Acts 8:14-40

Good Day!

 

Our verses today seem to have some pretty unique things in them.  Some of these things are confusing.  We must always remember that Acts tends to be descriptive and not prescriptive.  What this means is that the book of Acts records and describes the events as they took place as the church grew in its early stages, but it is not a formula or prescription for us to replicate because some of these events and happenings are specific to the great times and events of that day.

 

In these verses we see the gospel spread out into both Samaria and also to the Gentiles with Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch.  The main thing happening in these verses is very significant because it is the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12 when He says that all the families of the earth will be blessed through Abraham.  Of course we know that Jesus came through Abraham and the nation of Israel and we see this gift of Jesus and the forgiveness of sins being given to all.  

 

Let’s focus on Simon the Sorcerer for a bit.  We just read about him believing and being baptized.  But in today’s reading when Simon sees the manifestation of the Spirit he asks to pay money so that he might have this same power.  Peter rebukes him sharply for such an evil thought and instructs him to repent.  Did Simon fall away from the faith so soon?  Was Simon ever really a Christian?  Or is this not really a big deal and Peter overreacts?  We must believe the text when it plainly says that Simon believed.  Because of his past in sorcery Simon seems to be predisposed to these types of things and also has a false understanding about how God really works.  This is very serious, we cannot gain anything from God through our own money or merit – all is a gift and all has been given!  

 

I think there is a tendency to come down too hard on Simon the sorcerer as if we never have our own serious problems with how God works.  Peter comes down very hard on him, but it is in the context of a relationship and a loving rebuke hoping that Simon repents and turns from his sin.  There seems to be evidence of Simon’s repentance as he fearfully asks Peter to pray for him.  Simon is along on the journey and is being corrected for a great sin and misunderstanding of God.  We too should expect people, especially those who are new to the faith, to stumble and need to hear God’s rebuke and also His words of forgiveness.  We need this daily ourselves, even as we daily sin.

 

May we not be too offended by people’s sin to speak to them God’s Word.  May we be bold enough to speak God’s truth boldly and clearly.  May the Holy Spirit convict of sin and lead us to confession and repentance.  

 

Pastor Adam