The trajectory of Acts is outward from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria, to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit carries the Gospel from place to place in ever widening circles and people proclaim the Gospel in all directions. Here in Acts 8 we hear the good news of how people in Samaria had accepted the Word of God.

It seems Peter and John were sent to Samaria to see what exactly was going on as many of the Apostles had stayed in Jerusalem preaching and teaching the believers there. They must have been sceptical as to whether half-casts like the Samaritans could become Christians. In Luke 9:51-55, John asks Jesus if he should call hellfire down on a Samaritan village because they rejected Jesus so you can understand that this would have been uncharted water for the Apostles.

Upon arrival Peter and John realise that although many Samaritans had been baptised they had only been baptised in Jesus’ name had not yet received the Holy Spirit. This is often a passage cited for Christians who believe there are two baptisms, one by water in Jesus’ name and the other by the Holy Spirit. This however seems unlikely as the Holy Spirit enters a person at conversion, and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus at his baptism, and Jesus tells us that the Father will send the Holy Spirit to us as soon as we ask him (Luke 11:11-13). This significance of this passage shouldn’t be missed here, here is Samaria receiving the Gospel, here ethnic barriers are broken and prejudices destroyed, Samaritans are receiving the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is for everyone - let’s rely on him! DB

1. Why do you think the believers in Samaria had been baptised but hadn’t yet received the Holy Spirit?

2. Why was it so vital that the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit?

3. How can we help those around us to understand God more fully and work with the Holy Spirit in them?

Heavenly Father, we thank you so much for the gift of your Spirit. Please help us to cooperate with you, that our lives might point to your Gospel. Amen.


The TV show ‘Penn and Teller: Fool us’ is a great show with plenty of laughs and insights. In the show, magicians perform a magic trick and Penn and Teller, experienced illusionists themselves, try to guess how the trick is performed. If they guess right then the magicians humbly acknowledge that they are right and if Penn and Teller can’t figure out how the trick is performed they win a trip to Las Vegas and their secret is safe.

Simon was an illusionist like Penn and Teller. He was at the top of his game and many people thought he had the great power of God! But suddenly there was a new show in town. Philip came into town and began to cut Simon the Sorcerer’s grass! But Philip didn’t perform tricks, he didn’t pull rabbits out of hats or fool people. Instead he healed them and proclaimed the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Simon was no fool. He knew real power when he saw it. He was baptised and followed Philip, astonished by the signs and miracles he saw.

Sometimes it’s tempting to think that the miracles Jesus and the Apostles performed were magic tricks that fooled simple people into following them and ‘Hey Presto!’ Christianity was born. This account of Philip and Simon shows this couldn’t be further from the truth. Simon knew real power when he saw it. While the people may have been fooled by his tricks, he wasn’t fooled by them. Simon learned where real power came from, God. Philip discipled him and let him follow him. He didn’t win a trip to Vegas; something much more wonderful happened. Simon was won over by Jesus and another soul was saved! DB

1. Why were the people won over by Simon the Sorcerer? How did his tricks differ from God’s miracles and signs?

2. How can we talk about miracles with the people around us without them thinking that Jesus was a magician?

God of Wonder and Grace, thank you so much for the healing and hope found in Jesus. Thank you that the same Spirit that was in Philip guides your church today. Help us not to rely on tricks or gimmicks, but to faithfully proclaim your Gospel of grace and wonder. Amen.


Persecution can often be blamed for the stagnation and death of a church but there is something arguably more potent in stifling the spread of the Gospel. In 2018 the median income in Australia was $270,00 Australian. What this means is that a typical Australian is now richer than the typical person in any other country.

This is a good thing. Australians enjoy a high standard of living, life expectancy, and levels of education. We have a low crime rate and very few Australians live below the poverty line. That said it’s sometimes not persecution but opulence that stifles the spread of the Gospel. In Acts we read of how violent persecution did little to smother the healing, the joy, and the enthusiasm that accompanied the proclamation of the Gospel. The more Saul tried to destroy the church, the more it grew.

