Session 5: The Water

Session Overview

Creedal Statement

Coming soon.

Key Elements

• Key Passage - Acts 8:1–40
• Scripture Memory - For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:27–28
• Catechism - Q: What do the waters of baptism symbolize? A: Community.

Introduction

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

When we are going to enter the water, but a little before, in the presence of the congregation and under the hand of the president, we solemnly profess that we disown the devil, and his pomp, and his angels. Hereupon we are thrice immersed, making a somewhat ampler pledge than the Lord has appointed in the Gospel.

Devotion to Christ is a community venture. In God’s design, he has intended our devotion to Christ to be lived out, matured, and expressed in the context of the corporate life of the church. An isolated Christian is most vulnerable to the suffering of the world and the attacks of the enemy. A disconnected and singular believer faces challenges to their faith with great risk and temptation. However, connected to a body of supportive believers, Christians rally strength, fortitude, and valor. When Christians are united together as a community of disciples, even the forces of persecution that seek to disperse, fragment, and isolate Christians add fuel to the fire of Christian devotion. Inasmuch as baptism is a rite of passage that unites Christians together into one faith community (even if they are separated by geography and time), this vital Christian act of public initiation and profession of faith helps to strengthen and fortify Christian worship and devotion. Just as we cannot separate Christian devotion from belief in the gospel, so we cannot separate Christian worship from the practice of community life expressed and established through the rite of baptism.

The spiritual and communal importance of baptism is highlighted in Acts 8:1–40. This scriptural record details the ministry of the early church in its infancy. Specifically, the account of Philip’s ministry in Samaria and with the Ethiopian eunuch is a rich narrative of Christian devotion, highlighting the nature of discipleship, the character of conversion, and the importance of baptism in the life of faith. In this story, we witness Christians faithfully enduring persecution and using their scattering as a missional opportunity. Philip’s ministry of gospel proclamation and miraculous power brought about many converts in the Samaritan area. Believers in the gospel—including the famed magician, Simon—pledged their faith in the gospel and were baptized. When Simon encountered the impressive coming of the Holy Spirit, he lusted for the power to distribute the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. But God could not be controlled or cajoled by magical displays. Simon was firmly rebuked, sternly warned, and enjoined to repent of his inordinate desires. After this, God directed Philip to minister on a desert road. In this unexpected setting, we witness a eunuch’s conversion and baptism and discover that the invitation to worship and devotion is available to all who would place their faith in Christ.

Devotion to Christ requires yielding to God in subservience. Submission to Christ and entrance into the community of believers provide a healthy environment of gospel belief, multicultural diversity, and loving accountability to grow in one’s faith. This story not only forms a milestone in the storyline of the early church, but it also serves to edify the church in all generations about the nature of Christian baptism and devotion. Devotion is meant to be experienced, expressed, and encouraged in the context of the church community. Like the Samaritan converts and the eunuch, we have much to joyfully celebrate. Like Simon, our faith will be challenged and threatened, sometimes by our own inordinate desires. Like Philip and the persecuted Christians, opposition to the faith is an opportunity to prove our devotion and participate in the missional advance of the gospel. Like the early church in its infant years, our baptism unites us to Christians in all times and places into one community of faith. If we attend to this narrative with an earnest spirit and a willing mind, we can come to learn from the deep and sacrificial devotion that the early Christians put on exemplary display. As we interact with this fascinating narrative, may our hearts and minds be attentive to understand the essence of devotion and commitment to Christ.

Biblical Interpretation: Hearing the Word

Study the Text: The Bible is God’s inspired word to his people. Christian disciples mature in the faith when they are grounded in God’s word. In this movement, you will study the basic details of the biblical text.

Observation Questions

Read (or listen to) the whole passage of Scripture. Discuss the questions below for each section of the story. Pay attention to the details of the text to recall what the passage is saying. Use the focus verses to guide your conversation.

Storycraft

Retell the story in your own words, recounting the overall flow of the narrative, the main segments of the story, and the major developments that take place.

Narrative Elements

Story Retell

Theological Dialogue: Discussing the Plot

Explore the Text: God’s word is his trustworthy and sufficient revelation to his people. We grow as Christ’s disciples by rooting our lives in God’s unchanging truth. In this movement, you will explore vital teachings of this biblical passage.

