Acts 8:5-25

The conversion of the Samaritans Acts 8:5-25: Philip went to Samaria and preached Christ and the gospel of His kingdom. (Acts 8:12) Signs and wonders confirmed the message Philip preached. As the gospel was preached many obeyed the gospel and the Lord's church grew rapidly. Jesus had sown in Samaria and now Philip reaps a harvest there. (John 4:1-54)

The preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ centered in the message of His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and His eventual return to receive the obedient! Salvation from sin comes through obedience to the word of God. The result of preaching Jesus is always (1) Faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ (Acts 8:36), (2) repentance from sin (Acts 3:19), and (3) baptism for the remission of sins. (Acts 8:38-39) People that obey the gospel become the most joyful people on earth.

Philip preached things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ. Those that believed were baptized both men and women. A man named Simon believed and he was baptized. "He continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done." Upon hearing of the conversion of the Samaritans the apostles sent Peter and John to impart to them spiritual gifts. Simon tried to buy this power with money. His heart was not right with God!

Was Simon converted? The Bible says, "Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done." (Acts 8:13) He did exactly what the other Samaritans did. Simon is an example of how fallen Christians can be restored. He was told to “repent” and “pray.” (Acts 8:22) Christians that sin will be lost unless they repent and pray to God for forgiveness.