Persecution
In his going away message to his disciples, Jesus warned of the certainty of persecution.
John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
Who are they? Who will persecute the most intimate followers of Christ? It is the relgious crowd! The church of an "outward form of godliness" (2 Tim 3:5) In our time it is the church that has changed the meaning of "grace" from God's favor moving in our lives by his Spirit, to the word "grave". They keep Jesus in the grave, the life is gone from the church. Rituals and liberal sermons are in the place of the living gospel message. Some have abandoned the forms of the past to new wordly forms, lacking the preaching of holiness, the church has become as the world, instead of the living body of Christ, full of grace and truth.
In the time of the early Church, persecution came from the established Jewish religion, full of traditions and ceremonies of the law. They opposed this new faith, though it was to be the fulfillment of their own religion. Jesus was the fulfillment of the law and the saviour of all who would receive him, but most would not.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Those who received him were selling all they had in Jerusalem, expecting the Lord to return and sharing with those in need. Perhaps a year after Pentacost, the trial of Stephen and his Martyrdom stirred up persecution. The religious leaders were persecuting the Christians, driving them out of their homes and forcing them into other lands. The gospel message went with them.
Our story continues with the events after Stephen's stoning.
Acts 8:1 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.
Acts 8:2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
Devout Christians, not fearing those who persecuted Stephen, nor fearing their own persecution. Men of faith. They mourned his death, for he had been mightlily used of God. A man of great value and courage to the church, a man who had followed our Lord even unto death by the religious crowd.
There was another devout man, but of the Jews. His name was Saul, a young Pharisee who had studied under the famous Gamaliel, yet without his grace. He was a zealous man of his beliefs. Zealousness is wonderful, if in the right beliefs and reasons. A zealous Christian can do much good for the Kingdom of God. Saul, a representative of God's people, the Jews, was motivated by hate. If he had truly known God, he would not have persecuted the Lord Jesus and his followers. He was upholding the law as he saw it.
Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
American Christians have thought of prosperity as a right of a Christian. Jesus said he would meet our needs, and you cannot outgive God. Yet, what of these Christians? Were they being tested, would they be faithful during persecution and poverty? Would they survive prison? The harder things get, the more we rely on God. When riding high in pleasures and things...who needs God? Would we be as strong as the early church under persecution?
What matters most is not our comfort, but whether we are in God's will. They were doing what God wanted from them.
Acts 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
Persecution has always brought strength and the spred of the gospel to the Church. It has been found when the world accepts Christianity and as in Constantine's time even makes it mandatory for all to be called Christians, that the power and the true worship dwindles, the Holy Spirit is quenched and the church becomes as the world. This is what happened in what is called the dark ages, or the middle ages. This was the period of history from about 500 to 1500, when the Holy Spirit was taken out of the church. The Bible was not taught with its message of grace through faith in Jesus' finished work.
Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
Philip the apostle, was chosen by Jesus, and immediately brought another to Jesus.
John 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
It was Philip that was made aware that Jesus and God the Father were one.
John 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
John 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
Now it is Philip who is in Christ Jesus and by His Spirit, who was preaching the good news of salvation in Jesus, with signs following.
Acts 8:6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
One accord, unity, how important unity is to accomplish God's purposes. Satan knows this too. That is why he tries to separate the church. Now people were listening to Philip, they were understanding his message.
Acts 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.
Acts 8:8 And there was great joy in that city.
God was working through his apostle doing good works. Undoing the work of satan, YES, undoing the work of satan. Instead of demonic thinking, minds were sound and understanding God's message of hope. Those bound by afflictions were loosed. God was in town, it was a time of great joy in the city.
Acts 8:9 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:
Acts 8:10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
Acts 8:11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
Simon the sorcerer, using the darkness to do miracles. The spirit of pharmacia. Drug use is called sorcery, using mind altering potions or drugs. The word in the Greek here is Magiah, a word for magic or magician.
There are Christian magicians who do tricks, I am not speaking of tricks here. Simon used spiritual powers to do magic tricks and bewitch (astonish) his audience. This is not an area for a Christian to desire to know. We do not want to learn the devils tricks, nor do we have any part with him, it is unholy. We are called to be separated unto God. A holy people, set aside for his work.
Acts 8:12 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.
Wonderful, they turned from darkness to Jesus. So many are in these things today; sorcerers,witches, wiccans, vampires, new age, false god's, spirit guides, pagan deities, godesses. These who were into these things received the Kingdom of God and were baptized in the name of Jesus.
Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Many believe, but not all for the right reasons. Some believe to make business contacts, Simon had his own business in mind. He was wondering about the wonders, the signs and miracles. Perhaps he tried to duplicate them.
Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Acts 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Acts 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
They had no understanding yet about the Holy Ghost, which is the Spirit of Jesus giving the needed power for gifts and to live the new life. He was the comforter, the peace of God and would teach all truth.
Acts 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Simon watched the method of receiving the Holy Ghost, they laid on hands and then they received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Acts 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
Simon saw this as a new power, he wanted to be a powerbroker. He offered money to receive this gift. Let's consider this, do we want the things of God as a ministry or as a money maker?
Do we want God's Holy Ghost to benefit the work of God on earth, or do we want to benefit our work?
Do we want the miracles of God to benefit others and glorify God, or do we want him for a magic show to astonish the audience?
Do we want power for the right reasons?
Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Oh oh, he asked the wrong apostle. This was the Peter who caught Ananias and Sapphira in a lie against the Holy Spirit and God killed them. This is the Apostle that was popular and had such authority, that even the Supreme court set him free. The same court who killed Jesus and Stephen.
