Truth Magazine

By Jesse Flowers 

When one comes to the eighth chapter of the Book of Acts, one comes to a very crucial time in the spread of the gospel in the first century. In the opening verses we read of a great persecution arising against the church immediately following the stoning of Stephen. A young, not yet converted Paul, goes about harassing and tormenting those belonging to the Way. Something which would normally be viewed as negative, turns into something quite positive: “Those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).

In the following verse we are introduced to a Christian and gospel preacher by the name of Philip. Of course, we are first introduced to him back in Acts 6, Philip being among the seven chosen to serve in a special capacity in administering to the Hellenistic widows that were being neglected in the daily distribution. He was chosen on ac- count of his good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit, and wisdom (Acts 6:3). In Acts 8:5, we read of Philip going down to the city of Samaria in order to preach Christ to them. Preceding Jesus’ ascension he told the apostles that they would be witnesses to him in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). The gospel of Christ had been proclaimed in Jerusalem and Judea, now the “good news” was brought to Samaria.

Philip is the man who makes his way to this despised area of Palestine, and there he begins to preach and teach. We find that the multitudes heeded the things spoken by Philip concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, and both men and women were baptized. What a successful and encouraging beginning for this evangelist. As a result of his work, lives were being changed, souls were being saved, and thus a church is started in the city of Samaria. It is after this grand event that we come to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. The writer Luke pens these words in Acts 8:26: “Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a deserted place . . .”

For a moment, put yourself in Philip’s shoes (sandals). Here you are in Samaria preaching and large numbers of people are coming to Christ as a result of your efforts. Then in the midst of all that success, God instructs you to go to an area where, as far as you know, there isn’t anyone around! The Samaritans are hearing and obeying and now you’re being told to move on — do you ignore or do you listen? Well, Luke tells us in five words Philip’s response to the instruction he received from the angel of the Lord, “also he arose and went”. He goes from a well-populated city to an unpopulated desert. Most likely a strange request to the ears of Philip, but no questions were asked or hesitations made, for the instruction was a divine one. Behind him the good news was being preached, miracles were being performed, and people were being converted, but at God’s instruction he headed to Gaza. What an amazing attitude Philip possessed! Philip realized that this wasn’t his work he was leaving behind, it was God’s. God said, “Go,” and Philip, a man whose heart was sensitive to the word of God, went!

It is interesting to note that Gaza as a destination was really insignificant for Philip will never make it to the actual city. At this point, neither Philip or the eunuch is even aware that the other exists. Yet out in a deserted place, the road going down from Jerusalem to Gaza, God will bring the paths of this sincere seeker and this sensitive teacher together. It is on this road that we find a political leader riding in his chariot, reading the word of God and receptive to its truths. We learn that this man was employed in the service of Candace, who is described as being the queen of the Ethiopians. This eunuch was placed under tremendous responsibility for he had charge of all her treasury. He had travelled at least 800 miles in coming from Ethiopia to Jerusalem, and he had made that trip in order to worship! As the eunuch traveled back home he read aloud from the prophet Isaiah. 

It is at this point that God will bring these two individuals together. “Then the Spirit said to Philip, Go near and overtake this chariot” (Acts 8:29). Philip, following the Spirit’s direction, engaged the eunuch in conversation. Philip did not wait for the man to lean out of his chariot to ask him for help. Rather, Philip took the initiative to ask him simply, “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip’s tactfulness paid off. For he asked a question that opened the door for the message of the gospel to be taught. I believe it is interesting to note that Philip doesn’t shoot into some sermon, but first listens to what the Ethiopian eunuch is curious about. For part of the eunuch’s curiosity was not what was written, but to whom the passage applied. First Philip initiated the conversation, next he listened, and then he began to teach. In fact, beginning at this wonderful passage in Isaiah 53, Philip proceeds to preach Jesus to him.

Philip recognized that for a man lost in sin, Jesus is the only issue that really matters! There is a multitude of subjects that can be discussed at a later time, but Jesus isn’t one of them.

