Acts 8:4-8 (kjv)
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.
Introduction:
The passage from Acts 8:4-8 tells the story of how the early church, despite persecution, continued to thrive and spread the Gospel. It gives us a beautiful picture of God’s work in times of hardship and how He uses ordinary believers to bring about extraordinary change. In particular, this passage focuses on Philip, a deacon, who preached the Gospel to the Samaritans and witnessed incredible miracles and transformations. There are three key lessons we can draw from this passage: the power of the Word, the power of the Spirit, and the power of joy.
1. The Power of the Word (Acts 8:4-5)
Luke, the author of Acts, begins this passage by saying that those who were scattered “preached the word wherever they went.” Notice the context: the believers were not scattered for a vacation; they were scattered due to intense persecution. Stephen, the first martyr, had just been killed, and Saul (later Paul) was ravaging the church. Yet, instead of shrinking back in fear, the believers carried the Word of God with them.
Philip, who was originally appointed as one of the seven deacons to serve tables, shows us that God can use anyone willing to preach His Word. He goes to Samaria, a place historically despised by the Jews. In the midst of uncertainty and danger, Philip proclaims the good news of Jesus—the Messiah.
The lesson here is clear: the Word of God is not chained, even when believers are. It is not bound by human limitations, persecution, or fear. When we preach the Gospel, whether in good times or bad, the Word of God goes forth with power. And like Philip, we are called to be faithful witnesses, bringing the truth of Jesus wherever we go.
2. The Power of the Spirit (Acts 8:6-7)
As Philip proclaimed the Gospel, miraculous signs accompanied his ministry. The people paid close attention not only because of what he said, but also because of what they saw. Unclean spirits were cast out, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.
Here we see the power of the Holy Spirit at work. Philip’s ministry was not just about eloquent words or speech; it was about a demonstration of the Spirit’s power. These miracles were signs pointing to the reality of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world through Jesus Christ.
We live in a world that still needs to witness the power of God. While we may not always see the dramatic signs that Philip witnessed, the same Holy Spirit who worked through him is alive in us today. Whether through acts of healing, deliverance, or even the quiet work of comfort and peace, the Spirit of God moves through us to make the Gospel real to those around us.
The Holy Spirit’s power is not just for the apostles or for the early church. It is for every believer. Just as Philip stepped out in faith, we too can trust that when we speak the name of Jesus, the Holy Spirit will confirm that message with power.
3. The Power of Joy (Acts 8:8)
The result of Philip’s ministry was profound: “there was great joy in that city.” This is one of the most beautiful parts of this passage. Where once there had been bondage, sickness, and spiritual oppression, now there was joy.
Joy is one of the marks of the Kingdom of God. When the Gospel takes root in a person’s heart or in a community, it brings transformation that leads to joy. This is not just a temporary or superficial happiness; it is the deep, abiding joy that comes from being set free by Christ.
As believers, we are called to be agents of joy in a world that is often full of pain, anxiety, and sorrow. When the Gospel is preached and the Holy Ghost moves, it brings healing to both body and soul, and the natural response is joy.
Philip brought the joy of the Lord to Samaria, and we are called to bring that same joy to our communities. The good news of Jesus brings life, and when people encounter that life, joy is the inevitable result.
Conclusion: Be a Messenger of Hope and Joy
Acts 8:4-8 challenges us to see how God can use us in extraordinary ways, even in times of hardship. Like Philip, we may find ourselves in unexpected places or facing difficult circumstances, but we are never without the power of the Word, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the power of joy.
As we go about our lives, whether in times of peace or persecution, may we be faithful in proclaiming the Gospel, trusting the God to work through us, and bringing the joy of the Lord to all we encounter. Let us remember that God can do great things through ordinary people like us, just as He did through Philip in Samaria.
Amen.
Pastor Carlton Barnett