. We are not saved by the name of God the Father or the Holy Ghost. (Acts 4:12)

          ii) We are not saved by baptism, church membership or any works. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

          iii) After the doctrine of salvation was established, anyone who was saved received the Holy Ghost immediately before baptism, church membership, or the laying on of hands.

    F. Simon wanted to buy the gift of the Holy Ghost. Vs. 18-19

    G. Peter rebuked Simon. Vs. 20-24

       1. Simon’s heart was not right with God. Vs. 21

       2. Simon was to repent and ask God for forgiveness. Vs. 22-23

       3. Simon repented. Vs. 24

          Note: This experience was recorded to let us know that you are not saved just by knowledge, but by a committed faith in obedience to Jesus.

    H. Peter and John returned to Jerusalem after they had preached the word of the Lord in many villages of the Samaritans. Vs. 25

III. Philip and the eunuch. Vs. 26-40

    A. Philip was instructed by the angel of the Lord to go south from Jerusalem unto Gaza. Vs. 26

    B. Philip meets the eunuch of Ethiopia. Vs. 27-29

       1. The eunuch had great authority. Vs. 27

       2. The eunuch was under Candace, queen of Ethiopia. Vs. 27

       3. The eunuch was in charge of the treasure of Candace. Vs. 27

       4. The eunuch went to Jerusalem to worship. Vs. 27

       5. The eunuch was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah on his way back to Ethiopia. Vs. 28

       6. The Holy Spirit told Philip to go to the eunuch. Vs. 29

    C. Philip preached Jesus unto the eunuch. Vs. 30-35

       1. Philip ran along the chariot and heard the eunuch reading Isaiah. Vs. 30

       2. Philip asked “Understandest thou what thou readest?” vs. 30

       3. The eunuch answered “How can I, except some man should guide me?” Vs. 31

       4. The eunuch invited Philip to ride with him in his chariot. Vs. 31

       5. The eunuch was reading Isaiah 53:7-8. vs. 32-33

       6. The eunuch asked Philip “I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself or of some other man?” Vs. 34

       7. Philip preached Jesus unto him. Vs. 35

    D. The baptism of the eunuch. Vs. 36-39

       1. The eunuch wanted to know what the requirements were for baptism. Vs. 36

       2. Philip told him that he must be saved before he could be baptized. Vs. 37

       3. The eunuch said “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Vs. 37

       4. They stopped the chariot by some water. Vs. 38

       5. Both the eunuch and Philip went down into the water. Vs. 38

       6. Philip baptized (immersed) the eunuch in the water. Vs. 38

       7. When they came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit took Philip away to another place. Vs. 39

       8. The eunuch saw Philip no more and he went his way rejoicing. Vs. 39

       9. “But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.” Vs. 40


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