Stephen:The First Christian Martyr

Acts 8: 1a & 3“… On that day

a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem…

Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off

both men and women and put them in prison.”

Acts 8: 1b & 4 “… all except

the Apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria…

Those who had been scattered

preached the word wherever they went.”

John 12:24“I tell you the truth,

unless a kernel of wheat falls to

the ground and dies,it remains only

a single seed. But if it dies, it produces

many seeds.”

Jesus and The Samaritans John 4 Luke 9 Luke 10 Luke 17

Philip travels on his own to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Samaria,despite facing huge Ministry Barriers Racial & Cultural Differences Political & Religious Differences

Philip Goes to Samaria (Acts 8: 4-8)Preached the Gospel Performed Miracles

Philip’s missionary success in Samaria

is just one of countless stories

in The Bible which show that

the faithfulness of even one person

can make a huge difference.

Acts 8: 9-13 Simon’s “magic” is popular in Samaria Philip’s miracles trump Simon’s tricks Simon “believes” and is baptized

Acts 8: 14-17 Peter & John are sent to investigate this new Samaritan church. The Holy Spirit falls noticeably upon the new Samaritan believers through the laying on of hands and prayer.

Acts 8: 18-1918 When Simon saw that

the Spirit was given at the laying on of the Apostles’ hands, he offered them

money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability

so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may

receive the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 8: 20-24Peter rebukes Simon for his sinful thoughts and fascination with power.

Simon is removed from the church’s fellowship.

Peter urges Simon to flee from his sinful lusts and to pray for repentance.

From the time of Simon the Sorcerer onward, people have tried to blend

Pagan AND Christian beliefs & values.

Witchcraft, magic, sorcery, astrology, divination, palm reading & horoscopes

are all viewed as detestable to God.1.) O.T. Commands (Deut. 18: 9-14)2.) N.T. Teachings (Galatians 5: 19-21)3.) Final Warning (Revelation 22: 14-15)

With many new believers

in Jesus; the old lifestyles, habits,

and sins they used to engage in can

cling hard to their hearts. This can be true even of

sincere believers.

Simon was so dazzled and attracted by the miracles he saw that

he missed the “true power” of God at work… the freedom from sin, the unity and peace among believers,

and the joy of a new start that can be found in Jesus Christ!

Acts 8:25 “After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified

about Jesus, Peter and John returned to

Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.”

Who Do You Most Resemble?

Philip

The Samaritans

Simon the Sorcerer

Peter

John