Acts

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Acts Of the Apostles
Chapter 8
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Acts 81 (a) 1 Now Saul was consenting to his
death. At that time a great persecution arose
against the church which was at Jerusalem and
they were all scattered throughout the regions of
Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Now Saul Paul? Yes, the same person later.
Acts 538.
In the case concerning Stephen, he personally
gave the approval.
Acts 2220.
We also learn somewhere else in the Bible that
everything Saul was doing had the support of the
council, no matter what he did. Acts 91, 2
224, 5 2610.
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Acts 81 (b) 1 Now Saul was consenting to his
death. At that time a great persecution arose
against the church which was at Jerusalem and
they were all scattered throughout the regions of
Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
A great How great was this persecution? Well,
lets just think that it was enough to persecute
thousands of members of the new infant church.
During the study of our book, we believe that the
number of Christians during this time was
probably in the ten thousands (and maybe even
more), and they were being persecuted.
Are they afraid? Yes they are. Does this surprise
them? Not at all. Jesus already mentioned that
His Word needed to be spread and that this would
be the waySaul of Tarsus would be the number one
instigator who would move the Christians out of
Jerusalem.
Acts 18 Matthew 512 Luke 622
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Acts 81 (c) 1 Now Saul was consenting to his
death. At that time a great persecution arose
against the church which was at Jerusalem and
they were all scattered throughout the regions of
Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Who are they? Well, they are the members of the
church of Christ! What does it mean to be
scattered? To be spread, to be sent out, to be
removed and set apartThe disciples or Christians
are being removed from Jerusalem. This is the
first time since Acts 2 when the day of Pentecost
occurred.
Fleeing Jerusalem because of persecution, the
Christians dispersed throughout Judea and
Samaria. Again, Jesus said it You will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria. Acts
18, Matthew 2818-20.
Except for the ApostlesWhy not them?
5
Acts 82 (a) And devout men carried Stephen to
his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
Devout men carried Stephen out. See, it happened
on the same day. As soon as Stephen was dead,
they started to persecute the rest of the church.
When Stephens battered body lay on the blood
soaked earth, the angry crowd left Devout men
Many believe that these devout men were not
Christians but devout Jews who held Stephen in
high regard.
It seems more likely, however, the Christians
were the ones who attended to the burial of this
gospel preacher Great lamentation was made over
him. Many loved Stephen and to them, it was a
great loss.
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Acts 83 (a) 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the
church, entering every house, and dragging off
men and women, committing them to prison.
What is made havoc? Here is a more detailed
description of the persecution mentioned in verse
1. The Word translated Made Havoc (lumainomai)
means to treat shamefully or with injury, to
ravage, devastate, ruin, In contrast to the
devout men who lamented over Stephen, Saul became
more and more furious, and more energetic in his
persecution.
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Acts 83 (b) 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the
church, entering every house, and dragging off
men and women, committing them to prison.
Entering every house Consider the fact that he
was checking every house taking men and women,
no exception at all Later in his life, Paul
recognized that grave mistake that he was
committing when he said Acts 2610,11 The big
crime that these people committed was that they
confessed that Jesus is the Savior and the
Messiah and that He will come again to judge the
living and the dead
This is what I said earlier We do not suffer
persecution now days. Today, if you want, you
open the door and you do it. If you dont, and if
the person at the door stays more than two
minutes you phone the police and they gladly will
come and take the stalker out Paul was going
from house to house No protection for the
church, no protection for the Christians.
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Acts 84 (a) Therefore those who were scattered
went everywhere preaching the word.
I hope that you see what I see in verse 4. These
people, even though are being persecuted, they
still hold on to their faith and they continue
the preaching of the gospel We still have so
much to learn, we are still babes in Christ and I
wonder how many of us would have kept our faith
in those days with such great persecution.
There is no SPECIAL CLERGY in the Bible who is
being authorized to preach the word of God.
Instead, it is us the Christians. All Christians
(inclusion of men and women) are to preach as
opportunity and as far as ability
permits. Matthew 2818-20 Mark 1615 Acts 18
1 Thess1 6-8
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Acts 85 (a) 5 Then Philip went down to the city
of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
Philip? One of the Seven? Yes, Can you see the
power of the Lord? One goes down and another
comes up. The Word of The Lord will never be
without a preacher. It doesnt matter who goes
down because another one will surely come forward
We are not sure about what city in Samaria Philip
entered, but many believe that it was probably a
city with the name of Samaria. we all know that
the province was Samaria. Some say that it was
the whole provinceWe are quite sure and this is
of little importance.
10
Acts 85 (b) Then Philip went down to the city of
Samaria and preached Christ to them.
What was Philip doing as soon as he entered the
city? PREACHING CHRIST TO THEM. This is the
theme of Gospel. We are commanded to preach
Christ and no one else unto the world. We will be
saved by trusting, believing and obeying Jesus.
This should be the theme of every lesson now days.
Acts 412 Acts 1043 1 Timothy 25, 6
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Acts 86 (a) 6 And the multitudes with one accord
heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and
seeing the miracles which he did.
