| Text | Observations |
| AC 8:5 And Philip went down to the city of Samaria and
began proclaiming Christ to them.
[6] And the multitudes with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. [7] For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. [8] And there was much rejoicing in that city. |
By "proclaiming Christ" we ought to take this
to mean Jesus' identity as the Christ.
Crowds paid attention to what Philip said as his message was accompanied by miraculous signs, in keeping with the model seen in Jerusalem (e.g. Acts 3). What exactly caused the "much rejoicing" isn't clear-- the healings or preaching. |
| AC 8:9 Now there was a certain man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city, and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; [10] and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, "This man is what is called the Great Power of God." [11] And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts. | Luke tells us important backround information about Simon before relating his story. |
| [12] But when they believed Philip preaching the good
news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being
baptized, men and women alike.
[13] And even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip; and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed. |
Now Luke finally offers some detail about the conversion of the Samarians. There are basically two elements: 1) preach the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus, and 2) hearers believe and are baptized |
| AC 8:14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, [15] who came down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit. [16] For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [17] Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit. [18] Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, [19] saying, "Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." [20] But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! [21] "You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. [22] "Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. [23] "For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity." [24] But Simon answered and said, "Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me." | This section of the account serves to illustrate that
the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit were given at the laying on of
the apostle's hands, and only after prayer and in accordance with the will
of God. But is also sets up the conflict between Simon and Peter.
(Simon wanted to purchase this element of the apostolic office and was rebuked by Peter. Yet with all that is said about the deep-seated nature of Simon's sin, there is no mention of inadequate pre-baptismal repentance nor the need for rebaptism. Repentance and prayer on the part of Simon is what is appropriate at this point. ) |
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