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| 1 Saul and was concerning to the death of him. Was and in that the day a persecution great against the congregation that in Jerusalem; all and were scattered in the regions of the Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. |
And Saul – An energetic man, on whichever side of a question he stood. God seems to be specially on the lookout for just such earnest characters. R2110:1
One of the chief persecutors of the Church. R4329:5, 1433:1
Probably had attended the same synagogue as Stephen. R5858:1
Was consenting – Was doing an evil work, but did not realize this. R5357:1
A great persecution – Served to test and sift those who had named the name of Christ and became the Lord's means of spreading the truth in every direction. R2959:3
Corresponding to a persecution which may shortly be expected in this harvest season. R2959:6
Jerusalem – The principal city of Palestine and the resort of pious Jews from all quarters of the world. R2959:3
The death of Stephen marked the beginning of an epoch of persecution, especially in Jerusalem where for some years the Gospel found considerable root. R4329:5
Scattered abroad – Except the apostles. D480
"When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another." (Matt. 10:23) R2960:3
Each believer is exhorted to be a burning and shinning light before the world in general. Hence the Lord broke up the commune, and scattered the believers, to preach the Gospel to every creature. R1862:5
There is a disposition to be together and have the comfort and support of fellow travelers in the narrow way. But this does not seem to be God's plan; we are scattered, so that we may let our light shine. R367:3; D480
A commune of believers is opposed to the purpose of the Gospel age. The Lord broke it up, and scattered the believers everywhere. D480; R1862:5,6
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| 2 Buried and the Stephen men pious, and they made lamentation great for him. |
And devout men – Who were not afraid or ashamed to be counted among the friends and brethren of the faithful martyr. R1432:6
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| 3 Saul but was outraging the congregation, into the houses entering, dragging and men and women, was delivering up into prison; |
Havock of the church – The same conditions exist today. R5172:6
Into every house – Armed with the necessary legal authority. R4329:5
Committed them to prison – Those who had charge of the synagogues were not always bad people, but they were mistaken, as was Saul. R5172:6
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| 4 they indeed therefore having been scattered wandered about, preaching glad tidings the word. |
Scattered abroad – Because they openly declared the truth. R942:5
Jerusalem having had its full period of favor, the church having been rooted and established, the divine plan let on to a wider work. R2109:6
The persecution caused all except the apostles to leave Jerusalem. It actually helped to spread the truth. R1433:1
So that everywhere the truth was preached. R4337:4
Communism is not the Lord's arrangement. D480; R1862:5,6
Went every where – The work done in Judea following our Lord's crucifixion was a harvesting work to that nation. That harvest extended beyond Palestine, but even then it always applied "to the Jew first," until A.D. 70. R4337:1
Preaching the Word – Teach publicly. R984:4
They all preached. R942:5, 984:4, 670:2
Greek, euaggelizo (evangelize), to tell good news or tidings. R670:3
Not preaching ourselves, nor human theories and traditions. R4336:6
No mention is made of fairs, festivals, suppers or shows, to raise money for salaries or for church erection. R4336:3
Greek, logos; intention, plan, purpose or expression. R421:2, 338:1
Instead of money, titles and respect, they got stripes, imprisonments and revilings--driven from their homes. R670:5
There was no division into clergy and laity. All the early church were preachers, and if persecuted they went everywhere, preaching the word. R2110:1, 984:4
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| 5 Philip and going down into a city of the Samaria, proclaimed to them the Anointed. |
Then Philip – Deacon Philip was not the Apostle Philip. R4329:6, 2960:2, 2110:2, 1433:2
The evangelist. E207; R1957:2
The city of Samaria – Samaria was the capital of a district called Samaria, whose people were of mixed blood, Jewish and Gentile. R2960:3
This incident occurred at least 3 years after our Lord's death, after the close of the seventieth symbolical week, and the full end of Israel's special favor. R2960:4, 4330:2, 2964:6
This preaching at Samaria was probably three years after the conversion of Cornelius. R4330:2
The dispensational change had occurred. The middle wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles had been broken down. (Eph. 2:14) R4330:2
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| 6 Assented and the crowds to the things being spoken by the Philip with one mind, in the to hear them and to see the signs which he did. |
Gave heed – The work of grace flourished amongst the Samaritans very promptly after the door of opportunity swung open to them. R4132:3
Miracles which he did – Attested that Philip was a servant of God, and drew attention to the message he delivered. R4329:3