The crowds (including all classes of people) with
one accord. Paid attention to Philips
message. There were willing to listen to the
word of God preached by Philip. What is the
difference before and now? Are the people now
days willing to heed to the voice from God? If
not, what is the problem? They were astonished
not only to hear what Philip was talking but also
they can see all the MIRACLES WHICH he did.
Philip was performing miracles enough to convince
people and that was exactly the purpose for
miracles in the beginning, to prove that the men
that were talking to them were sent by God.
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Acts 87 (a) For unclean spirits, crying with a
loud voice, came out of many who were possessed
and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.
All that Philip was doing were signs enough to
convince the crowdsHe was not lying when he was
performing miracles that we already talked about
in chapter 3. People with unclean spirits were
clean! Not partially but complete, this was not
done for money but to teach that God has come
down to visit his people again. Finally the
almost 400 years of silence in between the Old
and the New Testament is broken and God is
performing miracles again. Lets note the list of
people who receive the blessings from
God Unclean Spirits... Paralyze people... And
the lame... The Holy Spirit empowered Christians
like Philip to perform the same marvelous deeds
Jesus had done during his earthly ministry. In a
sense they continue our Lords ministry.
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Acts 88 (a) And there was great joy in that
city.

• It is not surprising that the Joy was great.
• Not only were many being freed from the torments
  of demons and healed and healed of physical
  affliction, but the one who was performing these
  wondrous acts was proclaiming the message of
  Salvation from sin
• But, what was the happiness or joy all about?
• From the fact that so many persons, before sick
  and afflicted, were restored to health.
• From the conversion on individuals to Christ. The
  tendency of religion is to produce joy.
• From the mutual joy of families and friends that
  their friends were converted. The tendency of a
  revival of religion is thus to produce great joy.

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Acts 89 (a) But there was a certain man called
Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the
city and astonished the people of Samaria,
claiming that he was someone great,
The story changes when the Holy Spirit instructed
Luke to write down the story from this man. There
is introduced to us a certain man with the name
of SIMON! The success of the gospel in Samaria
was an even greater miracle than it first
appeared, for these people previously had been
filled with astonishment and amazement by this
Simon man.
Well the Bible just said that he was a very
successful magician, a man who practiced
divination or sorcery among the people in
Samaria. All we know about Simon is found in Acts
chapter 8.
Who was Simon?
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Acts 89 (b) But there was a certain man called
Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the
city and astonished the people of Samaria,
claiming that he was someone great,
The KJV says BEWITCHED
Bewitched, that is Simon was deceiving
people Simon was practicing and deceiving people
with something that was prohibited in the Old
Testament.
Deuteronomy 189-12
Any person who does something that the Bible
condemns always claims to be somebody.
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Acts 810 (a)  10 to whom they all gave heed,
from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man
is the great power of God."
Simon was deceiving almost everybody from that
city and you know why? People love to be
deceived, when it comes to lies and
super-spectacular things the world loves to be
fooled by those who take advantage of them.
2 Thessalonians 29-11
Luke says that to these things people pay
attention to. Only adults? No the amazement came
from the least to the greatest. No social
classes, Simon was deceiving everybody. What they
were saying?
THIS MAN IS THE POWER OF GOD.
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Acts 811 (a)  11 And they heeded him because he
had astonished them with his sorceries for a long
time.
He was deceiving so much that everybody was
paying good attention and the reason is that Luke
says that Simon was doing this for a long
time When something goes for a long time even
if this is error, for people it seems that is the
truth, and they embrace it as the truth.
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Acts 812 (a)    12 But when they believed Philip
as he preached the things concerning the kingdom
of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and
women were baptized.
Nothing can overpower the Gospel of Jesus, it
doesnt matter how many people these deceivers
are taking with them, when people listen to the
gospel and they open their eyes they see the
reality of the truth. Satan has many now days
blind and confused and refusing the truth for the
lie.
When Philip preached the gospelWhat is the
Gospel? life, death, resurrection of Lord
JesusThats all? Yes thats all. All people need
to know is that Jesus saves and there is no hope
in listening to deceivers.
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Acts 812 (b)    12 But when they believed Philip
as he preached the things concerning the kingdom
of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and
women were baptized.

• He was also teaching and preaching about the Name
  of Jesus.
• What exactly was Philip teaching?
• Acts 238Jesus gives repentance.
• Acts 247Jesus can add the new Christian to the
  church.
• 3. Acts 412Jesus gives salvation.

Jesus' name saves!
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Acts 812 (c)    12 But when they believed Philip
as he preached the things concerning the kingdom
of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and
women were baptized.
When people understand the call of the gospel,
this is the result Both MEN AND WOMEN WE dont
read about children and the writer is very
specific to say Man- from the Greek
word-ANER Woman-from the Greek word- GUNA. None
of these terms means babies, little ones or
children.
Jesus' name saves!
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Acts 813 (a)     13 Then Simon himself also
believed and when he was baptized he continued
with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles
and signs which were done.
This is so amazing! That the gospel of Jesus and
also the church and the name of Jesus are so
great that nobody can resist. Even Simon also
believed. So the deceiver was convinced by the
gospel. Simon also believed. Why did Simon obey
baptism? Many argue that believe is ok, can we
see that the Bible doesnt say what men are
saying? To believe is important but is not
enough. When the person believes there is
something else to do and Simon is giving us a
good example of obedience.
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Acts 813 (b)     13 Then Simon himself also
believed and when he was baptized he continued
with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles
and signs which were done.
He continued, etc. It was customary and natural
for the disciples to remain with their teachers.
See Acts 242.
And wondered. This is the same word that is
translated bewitched in Acts 89,11. It means
that he was amazed that Philip could really
perform so much greater miracles than he had even
pretended to. Hypocrites will sometimes be
greatly attentive to the external duties of
religion, and will be greatly surprised at what
is done by God for the salvation of sinners.
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Acts 814 (a) 14 Now when the apostles who were
at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the
word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
Remember that the persecution was only upon the
rest of the Christians. The apostles by the
providence of God are still in Jerusalem, they
have no problem so far. While at Jerusalem they
found out that even Samaria received the word of
God.
A new church is about to be establish and they
need help for Philip at this moment so the
apostles are ready to send some help for Philip.
The harvest had occurred in Samaria, of which the
Saviour spoke, John 435,
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Acts 814 (b) 14 Now when the apostles who were
at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the
word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
Who do they sent?
But the question is., who sent who? Who is the
head of the apostles, who is the leader? NO
body! The leader is in heavenThat is, the
apostles deputed two of their number. This shows
conclusively that there was no chief or ruler
among them. They acted as being equal in
authority.
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Acts 814 (c) 14 Now when the apostles who were
at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the
word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
Peter. This shows that Peter had no such
authority and primacy as the Roman Catholics
claim for him. He exercised no authority of
sending others, but was himself sent. He was
appointed by their united voice, instead of
claiming the power himself of directing them.
And John. Peter was ardent, bold, zealous, rash
John was mild, gentle, tender, persuasive. There
was wisdom in uniting them in this work, as the
talents of both were needed and the excellencies
in the character of the one would compensate for
the defects of the other.
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Acts 815 (a) 15 who, when they had come down,
prayed for them that they might receive the Holy
Spirit.
Who when they had come down Come down, why come
down?
Jerusalem was generally represented as up, or
higher than the rest of the land, Matthew 2018
18 "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the
Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests
and to the scribes and they will condemn Him to
death,
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Acts 815 (b) 15 who, when they had come down,
prayed for them that they might receive the Holy
Spirit.
Can Philip pray for them so that they can
received the Holy Spirit? Why then was
necessary for Peter and John to come down? They
sought at the hand of God the extraordinary
communications of the Holy Spirit. They did not
even pretend to have the power of doing it
without the aid of God.
Lets explain a little bit what are we talking in
here!
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Acts 815 (c) 15 who, when they had come down,
prayed for them that they might receive the Holy
Spirit.
(1.) It was not that gift of the Holy Spirit by
which the soul is converted, or renewed, for they
had this when they believed, Acts 86. (2.) It
was not the ordinary influences of the Spirit by
which the soul is sanctified for sanctification
is a progressive work.. (3.) It was something
that was discernible by external effects for
Simon saw Acts 818 that this was done by the
laying on of hands.
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Acts 815 (d) 15 who, when they had come down,
prayed for them that they might receive the Holy
Spirit.
(4.) The phrase, "the gift of the Holy Spirit,"
and "the descent of the Holy Spirit," signified
not merely his ordinary influences in converting
sinners, but those extraordinary influences that
attended the first preaching of the gospel-the
power of speaking with new tongues, Acts 2, the
power of working miracles, etc., Acts 196. If
it be asked why this power was conferred on the
early Christians, it may be replied, that it was
to furnish striking proof of the truth of the
Christian religion to convinced the people, and
thus to win them to embrace the gospel.
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Acts 816 (a) 16 For as yet He had fallen upon
none of them. They had only been baptized in the
name of the Lord Jesus.
What exactly is Luke Saying? This verse does not
support the false notion that Christians receive
the H.S subsequent to salvation.
This was a transitional period in which by the
apostles was necessary to verify the inclusion of
a new group into the church. Because of the
animosity that existed in between Jews and
SamaritansIt was essential for Samaritan to
receive the Holy Spirit in the presence of some
of the leaders of the church..
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Acts 816 (b) 16 For as yet He had fallen upon
none of them. They had only been baptized in the
name of the Lord Jesus.
What else do we need? If you are baptized in the
Name of Jesus, are you saved? Then why of the
necessity for the apostles to come down. Do they
receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit? Then what
else.
Again the church is new and the apostles are
confirming something that it was very essential
in those days. The performing of miracles in
order to testify about the word of God was a very
important part of the preaching, so in order for
the Samaritans to be empowered Peter and John
need to come down and do that, Philip didnt have
that Power.
32
Acts 817 (a) 17 Then they laid hands on them,
and they received the Holy Spirit.
This was an act of prayer, expressing an
invocation to God that he would impart the
blessing to them. On how many they laid their
hands is not said. It is evident that it was not
on all, for they did not thus lay hands on Simon.
Perhaps it was done on a few of the more
prominent and leading persons, who were to be
employed particularly in bearing witness to the
truth of the gospel. It was customary to lay the
hands on any person when a favour was to be
conferred, or a blessing imparted. Matthew 918.
