Philip in Samaria: Acts 8:4-8
“4) Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. 5) Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them. 6) The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. 7) For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. 8) So there was much rejoicing in that city.” Acts 8:4-8
As the Great Scattering happened because of the persecution launched by Saul, Phillip went down to Samaria and began preaching Christ to them. There are four important points in these verses.
First, we discover that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem extends into Samaria. Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ begins to extend to the Gentiles. But there’s more.
Philip was one of the seven put forward by the congregation in Acts 6:6-7. Stephen was also among this number. Both of these men were full of the Holy Spirit and had extraordinary signs accompany their ministry. Compare Acts 6:8 and Acts 8:6-7. Luke actually devotes three chapters to these two men.
This is significant because the power of the Holy Spirit was not restricted to the Apostles. The gifts, anointing and unction of the Holy Spirit are for all believers who are obedient to Christ and walking in consecration to God.
Paul makes a distinction between the natural man, the spiritual man and the carnal man in 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3. There are carnal Christians who are living in the flesh and not the Spirit. These do not live or minister in the power of God.
Second, we again discover the principle that the power of God accompanied the preaching of the gospel. Signs accompanied Philip as he proclaimed Christ in the city of Samaria. As a result, the multitudes were giving attention to what was being said by Philip.
Third, we discover that many people were enslaved by demonic activity. The message of Jesus Christ was setting them free. Believers have the authority in the name of Jesus name to cast out unclean spirits and bring people to freedom.
Finally, there was much rejoicing in that city. The gospel brought hope to people formerly in bondage. The same is happening today. Faith in Jesus Christ changes people and sets captives free. We have much to celebrate.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