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| 7 Many for of those possessing spirits unclean, crying with a voice loud came out; many and having been praised and lame were cured. |
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| 8 And was joy great in the city that. |
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| 9 A man but certain, by name Simon, formerly in the city, practising magic, and amazing the nation of the Samaria, saying to be somebody himself great; |
Called Simon – Had long been a spirit medium. R4329:6, 266:1
Used sorcery – Simon Magus practiced some of Satan's wily arts, known at that time as "Black Art." R2960:5
Today the great deceiver variously presents himself as a Higher Critic, Evolutionist or Christian Scientist. R2960:5
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| 10 to whom they assented all from least to greatest, saying: This is the power of the God which is being called great. |
Great power – Thus did Satan use his power to delude the people. R266:1, 2961:1
To whom they all gave heed – God warns people not to believe any one whose teachings are contrary to the Word, no matter what powers they may exercise. (Isa. 8:19) R266:1
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| 11 They attended and to him, because that for a long time with the magic arts to have amazed them. |
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| 12 When but they believed the Philip announcing glad tidings the things concerning the kingdom of the God and the name of Jesus Anointed, they were dipped men both and women. |
Concerning the kingdom – He explained that the kingdom would be spiritual; he preached the second coming of Messiah, and consecration. R2110:4
Baptized – Greek, dipping; immersion. R444:3, 1541:2
For a time after Pentecost, the apostles preached repentance of sins and used immersion as a token or sign of putting away of sin. R444:3
Both men and women – But not children. F448; NS54:3
Baptism was the custom of all the apostles--not merely with the Jews, but also with the Gentiles. F448; NS54:3
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| 13 The and Simon and himself believed, and having been dipped he was constantly attending to the Philip; beholding and miracles and signs great being done, he was amazed. |
Then Simon himself – There are many of the Simon Magus class in the nominal churches, and even amongst those who have received present truth, who have never discerned the real spirit of the Gospel; but who look at it from a mercenary point of view. R2961:4, 1433:5
Believed also – Cast in his lot with the believers. R2961:4
Was baptized – The admission into the Church, on profession of faith in Christ and by baptism, of one who was not a true convert to Christianity and who was not really consecrated. R1433:2
The expression "Believe and be baptized," implies a mental development beyond that which infants possess. CR75:3
The real baptism is that which cannot be seen, except in ones conduct. R1544:2
Water immersion, though a public profession of Christ by the one immersed, was not necessarily an endorsement of such by the apostles and the church. R1544:2
He continued – Even in those days there was a nominal church which comprised both the wheat and the tare element. R1433:2
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| 14 Having heard and the in Jerusalem apostles, that had received the Samaria the word of the God, they sent to them the Peter and John; |
The word of God – The Scriptures do claim to be the Word of God. R1584:3
Sent Peter and John – So our colporteuring evangelists, after stirring up the pure minds, introduce the "Studies in the Scriptures." F257
Before Pentecost, John was one who had desired to bring down fire out of heaven to destroy these very people and their city. (Luke 9:54) How much change the Gospe R2961:1
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| 15 who having gone down offered prayer concerning them, so that they might receive spirit holy. |
The Holy Spirit – The "gifts" were conferred by the laying on of the hands of the apostles. E207
Many who possessed those miraculous "gifts" lacked the seal and witness of the Spirit. (1 Cor. 13:1-3) E247
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| 16 (Not yet for it was on any one of them having fallen, only but having been dipped they were into the name of the Lord Jesus.) |
Name of the Lord – Into the name of the Lord Jesus, immersion into Christ's death. R1544:4
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| 17 Then they placed the hands on them, and they received spirit holy. |
Their hands on them – The hands of the apostles. F284
Not to give them authority to preach, but to impart the gifts of the Spirit. F284; R1957:4
The object of those gifts was the establishment of the early church. R2764:5, 4330:1
Only an apostle could convey the gifts of the holy Spirit. R3152:5, 2764:4, 1433:3, 376:2
Those who received the gifts from their hands could not re-communicate those gifts to others. R376:2, 2764:4, 1433:3
Received the Holy Spirit – With an outward manifestation of their acceptance with God in the receiving of the gifts then conferred upon members of the Church. R1433:3
The begetting of the holy Spirit in the early church was indicated by certain miraculous gifts. R4872:2
The gifts of the Spirit might be imparted instantaneously; but the fruits of the Spirit could only be had by growth. R2961:2
