Page 6 - acts_study_book2

Any rejoicing on the part of the Jews will be short-lived; Christians began to crop up in the many
places outside Jerusalem were believers had been dispersed.

PHILIP: THE EVANGELIST (5-8)

Philip goes to Samaria and preaches Christ to them. He also performs miracles, casts out unclean
spirits from those possessed, and heals many paralyzed and lame people by the power of God.
There is great joy in the city.

REVIVAL IN THE CITY

Act 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

One of those who fled Jerusalem was the second deacon mentioned in Acts 6, Philip, who was
called to be an evangelist (Acts 21:8; Ephesians 4:11). Unlike the office of a teacher (which
Stephen walked in), the evangelist does not expound Scripture, but simply brings out Jesus and
the new birth from any section of Scripture. Philip’s message is the same whether he is
addressing and the entire city or an individual -- salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. He does not
preach sin, but Christ.

Philip is not the first to preach Christ in Samaria. This is the same city where Jesus met the woman
at the well (John 4:5-42). Jesus informed his disciples that many had previously preach the gospel
in Samaria. Some have planted, others have watered, and now God would receive the increase
(John 4:37-38; 1 Corinthians 3:6-8).

Philip is entering a city which has entered revival. The gospel has been preached, and the city is
prepared for even greater numbers of souls to be won.

Act 8:6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing
and seeing the miracles which he did.

The ministry of the evangelist is accompanied by the power gifts, gifts of healing and working of
miracles (1 Corinthians 12:28). The purpose of these gifts is to direct the focus of attention on
salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.

DEMONS FLEE AND BODIES HEALED

Act 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.

At this time, Samaria is under the influence of the Greek culture and worships the demons of the
Pantheon (1 Corinthians 10:21-22). Half of Samaria is comprised of a Jewish population and half
is Gentile. The same is true of the worship. Citizens of Samaria acknowledge the God of Israel
while at the same time acknowledge demonic gods.