728. ACT 8:5-13. PHILIP AND THE GOSPEL IN SAMARIA

Act_8:5-13. Philip and the Gospel in Samaria

"Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did."’97Act_8:5-13.

Our text contains an historical account of the introduction of the gospel into Samaria. That account is very clear, distinct and satisfactory. It contains a number of points that cannot fail to be interesting and edifying.

Perhaps we cannot do better, for the sake of order, than to look at

The preacher.

The sphere of his labor.

The message proclaimed; and,

The success by which it was attended.

I. The preacher.

Act_8:5. Philip introduced to us in two other passages of God’s word.

1. As a deacon.

Chap. Act_6:5. As a deacon, he was to take charge, with his brethren, of the tables; Act_6:2. It was a secular work. A kind of stewardship in the church. Philip did not preach as a deacon; for that is distinguished from it; Act_6:4. But a deacon might be more. So Philip is brought before us,

2. As an evangelist.

Act_21:8. Now an evangelist differed both from an apostle, and a bishop, or pastor. An apostle must have seen Christ, and have been especially called by him. A bishop was the pastor of one flock’97a resident in one place. An evangelist was one gifted with preaching attributes; and who went anywhere to lift up the cross, as Providence might direct. Such was the preacher on this occasion.

Observe,

II. His sphere of labor.

"Samaria." It does not mean any city of that name, but to the district of country so called. It might be in the district near to Sychar, where Christ had met with the woman at Jacob’s well. Every place inhabited by human beings, is a fit sphere for ministerial effort. For, everywhere man is guilty’97ignorant’97helpless’97perishing’97and needs a Saviour. And there is a gospel for the whole world, and a Saviour for every creature.

Notice, then,

III. The message he proclaimed.

"He preached Christ unto them," Act_21:5. What a great and comprehensive subject! Christ is the sum of the gospel; yea, the sum of the whole Bible. He did not preach himself,’97he did not preach human philosophy,’97he did not preach the law,’97he did not preach mere morality. He preached Christ.

1. Christ as the predicted and promised Messiah.

Of whom Moses in the law, &c. Universally expected. The desire of all nations.

2. He preached Christ the anointed of God, to save the world.

Redeemer sent by God,’97anointed for this purpose, &c. Who had effected the great work of God. As an example’97as a teacher’97as a philanthropist’97as a sacrifice’97as Lord and King’97as the only Saviour of perishing sinners.

3. He preached Christ, i. e., expounded, taught, offered, urged, &c.

This was the message’97and this alone is the gospel. Every thing else is infinitely inferior, and should be at all times subordinate. Christ should be the centre, where all discourses should verge, &c.

Then observe,

IV. The success which attended his ministry.

1. He obtained the attention of the people. This is the first step in success. To get the people to hear,’97to give heed,’97hearken with interest,’97with careful and personal solicitude, &c.

(1.) This heed was very general. The "people," &c.

(2.) It was unanimous. "With one accord."

(3.) It was admiring attention. "For they beheld the miracles Philip did." These miracles were of the most striking description; Act_21:7.

(4.) Joyful attention; Act_21:8.

2. They believed the message Philip preached.

Attention’97wonder, &c., will not save. This is not real success. But they believed the discourses he delivered, &c. Act_21:12.

3. They were baptized on the profession of their faith.

Evidenced the reality of their faith, by being enrolled among Christ’s disciples. Putting Christ on by baptism, into his death. Just literally carrying out Christ’s commission, "Go ye into all the world," &c.

4. Among the converts was a very distinguished person.

Act_21:9. A great many conjectural things are said about him. We will abide by the statements of the text.

He was a magician, or sorcerer. Probably an astrologer, and one who professed to divine and tell future events. Lived on the credulity of the people. Warn the young against fortune-tellers. He had great influence, &c.

(1.) He believed, and was baptized.

(2.) He continued with Philip, &c.

(3.) But his soul had long been under one master vice’97the vice of covetousness. He had lived on the credulity of the people. He therefore wished to obtain the Holy Ghost for miraculous purposes. He sought this of the apostles; Act_21:14. He was rejected; Act_21:20, Act_21:21. He was exhorted and threatened; Act_21:22, Act_21:23. He was alarmed; Act_21:24. We fear this was all, &c.

Application

1. Men need the gospel now, as did the people of Samaria.

2. Preaching Christ is alone preaching that gospel.

It is only efficient, when heard with attention, faith, and obedience.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS