(Acts 8:4-8) Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them. 6 The crowds 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 So there was much rejoicing in that city.
Philip found himself in Samaria, where there was a man named Simon, who had been a practitioner of magic, quackery, and various kinds of sorcery. From verses 9 and 10, it even sounds like he might have made messianic claims.
After hearing the gospel, and seeing the miracles being done, Simon went through the motions of becoming a believer and was baptized in water (only). After that, enamored by the signs and the miracles, Simon continued to follow Philip around to observe...
(Acts 8:9-13) Now there was a 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. 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 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.
Simon's true heart was revealed when he offered the disciples money in order to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. He wanted nothing to do the faith, but perhaps he thought he could use the power of God to make even more money (although speculating, it is a fairly safe assumption)...
(Acts 8:14-25) 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.”
25 So, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
From this we see:
- disciples were continuing to cast out demons as well as healing people and spreading the gospel message (Acts 8:7)
- people can be enamored by magic, sorcery and false claims, until they realize and understand God's powers and His love (Acts 8:9-11)
- people who like to deceive others will use whatever they can get their hands on, without really understanding what it is (Acts 8:13, 18-21)
Personal experience: I recently heard that when churches put paid people into too many ministries, the life of the church will begin to die. One reason would be that other people would then just stop giving of their time or stepping up to serve. It becomes far too easy for congregation members to say, "Just hire someone for that."
Even for the people working at a church, or people who are missionaries - it can become so easy to think, "Well, I'm already doing God's work, so that is me using my gifts to serve." But what about the others? They are also working full-time, using various talents, and are considered to be missionaries no matter where they are in life... so then... aren't they already serving God?
So now - who is left to do all the work that needs to be done in the church's ministries?
Consider the relationships in church like a marriage. Don't think about what you are able to get out of church. Think about what you are able to give!...
(Galatians 6:9-10) Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
(1 Peter 4:10) As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
(Philippians 2:1-18) Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.
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