No one else has the power to do this but the
apostles, the reason Not everybody was qualified
to do so only the 12 apostles
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Acts 818 (a) 18 And when Simon saw that through
the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy
Spirit was given, he offered them money,
Simon saw, etc. That is, he witnessed the
extraordinary effects, the power of speaking in a
miraculous manner, etc. Acts 815 The Holy
Spirit gift at that point was something that they
can see with their own eyes.
It was only thru the laying of hands that they
receive this gift. Again now days no one, but no
one has the power to do this. What is the part so
hard to understand? It says that thru the HAND OF
THE APOSTLES.
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Acts 818 (b) 18 And when Simon saw that through
the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy
Spirit was given, he offered them money,
Simon was trying to make his name even greater
when he, without thinking, offered the Apostles
money for the Holy Spirit!
The term simony, which is the buying or selling
of things considered religious or sacred such as
an ecclesiastical office, comes from Simons
desire to purchase the ABILITY to impart the Holy
Spirit to others.
35
Acts 819 (a) 19 saying, "Give me this power
also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive
the Holy Spirit."
Simon did not have this power when he was
baptized!
He was not trying to buy any gift, but the source
of the gifts THE HOLY SPIRIT. We can affirm with
out any worries that at the day of Pentecost
only the 12 were empowered with the Holy Spirit
and not the 120 as many want us to believe!
Simon says Give me this power! How is it that
Simon did not have it, but many now days are
claiming to have this power?
36
Acts 819 (b) 19 saying, "Give me this power
also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive
the Holy Spirit."
Why Simon was asking for Power? that anyone on
whom I lay hands may receive the Holy
Spirit. So, by this passage we understand that
the Holy Spirit and the power of healing was only
transmitted by the apostles hand! Do we have
any apostles alive today? No! Then the conclusion
is simple We do not perform miracles like the
ones in the New Testament any more!
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Acts 820 (a) 20 But Peter said to him, "Your
money perish with you, because you thought that
the gift of God could be purchased with money!
Peter is showing his horror for the offer made by
Simon! The response from Peter also shows us that
Simon was back to sin again and he was condemned
again!
Those who believe and argue that the Christians
cannot lose their salvation are under the
obligation of answering one question Was Simon
in Danger of hell at this point? The answer is
yes, Simon tasted the bondage and goodness of God
like many of us but one careless move put him
back to his sinful life!
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Acts 820 (b) 20 But Peter said to him, "Your
money perish with you, because you thought that
the gift of God could be purchased with money!
What was the Gift of God? The Holy Spirit! Acts
1045 Acts 1117.
How can we pay a price to God? All that we can
give, the silver, and the gold, and the cattle on
a thousand hills, belong to him already. We
have nothing which we can present for his
favours. And yet there are many who seek to
purchase the favour of God. Some do it by alms
and prayers some by penance and fasting some by
attempting to make their own hearts better, and
by self-righteousness and some by penitence and
tears.
39
Acts 821 (a) 21 You have neither part nor
portion in this matter, for your heart is not
right in the sight of God.
Because his heart was evil Peter is telling Simon
that he has nothing to do with the gift of God,
Simon was being selfish and was trying to obtain
something for himself rather for the benefit of
the church. Remember what he says Give me of
this power
Your heart. Your affections, or governing
motives your principle of conduct. Comp. 2 Kings
1015. You love gold and popularity, and not the
gospel for what it is. There is no evidence here
that Peter saw this in a miraculous manner, or by
any supernatural influence. It was apparent and
plain that Simon was not influenced by the pure,
disinterested motives of the gospel, but by the
love of power and of the world.
40
Acts 821 (b) 21 You have neither part nor
portion in this matter, for your heart is not
right in the sight of God.
Remember that the heart is the source of every
evil. Mark 1234 1519 Proverbs 423 James
114.
Simon was not having only problems of
understanding but also he was having problems
with the works of the flesh. Galatians 516.
Baptism is not something magic that will remove
all those desires in one day. Even thought Simon
was baptized, he still lives in the passions and
desires of his heart, this is why Peter told him
Your heart is not right!
41
Acts 822 (a) 22 Repent therefore of this your
wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought
of your heart may be forgiven you.
Even thought Simon has sin, Peter says Repent
therefore. When we sin there is always the chance
of repentance, not everything is lost. Many
believe that when they sin, there is no chance of
changing anymore.
What to do when we sin, Hide it?
NO, Repent and ask God for forgiveness, Ask God
thru Jesus to forgive your trespasses so that he
can make you new again that the Bible idea. 1
John 18,9. James 516. We need to recognize when
we are living in sin.
42
Acts 823 (a) For I see that you are poisoned by
bitterness and bound by iniquity."
Why did Peter command Simon not to pray first but
to repent? Well Simon is in big trouble, Peter
says that he is Poisonous by bitterness and
bound by iniquity.
How is that, how can we be full of bitterness?
Well this is done when we dont follow what is
Holy and true.
Deuteronomy 2918 Hebrews 1215 Jeremiah
418 Ephesians 431
43
Acts 823 (b) For I see that you are poisoned by
bitterness and bound by iniquity."