One cannot help but to wonder what kind of things Philip spoke of when he preached to the eunuch about Jesus. Once again, God’s word does not always satisfy all of our curiosities. One subject we know without a doubt that Philip spoke to the eunuch about was the subject of baptism. It only makes sense that when one preaches Jesus, one preaches about baptism. As Philip spoke to this truth seeker about the identity of the One mentioned in Isaiah 53, the preacher must have spoken of God’s eternal plan in redeeming man from his sins. And that God’s only begotten Son, came to this earth and gave his life on the cross for the world, in order that all might have the opportunity to inherit eternal life. Naturally, Philip explained to this sinner that in order to come into contact with that precious blood that was shed for him there was a need to be baptized into Christ. It then makes perfect sense when the reader comes to verse 36, and sees the response of the eunuch. 

“Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” How wonderful those words must have been to the ears of Philip! Both go down into the water, Philip baptizes the eunuch, and then when they came up out of the water the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away. Philip’s part in bringing this Ethiopian eunuch to Christ was through, and the Lord wasted no time to send him where he was needed next. Some of the sweetest words in all of this text is found in verse 39, when it simply states that the eunuch went on his way rejoicing! Because of God’s love, mercy, and grace for one soul he made it possible for this eunuch to hear the “good news” of salvation. After learning about his loving Savior and after receiving the forgiveness of sins, how could he do anything but go on his way rejoicing?! Before meeting Philip he was without Christ, but after hearing Philip tell him about Jesus, he found Christ. And didn’t each of us go on our way rejoicing when we came to Christ?!

In the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, we find a willing teacher + a sincere seeker + the providence of God = the saving of a soul. Philip started with the road the eunuch was on and from there led him to the cross. Earlier in Acts we have seen 3000 and 5000 souls saved, and it is easy to be impressed with such figures. Yet we must never forget that those big numbers represent individuals, single solitary souls. Philip was in Samaria where he was experiencing a tremendous amount of responses. God took this preacher and sent him to a desolate place and brought him across the path of a man who was searching. Sent him to a city that to our knowledge he never reached (Gaza), but in the process of his going, he was able to reach one man for Jesus. One is never a waste of time, one is never too much trouble, one is never insignificant. May God always help us to see the value of only one soul, and may that realization produce a zeal within us to bring as many souls as possible to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

“Much the greater part of Acts may be resolved into a detailed history of cases of conversion, and of unsuccessful attempts at the conversion of sinners. If we extract from it all cases of this kind, with the facts and incidents preparatory to each and immediately consequent upon it, we will have exhausted almost the entire contents of the narrative. All other matters are merely incidental The events of the first chapter were designed to prepare the apostles for the work of converting men; the gift of the Holy Spirit to them and to others was to qualify them for it; the admission of the Gentiles was an incident connected with the conversion of Cornelius, and others after him; the conference, in the fifteenth chapter, grew out of these conversions; and the long account of Paul’s imprisonment in Jerusalem, Cesarea, and Rome, with sea-voyage and shipwreck, constitute but the connected history of his preaching to the mob in Jerusalem, to the Sanhedrin, to Felix to Festus, to Agrippa, and to the Jews and Gentiles in Rome. The episode in the twelfth chapter, concerning the persecutions by Herod, and his death, is designed to show that, even under such circumstances, the word of God ‘grew and multiplied.’ All the remainder of the history consists, unmistakably, in detailed accounts of conversions.

“Such being the work performed by the author, we may readily determine his design by inquiring, Why should any cases of conversion be put upon record? Evidently, it was that men might know how conversions were effected, and in what they consisted. The cases which are recorded represent all the different grades of human society; all the different degrees of intellectual and religious culture; all the common occupations in life, and all the different countries and languages of the then known world. The design of this variety is to show the adaptation of the one gospel scheme to the conversion of all classes of men.

“The history of a case of conversion necessarily embraces two distinct classes of facts: First, the agencies and instrumentalities effecting it; second, the changes effected in the individual who is the subject of it. In the pursuit of his main design, therefore, the author was led to designate specifically all these agencies, instrumentalities, and changes. He does so in order that the readers may know what agents are employed, and how they work; what instrumentalities must be used, and how they are applied; and what changes must take place, in order to the scriptural conversion of a sinner.”

By James Carter Houchen

 

The Acts of the Apostles bring great significance to those outside of the body of Christ and those who are faithful members of the Lord’s church who are enjoined upon teaching the truth of God’s will. The stoning of Stephen, a devout man of God, closes out the seventh chapter of Acts. Those who stoned him for preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ laid their coats at the feet of Saul.