Sadly we are living in a time when the church in Australia isn’t growing, it’s shrinking. A number of factors can be blamed for this, not least the behaviour of the church in recent decades, but it seems whenever the people of God get too comfortable they get complacent and stop sharing their faith. As we read of the growth of the church in Acts let’s remember what was at the centre of this movement. It wasn’t health, wealth, and comfort; it was Jesus. Money isn’t a bad thing, but greed and complacency are. While Australian’s are richer than ever before, there is little evidence to suggest we’re any more fulfilled. Let’s take our hearts off our bank balances, mortgages, and nest eggs, and fix them on Jesus, who offers us all we need. DB

1. Why was persecution so ineffective in stopping the growth of the church?

2. What do think are the major factors that inhibit evangelism and growth in the church today?

Living Lord, thank you so much for your grace and mercy. Thank you that your church has stood firm in the face of opposition and that it has come to us. Help us to throw off everything that hinders us from following you, and run to you each day. Amen.


Gnashing of teeth is not something we do very often in the 21st Century. A quick internet search of ‘gnashing teeth’ will uncover dental advice to help you stop grinding your teeth, and websites and videos that discuss the weeping and gnashing of teeth of those confined to the outer darkness of hell in many of Jesus’ descriptions of the place. Gnashing your teeth is a grinding of the teeth made in anger.

In the description of the stoning of Stephen we see the hellish gnashing of teeth and anger of Stephen’s persecutors compared to the peace of Stephen. Stephen is about to be killed but instead of confusion, darkness, and despair, he sees a vision of Jesus, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God”. This further angers the crowd who cover their ears and yell at the top of their lungs. Stephen is surrounded by an angry gang of men with stones in their hands ready to kill him for being a heretic. The ones in control of the situation are out of control and Stephen has no control but has complete peace in the one who is ultimately in control.

The stoning of Stephen gives us a peek into spiritual reality. Where sin brings chaos, darkness, and confusion, Jesus brings total peace and the self-control of the Holy Spirit. Stephen doesn’t depart this world in agony. He departs it in perfect peace, asking for forgiveness for his captors and committing his spirit to God. Ultimately there are two ways to live - immersed in the confusion and horror of sin, or trusting our ultimate destiny to the one who is in ultimate control. Where will you place your trust today? DB

1. Why were Stephen’s killers so angry with him? Why is the Gospel so offensive to those who reject it?

2. Where in our world do you see evil being exposed for what it truly is?

Loving Lord, we thank you for the example of Stephen. Forgive us for rejecting you at times. Help us to love good, hate evil, and always desire mercy for our enemies. May our lives shine out as a witness to your glory, just as Stephen’s did. In Christ’s name, Amen..


If you’ve never called someone ‘stiff-necked’ then I wouldn’t start now! Having reminded those present of Israel’s failure in the past, Stephen now delivers a final denunciation of his accusers. He’s reminded them of Israel’s historical failure, not as an academic history lesson, but in order to show them how they’ve failed in the present to recognise who Jesus is. Stephen has denounced Israel for rejecting God’s messengers in the past, and he is now denouncing them for rejecting God’s ultimate messenger, Jesus.

By accusing them of having hearts and ears that are still uncircumcised, it’s tantamount to saying that they do not belong to God’s people. God’s love is absent from their hearts and their ears are deaf to God’s voice. They have rejected those who foretold the coming of Jesus; they have rejected Stephen telling them about Jesus; and they have ultimately rejected and killed Jesus himself. Stephen is warning them not so that he feels good, but as a dire warning to those who have strayed so far from God and resisted the Holy Spirit. There is time for them to repent and turn to the one who was foretold by the prophets and has risen from the dead.

