College Notes
The Acts
Chapter 8
Church in Canaan
(8:1-8:40)
Saul - Persecution (8:1-3)
vs. 1
Saul and Jewish persecution of Church. Paul consents to Stephen's
death.
Note: All scattered except apostles.
vs. 3
"made havock" means
brutal cruelty i.e. like the ravaging of a body by wild
animals.
Works of Philip (8:4-8)
vs. 4
As a result of
persecution, it forced Christians out of Jerusalem to preach the Gospel
where, e.g. Philip to
Samaria. vs. 5 "down" to Samaria because of Jerusalem's
elevation.
Samaritans - descendents of foreign settlers. Babylonian Assyrian transplants. Pentateuch worshippers II Kg. 17:23-41.
Note: Jews did not associate with Samaritans. John 4:9 -- were looked upon as half-breeds spiritually and socially (racially).
Point: Salvation now open to whole world -- starting to reach out.
vs. 6
Miracles accompanied
Philip's speaking.
Simon the Sorcerer
(8:9-24)
Background (8:9-13)
vs. 9
Simon Magus. We believe is Simon Peter of
Rome. Descendent of Nimrod
and Balaam. A man who
fascinated the people, like an astrologer or magician.
Speculation: He had an important position in Roman Catholic Church.
Possibly the first pope.
Account is given to expose Simon as the leader and founder of false church.
SIMON
Point: Luke describes the intentions of this man at such full length in order to show the Church of 62 A.D. that this man was not part of the Christian Church.
vs. 12
"believed" and were
baptized, of course
repentance also necessary.
OUTLINE OF SIMON MAGUS
Peter and John (8:14-17)
vs. 14
Peter and John to
Samaria.
Note: Philip may not have been necessarily authorized to lay hands on them.
Note: If authorized, an unordained man can baptize and lay hands on for the Holy Spirit, but ordained man are required to anoint sick and conduct marriages.
vs. 17
Laying on of hands
for the Holy Spirit.
Simony (8:18-19)
vs. 18
"Simony" means buying
for self a religious office.
Apparently, Simon had never received the Holy Spirit.
Point: This example of Simon Magus led to the coining of the word, simony. This word came to mean the offering of money to purchase a position or office within the church.
Also he was exposing Simon Magus himself.
Peter's Rebuke (8:20-24)
vs. 20-21
Ministry is a gift
of God
vs. 23
Point: Wrong attitude
Ethiopian Eunuch (8:25-40)
vs. 27
"eunuch" may not have
been a full proselyte (rather a proselyte of the gate) because private
parts missing.
Note: Jews wouldn't allow him to be a Jewish convert. Ethiopian by citizenship.
"Candace" a title, not name of person. A mother queen.
vs. 28
Ancient custom to read aloud, even by
themselves.
Note: Probably a carriage, not a war-type chariot.
vs. 31
A right attitude for help (Rom.
10:14).
vs. 32
Isa. 53:7, 8 -- Quote from Old
Testament.
vs. 35
Sidelight: When explaining, begin with the
scripture in question.
vs. 37
Believe with all your
heart
vs. 38
"into the water"
signifies total immersion.
KEY: "they" . . . "both" -- which rules out sprinkling.
vs. 39
"out of the water" signifies total
immersion.
vs. 40
Philip was taken and
dropped off about 20 or 30 miles north at Azotus.