We see the great, supernatural lengths, the amazing moving of heaven and earth, the breaking of the world’s laws and physics, and the calling of one man to walk a long journey all the way from Samaria going down to Gaza… for just one man. This isn’t Jonah and the big city of Nineveh. This isn’t Paul and the intellectuals gathering on Mars Hill. This isn’t calling Abraham out of a foreign people to begin heading out into the promised land. Or Moses delivering the Israelites. All this is is the very Spirit of God supernaturally calling Philip to rise and go, and the Holy Spirit inspiring Philip to say the very words he did… all for one man.

Two controversial topics crop up in Acts 8. We meet a sorcerer named Simon of whom Luke writes “believed” the Gospel, only to see that this sorcerer thinks he can buy the Holy Spirit’s power in a transaction from the Apostles. And then, another interesting happening in today’s text - while an entire city in Samaria. believes and is baptized, it wasn’t until Peter and John came down from Jerusalem to Samaria and laid their hands on them, then the Holy Spirit came upon their lives. This of course begs the question, is this still happening? Is it possible for anybody to come to saving faith in Christ, but not receive the Holy Spirit at the same time?

Two controversial topics crop up in Acts 8. We meet a sorcerer named Simon of whom Luke writes “believed” the Gospel, only to see that this sorcerer thinks he can buy the Holy Spirit’s power in a transaction from the Apostles. And then, another interesting happening in today’s text - while an entire city in Samaria. believes and is baptized, it wasn’t until Peter and John came down from Jerusalem to Samaria and laid their hands on them, then the Holy Spirit came upon their lives. This of course begs the question, is this still happening? Is it possible for anybody to come to saving faith in Christ, but not receive the Holy Spirit at the same time?

Many people just appreciate Paul and his books of the Bible. Sometimes knowing the rest of the Scriptures can then minimize, overshadow, make small who Paul was before as Saul of Tarsus. Saul the ravager. Saul the church-hater. Make no mistake, the language here depicts Saul as the number one persecutor to be feared. Saul was not content to debate in synagogues or public places, he went to private homes. Furthermore, women usually didn’t suffer persecution, but Saul showed no mercy.

NOTE - The following is made reference to in the sermon, see times 19:35 - 21:47 at https://youtu.be/--guYTHO-eQ?t=1175

Many people just appreciate Paul and his books of the Bible. Sometimes knowing the rest of the Scriptures can then minimize, overshadow, make small who Paul was before as Saul of Tarsus. Saul the ravager. Saul the church-hater. Make no mistake, the language here depicts Saul as the number one persecutor to be feared. Saul was not content to debate in synagogues or public places, he went to private homes. Furthermore, women usually didn’t suffer persecution, but Saul showed no mercy.

NOTE - The following is made reference to in the sermon, see times 19:35 - 21:47 at https://youtu.be/--guYTHO-eQ?t=1175

I don’t think we fully grasp or appreciate the magnitude of Stephen’s words of conviction for his audience. It’s insulting and offensive when heard by Stephen’s hearers, but it’s meant to convict because its true. These are the highest authorities of the Jewish religion. And they’re hearing from little deacon Stephen, “uncircumcised in heart and ears,” For Christians that’s hearing, “You hell-bound hypocrite who really isn’t saved.” Uncircumcised means they’re covenant breakers!

I don’t think we fully grasp or appreciate the magnitude of Stephen’s words of conviction for his audience. It’s insulting and offensive when heard by Stephen’s hearers, but it’s meant to convict because its true. These are the highest authorities of the Jewish religion. And they’re hearing from little deacon Stephen, “uncircumcised in heart and ears,” For Christians that’s hearing, “You hell-bound hypocrite who really isn’t saved.” Uncircumcised means they’re covenant breakers!

You and I are in the Bible, and it’s not just in the New Testament, it’s all the way back in Genesis when God is saying to Abraham, “I’m giving you an offspring.” Who is that offspring? According to Paul, according to Stephen, according to the Holy Spirit -, you and I are covenant people! We’re the offspring of Abraham. We’re inheritors of the Promise!

You and I are in the Bible, and it’s not just in the New Testament, it’s all the way back in Genesis when God is saying to Abraham, “I’m giving you an offspring.” Who is that offspring? According to Paul, according to Stephen, according to the Holy Spirit -, you and I are covenant people! We’re the offspring of Abraham. We’re inheritors of the Promise!

The First church was headed for its first split, but instead of splitting hairs, congregations, and fellowships, we find a compromise that leads to greater growth. What can we learn, and how can we serve because of what Luke records for us in this occasion?