Saturday 12 July 2025
Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. (v. 17)
Background
Stephen’s martyrdom, which we read about yesterday, marked the start of a religious persecution of the followers of Jesus. The apostles stayed in Jerusalem, ready to brave whatever happened, but some of the early Christians fled.
In this way, Christianity moved beyond Jerusalem. Luke, the author of the book of Acts, identifies the first man to preach to non-Jews as Philip, who was one of the six men appointed alongside Stephen as deacons.
Philip preached in Samaria. The Samaritans were not regarded as proper Jews because they were descendants of Jews who had been enslaved 800 years earlier by the Assyrians. Philip showed his God-given authority by overcoming the opposition of a prominent Samaritan leader called Simon, who claimed to be God’s agent and who was known for his magical powers.
When the apostles heard what Philip was doing, it was agreed that Peter and John should go to Samaria to support Philip’s actions. In today's reading, we see Peter and John praying for the coming of the Holy Spirit among the Samaritans. This provided clear evidence to them that God no longer wanted the gospel message to be confined to the Jews.
What happened next to Philip? He was often called Philip the Evangelist to distinguish him from the apostle Philip and Luke records how he went on to baptise an Ethiopian eunuch (the start of the Church in Ethiopia) and took up residence in Caesarea, where Peter, directed by a God-given vision, baptised the Roman centurion Cornelius (see Acts 10). The apostle Paul stayed with Philip who settled with his family in Caesarea for at least 20 years (Acts 21). A not necessarily reliable tradition says Philip later went on to work in the city of Trailles (now called Aydin) in Turkey, but this may be confusing him with the disciple Philip.
To Ponder:
- God speaks to us when the time is right. Why do you think the message that the gospel is for all has to be given by the Holy Spirit rather than occurring during Jesus’ ministry?
- The story of Philip shows God working through a willing servant to change the direction of the Church. Can you think of other examples where God has done that?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, I ask that you fill me with your presence and power. As you did with Philip, comfort me in times of trouble or when I feel afraid, guide me in my decisions, and help me to live a life that is pleasing to God. Amen.
Bible notes author: Gary Best
Gary was headmaster of Kingswood School from 1987 to 2008 and volunteer warden of the New Room in Bristol from 2009 to 2019. He has published over 20 books, including The Christian Alphabet, a study book for home groups.
Comments
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