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| 18 Having seen and the Simon, that through the placing of the hands of the apostles was given the spirit the holy, he offered to them money, |
The apostle's hands – When those who received the gifts died, the gifts themselves ceased. R4872:3, 2961:1; E207
Philip, although possessed of the holy Spirit, did not possess the power to communicate such gifts to others. R2110:2, 1998:3, 1957:2; E207
Offered them money – It was the apostolic privilege of bestowing these gifts upon others, which Simon wanted to purchase with money. R1998:3
Implied that he was not begotten of the holy Spirit. R4330:4
A spiritual gift is not to be used to procure temporal comforts. R2567:2
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| 19 saying: Give you also to me the authority this, that to whom ever I may place the hands, they may receive spirit holy. |
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| 20 Peter but said to him: The silver of thee with thee may be into destruction, because the gift of the God thou hast thought with money to buy. |
Thy money perish – It took the Apostle's sharp word to awaken him to a realization that he was now dealing with God and holy things. R4330:4
The gift – The possession of these gifts did not always indicate saintship. R1433:5; E247
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| 21 Not is to thee a part nor lot in the word this; the for heart of thee not is right before the God. |
Neither part nor lot – Up to this time Simon has passed for a thoroughly converted man. Now Peter tells him with great plainness that he is still unregenerate--merely a spectator and not a participator in the spiritual things. R2110:5
It required the exercise of special powers conferred upon the apostles to keep the community from being imposed on by such selfish characters. R1421:5
Heart is not right – Peter's rebuke to Simon was a severe one, indicating death as the reward for hypocrisy, if persisted in. R1433:5
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| 22 Do thou reform therefore from the wickedness of thee this, and entreat of the God, if indeed may be forgiven to thee the thought of the heart of thee. |
Repent therefore – Peter was not uncharitable; he kindly urged the sinner to repentance. He at least saved the church of Samaria from the imposition of one whom otherwise they would have esteemed as a brother. R1433:6
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| 23 In for a gall of bitterness and a bond of wickedness I see thee being. |
In the gall of bitterness – We must distinguish as between the flesh and the spirit, however outwardly respectable they may be. NS403:5
Many professed Christians are indulging in false hopes, in thinking they are the Lord's people. NS410:4
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| 24 Answering and the Simon said: Entreat you in behalf of me to the Lord, that nothing may come on me of which you have spoken. |
Pray ye...for me – Indicates some measure of repentance, due only to Peter's plain rebuke. R1433:6
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| 25 They indeed therefore having earnestly testified and having spoken the word of the Lord, turned back for Jerusalem, many and villages of the Samaritans announced glad tidings. |
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| 26 A messenger and of a Lord spoke to Philip, saying: Do thou arise, and go towards south, in the way that leading down from Jerusalem to Gaza; this is desert. |
Spake unto Philip – Possibly by a vision or a dream. R1438:2
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| 27 And having arisen he went; and lo, a man of Ethiopia a eunuch, a grandee of Candace of the queen of Ethiopians, who was over all the treasure of her; who had come worshipping to Jerusalem, |
He arose and went – This occurrence must have taken place after the full end of the seventy weeks of favor upon fleshly Israel. R2964:6
A man of Ethiopia – Was unquestionably a black man. (Jer. 13:23) R3043:1; HG508:3
The Bible shows that God has manifested His favor toward the negro. HG508:3
A Jewish proselyte. R3616:4
Through him possibly introducing the good tidings into Africa. R2964:3
He belonged to the Kingdom of Meroe, on the Nile river. R2964:6
An eunuch – Not a Jew in the fullest sense, eunuchs not being fully accepted as proselytes, nor granted the privileges of the congregation. (Deut. 23:1) R2964:6
Of great authority – In high station under Candace. R4332:3
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| 28 was and returning and sitting in the chariot of himself, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. |
Read Esaias – Aloud, after the custom of the time. R4332:6
Which he had probably purchased at Jerusalem at considerable cost. R4332:6, 2965:1
His manuscript was written in the Greek language, indicated by the word Esaias, which is the Greek form Isaiah. R2965:1
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| 29 Said and the spirit to the Philip: Go thou near, and be joined to the chariot this. |
The Spirit said – The Lord, by his Spirit, influence, power, directed and instructed Philip to approach the chariot. E273; R372:5
In what way the Lord's Spirit prompted him we are not informed. R4333:2, 372:5
Go near – The chariot probably overtook and passed Philip in the road, the eunuch driving leisurely, in order that he might read. R2965:2