All these verses are talking about the danger of
falling in the same sin like Simon. He was also
bound by iniquity. That is, that iniquity has the
rule over you, and binds you as a slave. Sin is
often thus represented as bondage and captivity.
Sinners are represented as chained to it, and
kept in hard servitude, Psalms 11616, Proverbs
522, Romans 723,24. These expressions prove
conclusively that Simon was a stranger to
religion.
44
Acts 824 (a) 24 Then Simon answered and said,
"Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things
which you have spoken may come upon me."
Simon knew that Peters words will come upon him
so right away he said Pray to the Lord for
me! In 822 Peter says Pray to God, but Simon
says no, you please pray for me, why?
Sinners will often ask others to pray for them,
when they are too proud, or too much in love with
sin, to pray for themselves. In here we see that
all sinners are to be exhorted to repent, as
their first work. They are not to be told to
wait, and read, and pray, in the expectation that
repentance will be given them. With such helps
they can obtain, they are to do the thing.
45
Acts 824 (b) 24 Then Simon answered and said,
"Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things
which you have spoken may come upon me."
Simon said Pray for me, that none of the
things which you have spoken may come upon
me. He did believe in what Peter told him and
now is asking for help. On many occasions in our
lives, sometimes we need to ask others to pray
for us so that we can be forgiven
46
Acts 825 (a) 25 So when they had testified and
preached the word of the Lord, they returned to
Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages
of the Samaritans.
We have no record of what happened to Simon after
the recommendation to repent, now Luke is telling
us that when testified the word of the Lord, they
returned to Jerusalem. After the laying of hands
and testifying the word of God, Peter and John
returned to Jerusalem. Who was preaching the word
in many villages? Peter and John? Yes. They
helped Philip big time while they were there.
Embracing the opportunity of their journey back
to Jerusalem to fulfill their Lord's commission
to the whole region of Samaria (Ac 18). We the
Christians need to emphasize over and over that
this is our job, preach the gospel Is it hard?
yes, but we have to do it, we have no choice.
47
Acts 826 (a) 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 desert.
Philip is not done yet, there is another mission
for him. Remember what I said before? Stephen is
down Philip is up An Angel of the LordWhat
exactly is an Angel? From the (GREEK---ANGGELLOS)
A messenger or sent - Do they talk? Are they
not spirits? How is it that they talk?- Can the
Angel go and preach himself to this person?
48
Acts 826 (b) 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 desert.
Arise and go toward the south along the road
which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza The
Information is exact and accurate. The Angel is
preparing Philip for one of the encounters that
will be registered in history forever.
Angels appeared very often at the beginning of
the church to encourage those to preach the
gospel and to continue faithful unto the Lord.
Angels appeared to Elizabeth, Zechariah and Mary.
Joseph Jesus Paul and Peter. Remember what the
Hebrew writer says about them? Hebrews 114
49
Acts 827 (a) 27 So he arose and went. And
behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great
authority under Candace the queen of the
Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury,
and had come to Jerusalem to worship,
Philip obeys and went his way. And Behold. At the
very time he reached the Gaza Road, the chariot
of an Ethiopian Eunuch was approaching. A Man of
Ethiopia. Gaza was near the confines between
Palestine and Egypt. It was in the direct road
from Jerusalem to Egypt. Ethiopia was one of the
great kingdoms of Africa, part of which is now
called Abyssinia.
50
Acts 827 (b) 27 So he arose and went. And
behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great
authority under Candace the queen of the
Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury,
and had come to Jerusalem to worship,
6800 Kilometers
51
Acts 827 (c) 27 So he arose and went. And
behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great
authority under Candace the queen of the
Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury,
and had come to Jerusalem to worship,
A Eunuch. Who or what was a Eunuch. A eunuch
is a castrated man the term usually refers to
those castrated in order to perform a specific
social function, as was common in many societies
of the past.
a castrated man placed in charge of a harem or
employed as a chamberlain in a palace a man or
boy deprived of the testes or external genitals
one that lacks virility or power
52
Acts 827 (d) 27 So he arose and went. And
behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great
authority under Candace the queen of the
Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury,
and had come to Jerusalem to worship,
Of great authority. Of high rank an officer of
the court. It is clear, from what follows, that
this man was a Jew. But it is known that Jews
were often raised to posts of high honour and
distinction in foreign courts, as in the case of
Joseph in Egypt, and of Daniel in Babylon.
Under Candace, etc. Candace is said to have been
the common name of the queens of Ethiopia, as
Pharaoh was of the sovereigns of Egypt, or
Caesars in Rome.
53
Acts 827 (e) 27 So he arose and went. And
behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great
authority under Candace the queen of the
Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury,
and had come to Jerusalem to worship,
Who had the charge, etc. The treasurer was an
officer of high trust and responsibility. With
this what we see is that this man was very
important. It is an important treasurer and also
most important is that fact that he is a
believer! How do we know that! He had come to
Jerusalem to WORSHIP
54
Acts 827 (f) 27 So he arose and went. And
behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great
authority under Candace the queen of the
Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury,
and had come to Jerusalem to worship,
and had come to Jerusalem to worship, Are we
talking a religious person? No, we are talking
about a faithful man who traveled a long way to
worship in Jerusalem, I do believe that this man
was not a Gentile I believe he was either a Jew
or a Proselyte. Cornelius was the first Gentile
added into the church so the Eunuch was probably
a Jew-born in Ethiopia or one converted. He was
like Cornelius. He is reading the Bible, he is
reading the prophets.