Tragically (warning, spoiler alert!), those present do not heed Stephen’s words. They continue to be blind to what he has to say, which ultimately means that they are blind to the only one who can save. But the story does not end here! For not only does Stephen remain faithful until the end, but his proclamation of the Gospel still lives on! Despite some not coming to recognise Jesus as the promised ‘Righteous One’, and in the face of severe persecution, the Gospel is proclaimed and the church grows. AL

1. What was Stephen’s ultimate purpose in reminding those present of Israel’s rejection of God’s messengers in the past?

2. Despite persecution, why did the church continued to grow?

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the faithfulness of Stephen right until the end! Please help us to stand strong, proclaim the Gospel, and point people to your Son, no matter what the cost. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Despite Moses seeking to defend the Israelites, despite God leading the people out of Egypt under Moses, the people still refused to obey him. The people, as Stephen reminds us, were very quick to reject their leader and desire to live under their old lord. What’s most shocking of course is the speed at which this happens. The people had only been in the desert for about one month before they’re ready to return to the old oppressive boss! How short are their memories and lacking in trust are their hearts. Have they already forgotten the dramatic rescue that God orchestrated under Moses’ leadership? But, as Stephen points out, this happened time-and-time again. They not only disobeyed Moses, but in his absence were quick to turn to other false gods.

As they accuse Stephen of working against God, Stephen’s accusations against them would have been infuriating. Whilst true, his words would have struck deep in the hearts of those gathered, accusing them not only of faithlessness but also spiritual blindness. However instead of turning their hearts to see the truth, the blindness would only be further compounded. Instead of seeking to discern the truthfulness of Stephen’s words, they would instead seek to silence the speaker. It’s an approach that Israel had demonstrated only too well in the past, and would be an approach that they were about to put into action again. AL

1. Can our sensitivity to an area of sin every cause us to attack the very people who might be convicting us of that sin?

2. Is there any area in your life in which you are so spiritually blind that you would be unwilling to listen to the voice of God’s Word?

3. How can we humbly come before the Word of God even when we might be reading something that we don’t particularly want to hear?

Heavenly Father, thank you that despite the faithlessness of his people, that Moses persisted in obedience to you. Please save us from spiritual blindness, that the truth of your Word might break open our hard hearts. Amen.


As we continue Stephen’s account of Moses, we’re reminded of his ‘next forty years’ after having fled from Egypt. Moses probably had little desire to return to his people, fearing that his own people would have told the Egyptians what he had done. Yet after forty years, with the intervention of an angelic appearance in the burning bush, Moses was sent back to be the Israelites’ ruler and deliverer. By the authority of God, Moses would take on the very role that his fellow Israelites had accused him of taking on by his own authority! In light of all that had transpired, you can imagine Moses being full of trepidation and doubt that the people would listen to him! He may have also still been fearful that there would be retaliation for he had done some forty years earlier. But God of course does not take ‘no’ for an answer, and eventually Moses does indeed return.

Yet despite the reluctance of God’s people to always to listen to Moses, those gathered at Stephen’s trial would have no doubt recognised Moses as a true hero of their faith. Stephen once again is making the point, that despite the status with which he was now recognised, that their rejection of Jesus was similar to the rejection Moses! But even more, Stephen is asserting that they are now failing to recognise that the very one that Moses foreshadowed (i.e., “God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your own people”) has arrived in the person of Jesus! If they thought (now) that Moses was a great rescuer and deliverer, then how much more should they see that Jesus it the ultimate rescuer and deliverer who frees us from sin and death. AL

1. What are the common ways that the world is willing to recognise Jesus and still be in their comfort zone?

2. What most impresses you about Moses’ faithfulness?

3. Why do you think the people were so offended by the twofold parallel, between Moses and Jesus, and those gathered and sinful Israel?

Gracious God, thank you for Moses’ willingness to follow your lead. Thank you that Moses’ rescue and delivering of Israel out of Egypt points us to the greater rescue and delivery from sin and death through Jesus. Amen.


It’s sometimes easy to forget, that before Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt that he had grown up as a household member of pharaoh’s daughter. He would have received an Egyptian education, access to a particular strata of society, and would have been afforded many other privileges. But despite all of this, when he was 40, something caused him to visit his own people. Upon seeing one of his own people being mistreated and despite his established upbringing, something moved him to the person’s defence. He went to the person’s defence and avenged him by killing an Egyptian. The next day he even tried to bring peace between two Israelites only to receive a nasty rebuke. You could imagine Moses becoming a bit of a hero amongst his people. However, instead of the people recognising him as one whom God would use to rescue them, they instead rejected him and caused him to flee. It’s not until Moses is 80 years old that he will return to rescue his people.

