Lesson 3 - Part III
THE FIRE BURNS IN SAMARIA
15. Philip carries the gospel of Christ to the despised Samaritans (see John 4:9). The Jews held them not only to be heretics but because of foreign elements in their ancestry, they regarded them as half-breeds (see 2 Kings 17:24-41 ). But the gospel was for all and Philip shared it! The response was overwhelming! They gladly received the word of Christ and took his name on them by being baptized into that name (8:6,7,16). The Master himself had led the way in this outreach toward the outcasts who were in error (see John 4:1-42).
16. Two apostles are sent from Jerusalem to see what has happened at Samaria and to give the work apostolic approval (8:14). This they did and prayed that the Spirit might add his public blessing which is exactly what happened (8:15-17). The apostles preached to other Samaritan towns before they returned to Jerusalem (8:25). The Lord had invaded Samaria. Other fields were to follow!
WHAT WE'VE LEARNED IN LESSON THREE
1. The Gospel was never meant to be the privilege of a few or even of one race of people.
2. The miracles of the early Church were Christ's miracles. They were the visible proof that Jesus was very much alive, well and reigning!
3. The Spirit behind the new Community led them not only to speak but to live unselfishly. The spirit behind Ananias and Saphira was the spirit of corruption, Satan himself!
4. Persecution does not destroy the people who have God as their God