The eighth chapter of Acts begins with “Saul of Tarsus,” later name the Apostle Paul, bringing persecution among the first century Christians in Jerusalem. As a result, the church was scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Saul continued imprisoning men and women of the faith, bringing havoc on the church. Though men were scattered everywhere, the Scriptures tell us that they “went everywhere preaching the Word” (v. 4). Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to the people. As the multitudes heeded the things spoken of by Philip and saw the miracles performed as confirmation of the Word, there was “great joy in that city” (v. 8).

 

Simon Was Saved

 

Among the multitude of people present was a man named Simon, “who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming he was someone great.” After Philip had preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women believed and were baptized. In verse 13, the Scriptures record the conversion of Simon. He too believed and was baptized and continued with Philip in fascination with the miracles and signs which were done.

 

Simon Fell From Grace

 

Simon “saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given,” so he offered the apostles’ money for this gift. Peter then replied, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money . . . your heart is not right in the sight of God.” Simon responds with a penitent heart and prayerful attitude, equivalent to what should be the actions of a faithful child of God who errs in his walk with God.

 

As a child of God, the importance of daily communion with the Lord through the avenue of prayer cannot be over- emphasized or underestimated. Truly we are saved by the grace of God through faith (Eph. 2:8). However, it is clear from this chapter that a prayer of repentance to our Father in heaven through Christ Jesus is the means by accessing this grace that God gives his children when they transgress his law. Yet, there are some children of God who will perish upon the day of judgment because they have not repented of their sins. If a lesson is apparent from the story of Simon, is it not the importance of recognizing when we fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23)? Perhaps our hearts too, at times, are not right with God. In recognizing this fact, we can pray that God will forgive us. David said in Psalm 51, “For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight: that you may be found just when you speak, and blameless when you judge.” Let the words of David’s prayer of repentance to God be the words that echo in our hearts when we separate ourselves from God through sin. Those who approach sin with grief and sorrow, striving diligently to walk righteously and let their bodies, “be a living sacrifice” as they serve God, will be pleasing to him.

 

The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch

 

The apostles continued teaching in many villages of the Samaritans. Verse 26 records that, “an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, ‘Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’” Here, in the verses that follow, lies the account of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. The eunuch had been in Jerusalem to worship, and was returning on the road toward Gaza. Sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Philip approached the chariot asking the question, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied that he could not understand unless someone guided

him. The place in the Scripture which he was reading was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he opened not his mouth. In his humiliation his justice was taken away. And who will declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.” The eunuch asked who this passage was speaking of, and then Philip opened his mouth and preached Jesus to him. As they traveled, the eunuch spotted water and asked, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Philip told the eunuch, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And the eunuch confessed, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. And the Scriptures record that the eunuch “went on his way rejoicing.”

 

It is a safe assumption to conclude that many people in the religious world claim salvation. Yet, they delete or make additions to the very steps taken by those first century Christians who were taught by the apostles who were filled with the perfect teaching of the Holy Spirit. Verse 35 records Philip preaching Jesus to the eunuch. In preaching Jesus, the next words we have recorded that leave the mouth of the eunuch are, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” In preaching Jesus, it is evident that water baptism was preached as a means of reaching the blood of Jesus. It is through this death, burial, and resurrection that we are saved (Rom. 6:4). Upon hearing the word (Rom. 10:17; John 6:45), belief in Christ must be present (Heb. 11:6; John 8:24), there must be repentance of past sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and the name of Christ must be confessed (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9-10). Then upon your faith, you must be buried in the waters of baptism (Mark 16:15-16; Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Pet. 3:21) for the remission of your sins. The Lord then adds to his church (Acts 2:47) daily those who are being saved. To the child of God who lives faithfully (Heb. 10:23-26; Gal. 5:16-26) while upon this earth, “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:54).

May I add, that it is the truth by which we shall be judged (John 12:48), therefore, let us preach it and teach it (salvation) like we read it from God’s inspired book (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21). The discussion of such a vital issue can be rewarding to those who are honestly seeking the truth. “Seek the Lord, while he may be found” (Isa. 55).

By Justin Atkins  

J.W. McGarvey states, in the introduction of his New Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles, that the “Acts of the Apostles is a much neglected book . . . and, although it is not now so much neglected as formerly, it still needs to be brought more prominently before the attention of this age.” Times haven’t changed! McGarvey’s words ring loud and clear as we look at the religious division that characterizes our modern age. How sad it is to know that many are neglecting the answers found in the book of Acts. 