Acts 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Acts 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Peter nailed him, but gave him a chance to repent, for perhaps he had done this in ignorance. His heart thought was not from God. Once we understand God's word,then we take control of our thoughts, we do not speak that which is not from God.
2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Gall of bitterness, the gall bladder is a very bitter organ and is discarded when processing meat. Bitterness often comes from anger and unforgiveness. Simon the sorcerer, may have had enemies that he hated and sins of the past that he needed to give to Jesus. When we come to Jesus we give him all things that hinder our walk with him and he gives us a new clean heart.
Often I have heard new believers say, but my heart is black, and I can't be forgiven. God can forgive and cleanse all who come to him in faith through Jesus. God is the creator and he makes us a new creation in him, alive in His Spirit.
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Acts 8:24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
Simon, the former sorcerer asked for mercy and prayer. Sounds as if he would be given grace.
Acts 8:25 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.
Who were they? Peter and John, giving testimonies, perhaps of grace, for Peter had failed many times before receiving the Holy Ghost, and had been given grace. Also they preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Persecution had moved the church from Jerusalem to all parts of the known world. In today's world, Christians are found in most every land because of the preaching of the gospel. And in many places where Christians are in conflict with the local religion, they are persecuted and martyred.
The time of the church age will end when Christ returns and we are caught up to meet him in the clouds. (I Thes 4:17) He will come for all of those who have trusted in the blood of Jesus.
Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Philip and the eunuch
Acts 8:1 ... 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.
Who were the first to go out to the gentiles with the gospel message? it was not the apostles like Peter and Paul, but regular church people and the deacon servants. Our focus now shifts to Philip, a deacon, one of the origial seven appointed to serve tables in place of the apostles.
Acts 8:26 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.
Who is Philip? At first I thought it was the apostle Philip. A teacher friend pointed out that this is the deacon Philip, mentioned in Acts Ch 6:5. We saw the great miracles and service from Stephan, now we are hearing of the work of Philip, another of the first seven deacons.
Acts 6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
When the Lord sends an angel messenger, there is something important to say. The angel of the Lord met with Moses in the burning bush and sent him to deliver his people. (Exo 3:2) Philip was being sent, what great task was it to be? Arise go down from Jerusalem to the desert. Jerusalem is on a hill, all directions from Jerusalem are down, the distance was about fifty miles.
Acts 8:27 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,
Acts 8:28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
A Black man, a eunuch, one who usually was in charge of guarding the bed chambers. This man was of great authority in charge of queen Candace's treasury. He was perhaps as Joseph, a man of excellent character who was given charge of the royal treasury. A man highly trusted by the queen and a man seeking to worship God in truth. Upon returning from the temple in Jerusalem he was sitting in a chariot in the desert reading from the prophet Isaiah. Reading the word out loud is a good way to build faith.
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Acts 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. God will answer the needs of those seeking him. He sent his servant all the way to him, just in time to help him understand. God is no respecter of persons, all who seek will find the Lord. He will make the opportunity available.
Now it is the Holy Spirit guiding Philip. An angel appeared getting his attention, now the Holy Spirit directs him.
Acts 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
Acts 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
Isa 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
The eunuch had not yet received the Holy Spirit, to guide him into truth.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
John 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.
Acts 8:32 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:
Acts 8:33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
Acts 8:34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
The Jews interpreted this scripture in three ways. The humiliation and judgment referred to suffering Israel as a nation. Another interpretation was that this referred to the life of the prophet, Isaiaih. Another interpretation was it was the Messiah, but there was no understanding why their deliverer would suffer so. This indeed was a mystery revealed by Jesus, he took upon him the sins and the sufferings of the people, and shed his own blood to destroy the work of satan. Even satan did not know his purpose.
Acts 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
2 Tim 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
Philip had proved himself a willing and ready servant of the Lord. He was ready, prepared and available. Many receive a calling, but often do not prepare by studying the word, or by being broken as to be useful. They are not put into service because they were not prepared. It took Moses forty years in the dessert before he was prepared for God's ministry for him. God spoke of him as the meekest of men.
Num 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
Acts 8:36 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?
Acts 8:37 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.
This believing in the heart is important, the devil knows of Jesus, but we must put him in the center of our being. As Paul wrote in Romans;
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Acts 8:38 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.
This may have been muddy water, not sparkling heated water like in some churches. The Holy Spirit had given him this desire to do this now. Philip obeyed the Spirit for the sake of the new believer. What is more important then a new believer? What else will we consider of greater importance then bringing a new life to the Lord? When a mother is ready to deliver, is the doctor away doing his own thing? Should we not be as dedicated, or have we not prepared or shown interest for this calling?
The eunuch was not given a name to know him by, yet we know he believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and was obedient unto baptism. I like this man's earnest desire to do all that was required from scriptures. Perhaps Philip would not see this man again. It was his duty to see that all was accomplished for this man of faith. Then the Holy Spirit would continue teaching him.
Acts 8:39 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.
The eunuch was filled with joy and peace. He had met the Lord and was a new man. Philip was not to continue with him discipling him, in fact he was caught away by the Spirit, out of sight. This appears to be another miracle.
The same word for "caught away," harpazo, was used in describing the rapture of the church.
1 Th 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.
Acts 8:40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
Philip was found in Azotus, (Ashdod) twenty miles north of Gaza, preaching his way into Ceasarea. He was caught up, but he was set down running, still preaching and witnessing to the people. He didn't stop to write a book of his great miracle. He was not interested in being a celebrity, he wanted Jesus to be known. His focus was on this. As Paul said later;
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Philip was a preacher of the gospel, the eunuch was a man of faith wanting the truth. Their are many people seeking the truth , like this Ethiopian. Are you one of the preachers of the good news? If so God will bring you to someone; be prepared.
Gary
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