Acts 8:5-8 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ to them.… Consider the suggestions arising from — I. THE SCENE of his ministry. In selecting the "city of Samaria" we discover — 1. His practical sagacity. Christ had been there and had prepared the way. 2. His obedience to Christ. Christ had commanded it (Acts 1:8). 3. His largeness of soul. They were a people hostile to his own, by political and religious prejudices. 4. His intrepidity of conduct. He was doing that which would put him directly against the Jews. II. THE SUBJECT. "Christ," not Moses; Christ, not creed — the living Christ, the anointed of God, the Saviour of the world — probably: — 1. As the burden of past promises, as "Him of whom Moses and the prophets did write." This is what we have to do. 2. As the foundation of all future hopes. His the " only name given," etc. No one else to look forward to. III. THE RECEPTION (ver. 6). They gave proper attention to what he said. What would be proper attention to a theme like this? 1. Profoundly reverential. It is a Divine communication. 2. Devoutly grateful. Infinite love is displayed in the message. 3. Earnestly practical. Demanding most strenuous personal application. IV. THE ATTESTATION. His miracles which were — 1. Illustrations of the benign glories of his ministry. 2. Powers to impress the Divinity of his ministry. V. THE INFLUENCE (ver. 8). They had been partly prepared for this by Christ's conversation with the woman. The gospel brings joy to a people because it is "good tidings," etc. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.WEB: Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed to them the Christ. |
    |