55
Acts 828 (a) 28 was returning. And sitting in
his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet.
He was on his way back to Ethiopia, after having
been in Jerusalem to worship. And sitting in his
chariot- The exact form of this vehicle is not
known. What was the Eunuch doing while he was
sitting in his chariot? Just like
Just like Deuteronomy 67 taught, so this
Ethiopian was doing, as he travelled. He was
reading from the Word of God. There is a big
possibility that he had just purchased this
manuscript of Isaiah during his visit to
Jerusalem. He was reading in his own copy the
Book of Isaiah. It was a copy of the Septuagint
version that he was reading.
56
Acts 829 (a) 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip,
"Go near and overtake this chariot."
And the Spirit said to Philip. The Holy Spirit
is here evidently intended. At first an Angel
spoke to Philip but now is the H.S that will
instruct Philip what to do. Notice brethren that
Philip was the one who the Spirit spoke, not the
Ethiopian. This is a significant idea. There
are many people today who think that conversion
is achieved by direct intervention of the H.S. on
the heart (mind) of the unconverted sinner.
57
Acts 829 (b) 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip,
"Go near and overtake this chariot."
In here we can see that the Spirit is working
thru the evangelist. The Holy Spirit operates
through the word in conversion, not directly upon
the heart apart from the word. Rom 1017 Heb
116 1 Pet 123 Incidentally, in passing, we
have here one of the evidences of the personality
of the Holy Spirit, namely, his ability to speak.
Only God could plan such a meeting as this one.
It was necessary for God to call Philip away from
the work in Samaria before the eunuch left
Jerusalem. It was necessary for God to properly
time the arrival of Philip, so that the Eunuch
would be reading this particular passage.
Acts 132 Acts 1528 Acts 166, 7 Ephesians
430
58
Acts 829 (c) 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip,
"Go near and overtake this chariot."
The Lord knew how long it would take the
Ethiopian to reach the point at which Philip came
in behind him, and how long it would take Philip
to reach the same point. "Go near and overtake
this chariot." The NASB says join, it is a
word that pictures being glued to. Evidently, the
Spirit wants Philip to walk or run alongside the
chariot and stay with it. The NKJ says overtake
this chariot. Again, the idea is almost the
same. That is, take possession of this chariot
and dont let it go.
59
Acts 830 (a) 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard
him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you
understand what you are reading?"

• So Philip ran to him.
• What does this indicate?
• Some think that it speaks of the fact that he was
  behind and had to run to catch up.
• Others think that his running shows Philips
  desire to preach.
• Think for a moment brethren, think of the
  impression it must have made on the Ethiopian.
  Here is a man running up to the side of the
  chariot and his first words are, Do you
  understand what you are reading? (Ive come on
  the run to help you if you want help).

60
Acts 830 (b) 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard
him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you
understand what you are reading?"
What does this tell you? Philip heard the man
reading, do we agree that the Ethiopian was
reading aloud? Of course he was! Reading in
ancient times was almost invariably aloud. How do
you read the bible when you read it for yourself?
Are you embarrassed that others may hear you?
Listen please the Ethiopian was not alone in
his chariot. I do believe that there were more
servants with him and that he was reading aloud.
61
Acts 830 (c) 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard
him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you
understand what you are reading?"
One of the first things to be done when a
prospect is met, is to find out where he is on
the road to salvation. By this question, Philip
can learn where the Ethiopian is spiritually.
Let me tell you that this is one of the
passages that the Catholic Church uses to prove
that the only infallible interpreter of the
scriptures is the church (and the roman hierarchy
in particular). Further, it is said that the
average man cannot read and understand the
scriptures for himself. Didnt the Ethiopian have
to have help from an ecclesiastic? What we can
see in here is that Philip is not a member of any
hierarchy, but a Christian.
62
Acts 831 (a) 31 And he said, "How can I, unless
someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come
up and sit with him.
31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides
me? By these words, the Ethiopian acknowledges
his need of help. It is evidence of a humble
state of mind, one who is willing to be taught.
It is an acknowledgement, too, that the passage
he was reading did not harmonize with the usual
Jewish idea of a conquering messiah. He had
trouble understanding how the description of
humiliation and condemnation could be reconciled
with the Jewish ideas of a conquering prince.
The Eunuch, despite his high position in
government, possess the humility to acknowledge
his need for help in understanding.
63
Acts 831 (b) 31 And he said, "How can I, unless
someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come
up and sit with him.
Now we picture the chariot going down the road,
with Philip and the Ethiopian intently reading
and commenting upon the passage of scripture from
Isaiah.
How different was the Ethiopian from many people
now days. He invited Philip to join him in the
Chariot. Today, people run away from us when they
know that we study the bible.
64
Acts 832 (a) 32 The place in the Scripture which
he read was this "He was led as a sheep to the
slaughter And as a lamb before its shearer is
silent, So He opened not His mouth.
