“Saul, Phillip, and Simon”

Acts 8:1-25
The martyrdom of Stephen created a crisis in the Church and city. Jerusalem ceased to be the center of interest and activity of the Church’s Mission.

I: “And Saul:”
1. Saul consenting to Stephens death.
2. The clothes of those who killed Stephen laid at his feet.
3. Who is this man Saul?
a. Years later he said he was the Chief of Sinners.
b. “Circumcised on the 8th day of the Tribe of Benjamin, of the stock of Israel, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, as touching the Law of a Pharisee, as touching zeal, persecuting the Church.”
3. He was the 1 chosen to stamp out the blaze of Evangelism.

II: “They that were Scattered.”
1. “Went everywhere preaching the Word.”
2. Those that were scattered were plain Church Members.
3. They continued to witness in every place.
4. This was God’s original plan for the Church.
5. The thing that wouldn’t do under favorable circumstances they now did under pressure.

III: Phillip the Deacon.
1. 1 of the 7.
2. He saw the whole Gospel for the whole World, (Even Samaria).
3. This kind of Spirit and preaching brought Revivals.
4. A city of Samaria was filled with joy.
5. When their little world crumbled, they saw the needs of those next door!

IV: Simon the Sorcerer.
1. Had held the City in his power.
2. Accepted Christ in his mind and was baptized.
3. Tried to buy the gift of bestowing the Holy Spirit.
4. Rebuked severely by Peter.

Peter and John returned to Jerusalem preaching in the Samaritan Villages.
Where is our Samaria?
Who is our Samaritan?