We’ll cover the second part of Stephen’s summary of Moses’ life tomorrow, however it is an important reminder once again that just as Israel rejected heroes of the past, they have now rejected the greatest hero of them all.

I wonder if we are every guilty of rejecting the very people that God sends into our lives? We can be both quick to judge and slow to acknowledge the very ones who God has led to nurture us, rebuke us, and teach us. Let us instead listen humbly and discern everything against the Word of God. AL

1. Has there ever been a Christian leader who you found difficult to accept?

2. Why do you think the people were reluctant to recognise Moses as a leader amidst them?

3. How can you wisely listen to the advice given to you by others?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of Moses’ faithfulness. Thank you for the godly leaders that you have sent into our lives. Please help us to be wise in discernment and generous in our welcome. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


As Stephen continues his speech, he moves from their rejection of Abraham to their (ancestors’) rejection of Joseph. Why does Stephen do this? To highlight how their rejection of Jesus is grounded in a consistent history of rebellion and poor discernment. Stephen makes that particularly clear by establishing a parallel between Joseph and Jesus.

The first and most obvious parallel is established by highlighting the manner in which Jospeh, as a prophet, was rejected by his very own family. Stephen’s point is that this rejection foreshadows and points to the rejection of Jesus as a prophet by his very own people. However, just as God was with Jospeh and was vindicated, so too is Jesus vindicated in his death and resurrection.

The second parallel relates to the character of Jospeh. Throughout all of Jospeh’s life, even in the face of very difficult circumstances, he continually demonstrates the two characteristics of wisdom and grace. Jesus of course fulfils those to perfection, but Jospeh demonstrated them nonetheless.

What is Stephen’s point? That just as their ancestors had rejected a wise, gracious, and godly prophet, they have now, even more seriously rejected the greatest prophet, full of grace, who was not just godly, but was God’s own Son. Whilst Stephen is meant to be the one on trial, his case against his accusers continues to build! AL

1. In what ways is the rejection of Jospeh like the rejection of Jesus?

2. Why do you think people were blind to understanding who Jesus really was?

3. Are we ever in danger of failing to recognising Jesus for who he truly is?

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times that we reject your Word and have rejected your Son. Please help us to heed your Words, receive your Son, welcome your Spirit, and live obediently. Amen.


The proclamation of the Gospel was met with with welcome, apathy, rejection, and even persecution. Not much has changed today! Yesterday we read of Stephen being seized as a result of mounting opposition. People had made false accusations, presented lying witnesses, and were determined to be rid of Stephen. Yet, in a fierce determination to proclaim the Gospel no matter what, Stephen’s “trial” ended up facilitating one of the most famous speeches ever. In the face of the accusations, the high priest simply asks Stephen if the charges are true. Not to miss an opportunity, Stephen takes full advantage of the question and proceeds to give a very (very!) long answer (some 52 verses!). Whilst we’ll look at the entirety of this speech over the coming days, today we focus on just the first portion. You will note that as Stephen seeks to answer the question about the charges, he wants all of those present to understand that his proclamation of Jesus is not simply a new thing, but the fulfilment of their entire history as the people of God. Therefore, Stephen sets out to remind them of where they have come from, of their wavering history, and the big promises that God had made - which they were meant to be part of being accomplished.

In five parts, Stephen sketches the history of Israel and turns the tables, in effect accusing them and putting them on trial. His final accusation will be that they have rejected the work of the Holy Spirit, but before doing that, in these verses, he highlights that rejecting God is part of their history. For even the great Abraham, the father of their nation was rejected by the people. This didn’t sway the people as they accused Stephen (sorry for the spoiler alert), but one wonders if anyone felt convicted that day. Friends, as we seek to follow God in our lives, we must never be so arrogant to think that we too can waver from God’s good purposes. We must constantly, with great humility, seek out his will and his ways above our own. AL

1. How are we sometimes susceptible to not only ignoring God, but rejecting his very words in our lives?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the example and faithfulness of Stephen. Please help me to be faithful and obedient, even in the face of opposition. Amen.