Gateway Church

Introduction:

Acts 8:1-25 ESV8 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

Two responses to conviction: humility or hatred.

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 (homothymadon) 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.

Evangelism: a group of ‘ordinary’ disciples living intentionally in a city to bring joy through word and deed.

9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

Simon used his influence to build up his kingdom.

Philip is using his influence to build up Jesus’ kingdom.

14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

Luke 9:51-55 ESV51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But he turned and rebuked them.

The unity of the church is a witness to the world.

18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.” 25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Heart check: Is Jesus an additive or Lord?

Viral: How the Gospel Spread Then and Now.GateWay Church of Visalia, Pastor Lance Ainsworth, Acts 8:1-25October 9th and 12th, 2025Heart Check
Prayer Requests:


Group Discussion: Pumpkin or apple pie?
Read Aloud: Acts 8:1-25

1. v.3 “But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.” Have you ever been angry because you were being convicted? How do we justify not following through with repentance when convicted? Have you seen others respond to your life with anger because of conviction?

2. v.7-8 “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.” If you took all of the Christians out of our city, would people notice? How can we continue to bring joy through words and deeds? What do we learn about evangelism from Phillip?

3. Read Luke 9:51-55, what happened in John’s heart between this passage and Acts 8? Can you relate?

4. v.21-23 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.” Why does the intent of the heart matter when believing in Jesus? What’s the difference between Jesus being an additive to our life or being Lord?