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| 30 Running to and the Philip heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said: Truly understandest thou, what thou readest? |
Heard him read – It was one of the Jewish rules that the faithful, in traveling, should read if they had no companionship. R2965:3
Understandeth thou – This was a test question, so to speak. R2965:4
So much depends upon a word in season, and the right word. R4333:2
Many of the Lord's people use too much tact in their presentation of the Gospel. R2965:4
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| 31 He but said: How for should I be able, if not some one should guide me? He called and the Philip, having gone up to sit with him. |
How can I – The same spirit of meekness that led the eunuch to desire a knowledge of God's Word, prompted him also to confess his ignorance of the meaning when asked. R1438:3, 4333:2
Not afraid nor ashamed to receive whatever assistance the Lord may provide. R2965:5, 1438:3
A heart in the right condition towards God and the truth. R4333:3
This Ethiopian evidently had a cleaner heart than the majority of the chief men in Israel. R3616:4
Many of our day are hindered from receiving the truth because lacking meekness, humbleness, teachableness. R4333:3
Our instruction is, "Preach the Gospel to the meek." (Isa. 61:1) R2965:6
He desired Philip – God sends his specially qualified representative to expound the Word. R1438:5
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| 32 The and portion of the writing, which he was reading, was this: As a sheep to slaughter was led, and as a lamb before the one shearing him is dumb, so not he opens the mouth of himself. |
To the slaughter – Divine providence was manifested in the choice of Scripture reading so that Philip might begin at the very foundation principle--how that Christ died for our sins. R1438:5
Justice could not demand sacrifice, but he laid it down in accordance with the Father's will. R4591:2
Opened he not his mouth – So Jesus did not resist. R5054:1
No man took from him his life; he laid it down himself, voluntarily. R4591:2
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| 33 In the low estate of him the judgment of himself was taken away; the and generation of him who shall declare? because is taken away from the earth the life of him. |
His generation – Though in the dawn and vigor of his manhood he was cut off from life without any posterity to perpetuate his name, yet he is to have a numerous posterity. R1438:5
The Lord's posterity will be Adam's children on the earthly plane. R4333:4
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| 34 Answering but the eunuch to the Philip, said: I beseech thee, concerning whom the prophet says this? concerning himself, or concerning another one? |
And the eunuch answered – Without inquiring whether he was an ordained preacher, or what sect he belonged to. R2965:5
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| 35 Having opened and the Philip the mouth of himself, and having begun from the writing this, announced glad tidings to him the Jesus. |
The same scripture – Showing God's usual method: he uses his inspired Word as the text, and sends specially qualified representatives to expound it. R1438:5
Preached unto him Jesus – Showing how his sacrifice was the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. R1438:5
He was ready to preach the Gospel to him and to accept him as a brother in Christ upon his confession of faith. 3043:1, 2966:2; HG508:4
Philip preached the Gospel in its simplicity, and the eunuch received it in like manner. R2966:4
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| 36 As and they were going in the way, they came to a certain water, and said the eunuch: Lo, water; what hinders me to be dipped? |
What doth hinder me – It did not take the eunuch long to decide what his course should be. His readiness of heart is indicated by his promptness to be baptized. R2966:2, 4333:6
Baptized – Which our Lord and his apostles practiced and enjoined upon all followers. R1539:3
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| 37 And he ordered to stand the chariot; and they went down both into the water the, both Philip and the eunuch; and he dipped him. |
And Philip – The verse does not occur in any of the three oldest and most reliable Greek manuscripts. R1438:6, 4333:6
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| 38 When and they came up out of the water, spirit of Lord seized the Philip; and now saw him no longer the eunuch; he went for the way of himself rejoicing. |
Both into the water – Philip did not say to the eunuch, "I will go yonder and fetch a little water in the palm of my hand and sprinkle it on your forehead." R2111:4
Baptized – Greek, dipping; immersion. R444:3, 4333:6, 1541:2,3
The Eunuch caught the force of baptism to such an extent that he embraced the first opportunity to be planted in the likeness of Christ's death. R760:2
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| 39 Philip but found into Azotus; and passing through he announced glad tidings the cities all, till of the to come him into Caesarea. |
The Spirit – Power. E273
Caught away Philip – A miraculous transportation which Philip himself did not understand. R1438:6, 4334:1, 2111:4
Gave assurance of the Lord's supervision to Philip; and gave additional faith to the eunuch, that God was with Philip. R4334:1
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