Acts 8:5-8 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ to them.… I. IT IS DESERVING OF REMARK, THAT THE SEAT OF THIS HOLY TRIUMPH WAS "THE CITY OF SAMARIA." Well may it be said, "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom like the rose;" for such indeed was the city of Samaria. Thus the Lord builds up Jerusalem, and gathers together the. outcasts of Israel (Psalm 147:2; Isaiah 56:6-8). II. THE JOY WHICH NOW PREVAILED IN THE CITY OF SAMARIA IS FULLY ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE CAUSE WHICH PRODUCED IT. Joy is never incited but on some great occasion, and the seasons of religious joy are distinguished by some interesting or extraordinary occurrence. Such was the joy and gladness at the preparation for building the temple of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 24:9), at Hezekiah's passover (2 Chronicles 30:25, 26), at the rebuilding and dedication of the city wall (Nehemiah 12:43), at the birth of Christ (Luke 2:10-14), at the appearance of the star to the eastern magi (Matthew 2:13), and at the ascension of our blessed Saviour (Luke 24:52). All these were great events, and furnished an abundant source of joy and rejoicing. We may therefore expect something great and interesting in the present instance, to fill a whole city with joy — and what was it? 1. Is it not ground for joy that the Lord is come into the world to save sinners? 2. Is it not ground for joy that Christ has laid down His life for us, and redeemed us unto God by His blood? 3. Is it not a matter of great joy that Christ is risen from the dead? This proves that He was the true Messiah, that His sacrifice is accepted, and that justice is fully satisfied. 4. Is it not matter of joy, too, that Christ has ascended into. glory, and that He ever liveth to make intercession for us? 5. That through faith in His name there is forgiveness of sin, and acceptance with God? 6. Is it not a source of joy that this gospel is now sent to all nations? 7. Was it not a special matter of joy to the Samaritans, that they themselves had believed the gospel?Reflections: 1. If, then, the gospel bring tidings of great joy, why is it reproached as tending to gloom and melancholy? Can anything be more unreasonable and unjust? 2. Why do individuals despond while there is such an exhibition of mercy? Because they do not hearken to the gospel, nor receive the record which God hath given of His Son. 3. Why do not Christians possess more joy and peace in believing? Because we have not more religion, do not live more under the influence of the gospel. Lord, increase our faith. (J. Benson.) 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. |
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