It is with this confidence in mind that genuine biblical conversion is to be found in the book of Acts. In the first chapter, Luke records that Jesus, “presented himself alive, after his suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). Here we find that after the third day of his death, Jesus arose from the grave, speaking of “things concerning the kingdom.” Surely this included the authority of Jesus and his right to rule over men, how one enters this kingdom and the means by which they can be strong members of the kingdom. 

What a blessing to know that Christ told the apostles about “things con- cerning the kingdom” because in the second chapter, we find souls being taught the saving message that made them a part of that kingdom. 

Jesus told the apostles that they would “receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (1:8). Notice that verse 5 says that the apostles would receive the Holy Spirit, and here again in verse 8 the apostles would receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Although this article does not directly deal with the subject of the Holy Spirit and miraculous works, it is clear truth that the apostles received the Holy Spirit according to Jesus’ teaching. Having said this, look at the awesome events of Acts 2! 

Some of us might say, “The most amazing thing in Acts 2 is how the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles and allowed them to speak in multiple languages so that all the people could understand them.” I would agree that this is pretty amazing. It is the fulfillment of what the prophet Joel had spo- ken many years before, and Peter tells us that this is so (vv. 14-21). Others might say, “The most amazing thing about Acts 2 is the boldness of Peter and the apostles to stand up in this great gathering and speak the word of God without fear.” No doubt about it, this was a great display of courage and genuine zeal for Christ. We can learn from this example and speak the whole counsel of God without regard to threats from those who do not love the truth. There may yet be another who says, “The most amazing thing in Acts 2 is how the prophecies come together to show that the Old Testament bears witness to Jesus as the Christ.” Again, I can find no fault with this statement. Peter uses no less than four Old Testament passages to show that the coming of the Holy Spirit is according to the promise of God, and Jesus is the descendant of David who reigns upon the eternal throne (2 Sam. 7:12-16; Pss. 16:8-11; 110:1; 132:11-12; Joel 2:28-32).  

However, the most amazing thing that happens in Acts 2 is found in vv. 37-41. It would not matter that the apostles received the Holy Spirit if no one believed in the works that they did through him. It would not matter that Peter and the eleven stood boldly if there was no audience to hear them. It would not matter that the prophecies concerning Christ came together so concisely if no one was convicted by the power of them. I am confident that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is pained no more than when helpless, sinful man turns his back upon the gift of eternal life. 

Did some amazing things happen in Acts 2? Yes. Did some amazing things happen that led to something even more amazing in the end? Yes. What we find in Acts 2:37-41 is the dynamic process of a heart turning to the Lord, responding to the sacrifice of Christ. Notice that these people were “pierced to the heart” (v. 37) and in accordance with that penitent attitude, they asked the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Isn’t that beautiful?! Isn’t that what makes your heart sing? But we are not done. The preacher doesn’t pat them on the back and say, “You are all right now. Go away believing in Christ.” Peter told them what he was taught by the One who spoke of “things con- cerning the kingdom.” Peter preached the death, burial, and 

resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that sermon includes telling men and women how to be saved. What a simple command, “Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (v. 38). One almost gets the feeling that the people hesitated because in v. 40 Peter was “exhorting them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation!’” Finally, these precious souls expressed their faith in God by being baptized into Christ, “and there were added that day about three thousand souls” (v. 41). 

I am convinced, friend, that God planned to save men and women long before we came upon the scene (Rom.11:30-32), and should we ever lose sight of what really happened in Acts 2, then we have lost sight of the plan of God. Jesus Christ said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (John 12:32). This is what it is all about. God worked all the promises to the patriarchs, the prophecies of the Old Testament, the events of the Jews in Israel, and the suffering death of Jesus Christ to culminate in the events of Acts 2:37-41. What does all of this say about God’s love for mankind? What do you think this means in terms of my responsibility in teaching the lost about the great love of God? 

I am afraid, good friend, that we have missed the message of Acts 2 and the New Testament teaching on conversion. I am afraid that we are all caught up in offering mint, dill, and cummin as sacrifices to the Lord while we are neglect- ing the weightier matters of the law (Matt. 23:23). It is my prayer that we learn how to purge our hearts of the dross that keeps us back from enthusiastic service for Christ. We must pray that in God’s merciful heart, we are given the time and strength to meet the true challenge of converting the lost.