The quotation about to be given is from the
Septuagint version of Isaiah 537, 8. It comes
from a Section of Isaiah in which are found what
have been called suffering Servant Poems. There
are five of them, all of which picture the work
of the coming Messiah.
65
Acts 832 (b) 32 The place in the Scripture which
he read was this "He was led as a sheep to the
slaughter And as a lamb before its shearer is
silent, So He opened not His mouth.
Messiah is the person being spoken of by Isaiah.
Isaiah pictures Him as being led by others to
be killed. The reference with out any
contradiction is to the crucifixion of Lord
Jesus. Matthew 2722 Matthew 2726 Luke 2420
John 1916
66
Acts 832 (c) 32 The place in the Scripture which
he read was this "He was led as a sheep to the
slaughter And as a lamb before its shearer is
silent, So He opened not His mouth.
This is, patient, Still, Unresisting. Jesus was
not yelling but very quiet, he kept his composure
in front of those who was getting ready to kill
him. Matthew 2663 Matthew 2712, 14 Mark
1461 Mark 155 1 Peter 223.
67
Acts 832 (d) 32 The place in the Scripture which
he read was this "He was led as a sheep to the
slaughter And as a lamb before its shearer is
silent, So He opened not His mouth.
Jesus did not complain and cry out of harsh words
against his tormenters. He yielded patiently to
whatever was done to himself by others. Each of
the phrases from Isaiahs prophecy refers to some
events or attitude during the passion of Jesus.
Philip could take each of the phrases from
Isaiah and show exactly what the prophet has
predicted did come true. Namely, the salient
patience of the sufferer his previous life and
work the proofs which both had given that He was
none other than the one He claimed to be. The
Christ the Son of God.
68
Acts 833 (a) 33 In His humiliation His justice
was taken away, And who will declare His
generation? For His life is taken from the
earth."
The Hebrew reads He was taken from prison and
Judgment. There is not much difference between
the Hebrew for prison and the Hebrew for
humiliation as the latter word was understood
by the LXX translators. It speaks of the times
during Jesus trials when He had no one to speak
in His defense, no friends in court. And
Judgment being taken away means that Justice, a
just sentence, was denied Him and He was cruelly
condemned after an unfair trial.
69
Acts 833 (b) 33 In His humiliation His justice
was taken away, And who will declare His
generation? For His life is taken from the
earth."
The word generation, used here, properly denotes
posterity then an age of mankind, comprehending
about thirty years, as we speak of this and the
next generation then it denotes the men of a
particular age or time. Very various
interpretations have been given of this
expression. Lowth translates it, "His manner of
life, who would declare?" referring, as he
supposes, to the fact that when a prisoner was
condemned and led to execution, it was customary
for a proclamation to be made by a crier in these
words, "Whoever knows anything about his
innocence, let him come and declare it."
70
Acts 833 (c) 33 In His humiliation His justice
was taken away, And who will declare His
generation? For His life is taken from the
earth."
The Hebrew admits of no other meaning that the
sufferer was hurried to a violent death. The fact
that being thus taken from the earth the suffer
was exalted to heaven, though true in itself,
cannot be found in the words of this phase of the
prophecy. This is the act of wickedness just
referred to-putting the Messiah to death. The
Hebrew is, "For he was cut off from the land of
the living," i. e., he was put to death. The
expression used in the Acts was taken from the
Septuagint, and means substantially the same as
the Hebrew.
71
Acts 834 (a) 34 So the eunuch answered Philip
and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet
say this, of himself or of some other man?"
This is a very natural question, for there was
nothing in the book of Isaiah which would
determine to whom reference was made. True,
many of the Jews did consider the suffering
Servant Poems to be a reference to the Messiah,
but many did not. But Philip had no difficulty,
nor did he hesitate between a numerous of
alternative answers. Isaiah himself might not
have known (1 Peter 111), but now the prophecy
had come true, Philip knew that it referred to
Jesus and so he began with this passage as a
background and told the Ethiopian the good news
about Jesus.
72
Acts 835 (a) 35 Then Philip opened his mouth,
and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus
to him.
Member what Jesus did at the Sermon on the Mount?
(Matthew 52). Opening his mouth, that is getting
ready to explain very well the message. It
demands for the men to be prepared and ready to
give an account of God unto everyone who demands
an answer from us. This phrase, when it occurs in
the New Testament, implies something like a set
discourse (a sort of standard sermon with certain
points being emphasized, whenever this passage of
scripture was explicated), or it calls attention
to the importance of what was about to be said.
73
Acts 835 (b) 35 Then Philip opened his mouth,
and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus
to him.
What scripture? I do believe that is the one
from Isaiah chapter 537,8. This is the scripture
that the Eunuch was reading, this is the
scripture that he did not understand and now
Philip, a Christian is ready to explain it to
him. Can we? Can we explain to people when ask
us about our salvation, can we explain unto other
the beautiful plan of Gods salvation? We need to
be ready to teach others.
74
Acts 835 (c) 35 Then Philip opened his mouth,
and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus
to him.
Who is He that we must preach unto others?
Christ. Thats the theme from Isaiah. That
text told us all about Jesus- His life, His death
and exaltation and the beginning of the church.
Philip showed the Ethiopian that Jesus of
Nazareth exactly answered the description made by
Isaiah years before.
