Acts 8:4-13 - Spreading and Reaching Out

With the intense persecution, the followers of Christ scattered from Jerusalem. As they dispersed, they preached the Word of God wherever they went. Verse 5 introduced us to Philip the deacon, one of the seven appointed to serve tables. Do not mistaken him to be Philip the apostle!

This deacon went down to Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them. As a Hellenist, Philip was probably more tolerant toward the Samaritans. History tells us that Jews and Samaritans were hostile towards each other.

When the Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, there were widespread intermarriages between the Jews and the Assyrians.  The products of the intermarriages were the Samaritans. Thus to the Jews, these Samaritans were regarded as a half-breed and people from a mongrel nation.

In parts of the Gospel, we have seen clear animosity between them. Luke 9:53, is an example of that animosity. In this verse the disciples, James and John in particular, wanted to call fire from heaven to consume the Samaritans.  In that scene, we also saw how the Lord rebuked them but shown restrain in dealing with the Samaritans.

We are also reminded of John 4 where Jesus deliberately passed through Samaria, to bring the Gospel to one Samaritan woman at the well of Sychar. Hence it should not be a surprise to read of a follower of Christ, bringing the goodnews of God's amazing love to these longtime enemies of the Jews.

Verse 6 reveals that the crowds of Samaritans in one accord paid attention to the preaching of Philip, which was accompanied with signs and miracles. Demons were driven out of the possessed, and the paralytic and lame were healed.

There were both spiritual as well as physical healings. And the effect of the Gospel was not only heard but also seen through those miracles. There was great demonstration of Christ's presence. No wonder there was great rejoicing in that city.      

This Philip the deacon, leaves us with a perfect example on what we can do as God's instrument. As he preached the amazing news of God's love, so must we. As he allowed himself to be the vessel to bring deliverance and physical healings, so also must we.

There is power in the Gospel to do great wonders. Where there is  willingness, there is no telling of what amazing things God can do through that instrument. The issue remains: Would we be willing to be God's instrument wherever we go. Boldly and faithfully!