Conversions in Acts "People in Samaria" (Acts 8:5-25)
Introduction: 1.After His resurrection, Jesus gave the Great Commission to the apostles (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:45-47). 2.(Acts 1:8) Jesus gave the apostles a specific plan for carrying out the Great Commission. 3.Throughout the remainder of Acts, Luke showed how this mission was fulfilled. 4.In conjunction with this, Luke wrote about a number of conversions that occurred. 5.Studying these conversions will help us understand how we become Christians today. 6.(Acts 2:41) The church experienced phenomenal growth on Pentecost when about 3,000 people were baptized. 7.The church continued to grow. a.(Acts 2:47b) It grew daily. b.(Acts 4:4) In a short time the men numbered about 5,000. c.(Acts 5:12-14) Multitudes of men and women were added. d.(Acts 6:7) The number of disciples multiplied greatly. 8.This growth occurred because Christians taught and preached Christ (Acts 5:42; 8:4). 9.(Acts 8:5-25) Luke showed how many people in Samaria became Christians. Discussion: I.PHILIPENJOYEDGREATSUCCESSINSAMARIA
A.(vs.5) Philip went to Samaria. 1.He had been a servant of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 6:5-6). 2.He left Jerusalem with many others because of persecution (Acts 8:1). 3.From Jerusalem he traveled to Samaria. B.In Samaria, Philip preached Christ (vs.5b, 12). C.The people in Samaria listened to Philip because of the miracles he performed (vs.6-8). D.Consequently, men and women were baptized in Samaria (vs.12). E.Simon, a sorcerer, became a Christian (vs.9-11, 13). II.PETERANDJOHNVISITEDSAMARIA
A.(vs.14-17) Peter and John prayed for and laid their hands on the Christians in Samaria, and they received the Holy Spirit. B.Philip had baptized them in the Lord's name. C.However, only the apostles could lay hands on Christians so they could receive the Holy Spirit [Paul did the same thing in Ephesus -- Acts 19:6]. III.SIMONSINNED
A.(vs.18-19) Simon wanted to buy the power to lay hands on people so they could receive the Holy Spirit. B.(vs.20-23) Peter rebuked Simon. C.(vs.24) Simon requested prayer on his behalf (1 John 1:9). IV.(vs.25) PETERANDJOHNRETURNEDTOJERUSALEM
A.As they did so, they preached to other Samaritans. B.The Lord's plan given in Acts 1:8 was being implemented.
