The Holy Spirit in Acts
Day 16 — The Holy Spirit Uses Philip
Acts 8:4-40
1. Christians scattered by Saul’s persecution
2. Philip goes down to Samaria and proclaims Christ to them
a. Crowds giving attention to the signs they heard and saw
i. unclean spirits coming out shouting with loud voice
ii. paralysed and lame healed
iii. Much rejoicing in that city.
b. Simon who formerly practiced magic
i. astonished the people
ii. claimed to be someone great
iii. People said “this man is what is called the Great Power of God."
iv. Simon believed and was baptized and continued on with Philip
v. Simon amazed at the signs and miracles
3. Apostles in Jerusalem heard of Samarians receiving the word of God.
a. Sent Peter and John who prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.
i. They were baptized into Jesus, “simply”
ii. They lay their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
b. Simon saw this and offered money to have the same authority
c. Peter rebukes him saying his heart is not right before God
i. bitterness,
ii. in the bondage of iniquity
iii. tells him to repent of intention and ask Lord’s forgiveness
d. Simon’s response is to ask them to pray for him so it doesn’t happen as they said.
e. Peter and John started back to Jerusalem, but preached to many Samaritans on the way
4. Angel tells Philip to go down towards Gaza.
a. Philip got up and went and saw the Ethiopian eunuch, court official of Candice
i. He had come to Jerusalem to worship
ii. He was reading from Isaiah 53
iii. The Spirit told Philip to go up and join the chariot
iv. Philip asks the eunuch if he understood.
v. He answered: How can I if no one guides me? Invites Philip up on the chariot.
vi. Beginning from the scripture, Philip preached Jesus to him.
vii. The eunuch asks what stops me from being baptized?
b. Early manuscripts don’t contain the next verse: “If you believe with all your hear you may.” He answered: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
c. Philip and the eunuch went into the water, baptizing him.
d. The Holy Spirit snatched Philip away to Azotus and he kept preaching the gospel
until he reached Caesarea.
e. The eunuch didn’t see him anymore but went on his way rejoicing.
Difficult Concepts:
1. The Samaritans believed when they saw signs and wonders. Why were they “simply” baptized into Jesus when Jesus had said to baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
2. Is it still possible to be baptized only into Jesus and not have the Holy Spirit?
It says in Ephesians 1:13: “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise Who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 4:30: “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
2 Corinthians 1:21: “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.”
3. What is the difference between being “sealed” and “baptized?”
4. Why did the Spirit come upon them through laying on of hands, instead of flames on their heads, a great wind, just prayer from afar…?
5. Angel tells Philip to go to the road to Gaza. Then the Spirit told him to go up to the chariot.
Why didn’t the Holy Spirit tell him instead of an angel? Definitely one is external, one is internal.
Personal Application Questions:
1. Have you ever wondered if you indeed are filled with the Holy Spirit or if you ever were “sealed” with the Holy Spirit of promise?
–Jesus in Luke 11:13: “If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”
–Acts 2:37: “ What shall we do? Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
2. How can you know that the Holy Spirit is guiding you or you are just going on your own?
[Galatians 5:22…]
3. Romans 8:26-7 says that the Holy Spirit helps us pray when we don’t know how to pray.
Have you ever asked the Holy Spirit to fill in for you when you are only able to groan?
The Holy Spirit in Acts
Day 17 The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus Acts 7:54-8:3; Acts 9:1-31
Reflection, Notes and Prayer