Acts Chapters 8 & 9

She said:

I just finished studying chapters 8 & 9 in the book of Acts. There are a few different stories that stood out to me.

1. First is in chapter 8. In verses 9-25 it tells a story of a man named Simon who used sorcery to bewitch the people of Samaria into believing he was some great one. But, a disciple of the Lord, Phillip, came to Samaria and preached of Christ and caused that the peoples hearts were changed and they were baptized. Simon was also baptized. Then came Peter and John, apostles of the Lord, to give the gift of the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands.

18And when Simon saw that through ^alaying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19Saying, Give me also this ^apower, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the ^agift of God may be ^bpurchased with money.

21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not ^aright in the sight of God.

22Repent therefore of this thy ^awickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the ^bthought of thine ^cheart may be forgiven thee.

23For I perceive that thou art in the ^agall of bitterness, and in the ^bbond of iniquity.

24Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

This story stood out to me because so much of what we have in the world today can be bought with money, yet money cannot buy spiritual gifts or powers. One may buy land, apparel, jewels, food and other tangible items used for living. Money may sadly also be used to buy peoples integrity and character as people forfeit their values for bribes of money. However, the gospel of Jesus Christ cannot be bought with money. One cannot inherit the Kingdom of God for a price of money. It has to be a conversion of the heart.

2. The second story that stood out to me was also in chapter 8 verses 29 & 30.

29Then the ^aSpirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

30And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

What I like about this story is Philips ability to first, hear the promptings of the spirit (which requires righteous living) and second, to follow through with the prompting (to put it into action).

3. The third story comes from chapter 9. For a brief background, there is a man named Saul, who has been out and about persecuting the saints and breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord. While on the road to Damascus he hears the voice of the Lord and is struck blind.

10¶And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named ^aAnanias; and to him said the Lord in a ^bvision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

12And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

13Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much ^aevil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

14And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a ^achosen vessel unto me, to ^bbear my ^cname before the ^dGentiles, and ^ekings, and the children of Israel:

16For I will shew him how great things he must ^asuffer for my name’s sake

What I like about this story is Ananias's ability to show obedience and faith in a time of fear. He is told by the Lord that he should go unto Saul and give him back his sight. Yet, Ananias knows that Saul has done evil to the saints at Jerusalem and that he also has the authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon the name of the Lord. So, naturally he has fear for his life because of this man. However, he has faith in the Lord and trusts his word and is obedient to his call.

17And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his ^ahands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that ^bappeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath ^csent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the ^dHoly Ghost.

18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received ^asight forthwith, and arose, and was ^bbaptized.