They killed one of the faithful ones, Stephen. The persecution of Jesus’ followers, the early church, was just beginning. It sounds like a horrible time to be a believer. Yet we can marvel with gratitude that those faithful ones stood strong, trusted God, and followed Jesus’ command to make disciples. Despite being scattered, these believers “preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.” Are we that bold? When was the last time you told someone about Jesus and the promise of salvation?
We meet one of the faithful ones, Philip, in this reading. Since I wondered if this Philip was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, I did some digging. Biblical scholars seem to agree that this Philip was not the disciple, but one of the seven chosen, like Stephen, to be faithful witnesses running the food program (Acts 6). Because of the persecution, Philip moved on to Samaria.
God provided Philip a great opportunity to share his faith. How wonderful that Philip was able to preach and be heard. The people of Samaria seemed hungry for the truth of the message about the Messiah. Along with that, Philip was given the Holy Spirit’s power to heal and do miraculous signs. The result was “great joy in that city.”
Isn’t the hope of our own ministry? We want the people to be fed by the Word of God and to feel joy in the Lord. We may find ourselves faithful, but how does the world see us? We may seek worldly approval, but in reality God is who we should seek to please. Check out Galatians 1:10. “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” These faithful ones were servants of Christ, empowered by the power of the Holy Spirit to point people to God.
Because of the groundwork Philip had laid in Samaria, the disciples Peter and John came to lend their support. They prayed for the Holy Spirit to descend on these new believers. What a gift to help them be protected by the power of God. One new believer, Simon, had a false understanding of this power.
Simon was known to be a sorcerer, doing many great things. The Bible warns against sorcery as being ungodly, involving demonic forces, not divine. Yet Simon had captured the attention of the people for years because of the astounding things he was able to do. That was before these people had been transformed into Christ followers. Simon was losing his authority among these people. Is that why he believed, was baptized, and began following Philip? Did Simon have selfish motivation, or had the power of Christ overcome this sinner?
Simon’s intentions become clear when he tries to pay for the gift of the Spirit or at least the ability to gift it to others. Peter rebukes Simon to set him straight. That was certainly the wake-up call that Simon needed. He asked for prayer, but we’re not told if or how Simon ever made things right with God.
Simon’s story continues to play out in people’s lives today. Many are deceived into believing that what they are doing is right. Success isn’t always God-honoring. Others are misled into believing lies or half-truths about what being a faithful one means or entails. While the Good News is meant for “all” people, not all people will choose to listen and become faithful ones. As Simon’s story reveals, some will even say they believe, but their hearts are still shackled in sinfulness.
What is our response as faithful ones? We can take our lead from Philip, Peter, and John. They preached, and they testified to the power of Jesus Christ. It was their life mission to not be silent. If you find yourself struggling, not knowing if you are right with God, then pray. Repent and seek God with all your heart. That is what we do as faithful ones, too, because we know we are mere sinners in need of a Savior.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, you know the cries of my heart. You know how my heart breaks with yours when I see people far from you, rejecting you by choosing the world over your word. Continue to strengthen me to serve you each day. I want to please you and only you. Guide my steps and show me the way. Thank you for all the blessings I see blooming around me. May I never feel lost again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
