TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Please read Acts 8
4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.
Acts 8:4–8
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
Philip, the deacon, later known as Philip the Evangelist, preached and reportedly performed miracles in Samaria. He allowed the Holy Spirit to lead him to where he was needed.
Samaria was under the devil’s control, using Simon, the sorcerer, to deceive the Samaritans. After witnessing the signs and wonders, Simon was astonished at the miracles performed by Philip. It was far superior to his. Simon became a believer and was baptized. Then, the apostles sent Peter and John to Samaria to complete the work of the gospel.
However, as Simon offered money to impart the Holy Spirit to whoever he laid his hands on, he was rebuked by Peter. Simon took this rebuke positively and asked for prayers instead. By God’s grace, the devil’s stronghold in Samaria was broken. This was a clear indication of God’s will to open the gospel not only to the Jews but to the Gentiles as well.
However, why didn’t God allow Philip, who had great success in Samaria, to simply stay there? God brought him to the south to preach to one man, an Ethiopian eunuch, who was having difficulty understanding the book of Isaiah. Because Philip obeyed, one soul was added to God’s kingdom. It is said that the eunuch became the first African Christian. Amazingly, God’s work in him marked the start of the Ethiopian church. God indeed works in ways we cannot see.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Philip, who allowed the Holy Spirit to guide his steps and preach the gospel in Samaria and to the Ethiopian eunuch. Help us to be obedient and open to Your leading, even when it may not make sense to us. We pray for open hearts and minds to receive Your Word and for the breaking of strongholds in every place so that many souls may come to know You and be added to Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
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