Christian Stories - Bible Study Online

Earlier we learnt that Philip was one of the first seven appointed deacons, who supported and aided the apostle's ministry by waiting on tables.

Shortly after, we also learnt that a great season of persecution had broken out against the Christian church and so therefore, Philip and the others who had preached the gospel were scattered abroad.

Because of this fierce opposition against the work of the Lord, Philip had went down to the city of Samaria to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ amongst the Samaritans.

During this time in the city of Samaria, the scripture informs us that the Samaritans had been bewitched and deceived by a man named Simon Magnus.

This man was found to have had, practiced sorcery and was a conjurer of sorts. But in spite of this deceit, the scripture confirms that Philip had great success when he preached the gospel.

God used him in mighty ways when it came to miracles and signs that had confirmed that Philip wasn't a fake and deceiver like Simon Magnus, the one that they followed. For they understood, that Philip had indeed -- been commissioned by the eternal heavens to speak for the one true God.

Because of this mighty showing that was done through Philip, many Samaritans had become believers and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Simon Magnus was also there to witness first hand the power of the gospel, and surprisingly, he too became a believer.

This event that Philip had held sent ripples throughout the land and word had gotten back to the apostles who were in Jerusalem at the time:

"When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they may receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 8:14-16)

Now let's look at something in this passage for a moment:

"When they arrived, they prayed for them that they may receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus."

Understand that this isn't some slap in the face to what Philip had done, for God had used him mightily. The apostles were sent so they could take the Samaritans to the next spiritual level. You see, God used Philip to perform and give them a water baptism ceremony and to touch their hearts and minds -- and because of this, they were saved and believed in Jesus Christ.

But Philip wasn't able to, or didn't know how, to give them the author of saving grace and the extraordinary gifts that came with him? The person that I'm referring to is the third person of the Godhead -- the Holy Spirit and the power that comes when he's bestowed upon you spiritually.

To be filled with the Holy Spirit is one of the greatest gifts and benefits we could ever receive as Christians. Not only does the filling of the Holy Spirit equips you for a greater service when it comes to ministry, but the benefits are simply -- priceless!

Understand that when you are filled with the Holy Spirit you are in touch and are able to identify with the comforts that he brings in your life mentally and spiritually.

The Holy Spirit helps you to face your fears and provides with spiritual gifts that helps you to be more effective when it comes to the furtherance of the gospel. This is what the Samaritans were lacking, and this is why God sent Peter and John.

Now it's at this time we learn about the true agenda behind Simon Magnus conversion to Christianity:

"When Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money and said, 'Give me this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.'" (Acts 8:18-19)

As we can see by the passage, Simon Magnus wanted to pay Peter and John so that he could receive the gift when it came to filling people with the Holy Spirit. Simon Magnus wanted to use this gift so that he may continue to bewitch and control the Samaritans while he himself made a monetary profit for himself in the process.

But Peter would rebuke the sorcerer for his vain and vile request:

"May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he would forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin." (Acts 8:20-23)

Peter had revealed to Simon that he knew of his true intentions when it came to him following and becoming apart of their ministry.

Just the mere fact that Simon Magnus had belittled the gift of the Holy Spirit by treating it as something that could be brought, something that is on par with some common gifts that deals with one's provision or practical means shows just how corrupt Simon Magnus mind and heart had become.

Simon Magnus knew that Philip, Peter and John were the real deal, and for this reason he followed them. But his mindset had severely limited his perception of God, for he knew not his mistake until Peter had pointed it out to him.

Perhaps he felt like everybody thought the same as he did, when it came to their beliefs? And so therefore he responded with concern after Peter had rebuked him: "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you said may happen to me."

It's not known if Peter and John had prayed for Simon Magnus and we don't know if he was ever lead whole heartily to the Lord?

But when it came to the apostles, after they had testified and proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ, they returned back to the city of Jerusalem while continuing to preach the gospel in many Samaritan villages along the way.

1) Philip & Simon Magnus the Sorcerer

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3) Philip & The Ethiopian Eunuch Official