Acts 236 Acts 1631 Acts 2216
75
Acts 836 (a) 36 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?"
What we see in this verse is that when we
preached the gospel to a sinner there must be a
purpose Talking and studying with somebody have
a purpose and also we must aim at something.
Mark 1616 Mathew 2819 Acts 238
Take note that Philip is in the chariot with the
Eunuch, he was preaching Jesus unto the man, they
are going in the Road and then they came down to
some water
Water?
76
Acts 836 (b) 36 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?"
Water is an essential part to execute the
commandment of baptism. Many argue and contend
that in the way from Jerusalem to Gaza its been
proved already that there are not rivers,
streams, or deep pools, in order to execute this
commandment, the easy answer is that the Eunuch
was not baptize but sprinkle.
What Does the Bible says?
77
Acts 837 (b) 37 Then Philip said, "If you
believe with all your heart, you may." And he
answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ
is the Son of God."
It is essential for the person who asks for
baptism to understand that they must believe in
Jesus and that this is not an option, they must
believe in Him and obey Him. Believe is synonym
of faith, so Philip told the man do you believe
in Him? Matthew 1032 Romans 109, 10. 1 Timothy
612-13.
78
Acts 837 (b) 37 Then Philip said, "If you
believe with all your heart, you may." And he
answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ
is the Son of God."
Lets all understand please that the believe
that we see in here is very different from the
common belief that every one is claiming to
have. We are not talking about that kind of
belief that does not obey, but the one who
encourage men to obey. James 223. 1 Corinthians
413. Hebrews 116.
79
Acts 837 (c) 37 Then Philip said, "If you
believe with all your heart, you may." And he
answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ
is the Son of God."
Do you want to be save? Thats what you need to
confess. This is what we the Christians called
the confession that saves. This statement
doubtless summarizes all the instructions given
by Philip to the Ethiopian.
Before a man was admitted to Christian fellowship
by baptism, he made a public confession of his
new faith, probably in response to some definite
question asked of him about his belief. And
today, some kind of confession is needed so that
the evangelist knows that the prospect is
suitable candidate for baptism, just as some
indication was needed in the early days of the
church.
80
Acts 838 (a) 38 So he commanded the chariot to
stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went
down into the water, and he baptized him.
So he commanded the chariot to stand
still Evidently the Ethiopian had a chariot
driver (or some litter carriers) since he
commanded the chariot to stop. There are more
people ready to witness what is about to happen
in this occasion and you know what? The Eunuch is
NOT EMBARRSESSED! He is willing to make his
confession valid at this point.
81
Acts 838 (b) 38 So he commanded the chariot to
stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went
down into the water, and he baptized him.
The primary meaning of the Greek word eis is
(Into). This verse along with Acts 238, has long
been a sore spot for those who insist that
sprinkling or pouring is just as good as
immersion. Attempt to evade the force of this
passage vary from one Baptist to another. If
Philip practice sprinkled, why of the need for
both to go into the water? CAN SOMEBODY EXPLAIN
ME THAT PLEASE?
82
Acts 838 (c) 38 So he commanded the chariot to
stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went
down into the water, and he baptized him.
But there is not enough water in the desert?
Thats not true when obedient men want to
follow the will of God theyll do whatever it
take to fulfill the commandment.
83
Acts 838 (d) 38 So he commanded the chariot to
stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went
down into the water, and he baptized him.
that is, Philip baptized the Ethiopian. The
Ethiopian would have laid aside his outer
garments on the bank, descended till he was about
chest-deep into the water, and would have been
plunged under it in the name of Lord Jesus.
84
Acts 839 (a) 39 Now when they came up out of the
water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away,
so that the eunuch saw him no more and he went
on his way rejoicing.
The primary word for ek is out of and there is
no reason for not interpreting it here. They went
down into the water before now after baptism they
are coming off from the water. Why does the Lord
make it so simple? But even though God make it so
simple this is what men sees in this commandment,
Why?
85
Acts 839 (b) 39 Now when they came up out of the
water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away,
so that the eunuch saw him no more and he went
on his way rejoicing.
Lets all notice that the rejoicing comes after
OBEDIENCE! If there are any feelings
(experiences) connected with salvation, they
follow, not precede, becoming a Christians. His
rejoicing sprang from the fact that his sins has
been forgiven on the condition of his obedient
faith.
Salvation causes us to rejoice and to have a new
life in Christ Jesus, thats what bring rejoice
unto men knowing that my sins has been forgiven
by Lord Jesus
86
Acts 840 (a) 40 But Philip was found at Azotus.
And passing through, he preached in all the
cities till he came to Caesarea.
Azotus is the Ashdod of the Old Testament. Then
it was the capital of some of the five states of
the Philistines, and the chief seat of the
worship of Dagon. The Philip Caught Philip and
put him in that city how? We dont know, but
thats what the Bible says
87
Acts 840 (b) 40 But Philip was found at Azotus.
And passing through, he preached in all the
cities till he came to Caesarea.
It was about 60m miles from Azotus to Caesarea.
Apparently it appears from Acts 218 that Philip
settle down to live at Caesarea and stay there as
an evangelist for upwards of 20 years. Acts 101
we will be talking more about this city