Discussion Questions

Summarize the biblical story. As a community, discuss the following questions. Be attentive to the truths taught in this text. Use the commentary on the next pages to uncover core principles this passage teaches about the Christian faith.

Biblical Commentary

Use this commentary to help you understand the meaning of the text. Refer to the infographic on the next page to think through how narratives work.

Passage Introduction

Key Idea

Christian baptism is a display of devotion to Christ that symbolizes belief in the gospel, the life of discipleship, God’s transforming power, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and inclusion in the covenant community.

Passage Overview

The narrative of Philip’s ministry gives important insight into the nature of Christian devotion. Devoted Christians endure persecution, establish their life by faith in Christ, testify to God’s transforming power, invite loving accountability into their lives, participate in the community life of the church, and celebrate the diversity of Christians with a core conviction in the gospel. While the early Christians (and apostolic leaders) spread the gospel, they initiated new believers into the community of faith with the rite of baptism. Christian baptism incorporates believers into the life of the Christian community, where we find supportive and accountable relationships. While churches vary in their maturity, our commitment to the church is itself an important contribution to the church community, as we realize what it means to be a body of believers participating in a common life and shared purpose. As you explore this passage and its teaching about Christian devotion and baptism, use the following commentary to help illuminate the Bible’s teaching principles on this important topic.

Passage Outline

1. Acts 8:1–3
2. Acts 8:4–8
3. Acts 8:9–13
4. Acts 8:14–25
5. Acts 8:26–40

Building a Community of Common Faith

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.

He must be baptized. Baptism was the appointed rite of admission into the Christian Church. It was enjoined by the Lord Jesus Christ himself to all his followers without exception; nor could any one be acknowledged as a Disciple of his, till he had submitted to this ordinance. Baptism however, of itself, could avail nothing to the salvation of his soul. It was the blood of Jesus Christ alone that would cleanse him from his sins: in that fountain, therefore, he must “wash,” in order to be purged from his guilt: and this process was the work of faith only.

Introduction

God calls us to the life of devotion within the community life of the church. The Old Testament narratives which foreshadowed Christian baptism—Noah and the flood (Genesis 6:1–9:17), the crossing and the Red Sea (Exodus 13:17–15:21), and the healing of Naaman (2 Kings 5:1–27)—along with the baptism of Christ (Matthew 3:1–17) form a backdrop for the Christian practice of baptism in the life of the church. Baptism symbolizes God’s work of salvation, liberation, cleansing, and acceptance in the life of believers. As a Christian rite of passage in the life of the church, baptism initiates Christ followers into a unified body of believers. In the context of the community life of the church, Christian devotion is experienced, expressed, and matured.

In Acts 8:1–40, the short narrative of Philip’s ministry is a dynamic chronicle of the gospel’s progress in Samaritan territory, highlighting the central importance of baptism to the Christian faith. As the story unfolds, we learn about key components of a life of devotion and worship. This narrative is set against the backdrop of an intense episode of Christian persecution. This opposition to the Christian faith tested the devotion of the early Christian community, even using their dispersion to advance the gospel. Scattered Christians throughout Judea and Samaria preached the gospel. This was supported by Philip’s own missionary journey in Samaria, a ministry of gospel proclamation and miraculous signs. The fruit from this work brought joy and amazement as people encountered God’s power. Central to this conversation was the baptism of these new believers into a life of discipleship. A well-known magician in the area, Simon, also came to faith, but he was soon confronted when he tried to purchase the power to distribute the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. By divine guidance, Philip’s ministry took him to meet an Ethiopian eunuch traveling back to his homeland after worshiping in Jerusalem. After sharing the gospel, Philip baptized the eunuch, who had just entered into the community of faith.

This rich and intriguing story ushers us into the context of the early Christian community and its devotion to Christ. In fact, the narrative of Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch has similarities with Elisha’s encounter with Naaman (cf. 2 Kings 5:1–27). While this scriptural account locates Christian devotion and baptism in a missional setting, it also highlights what it means to be a disciple as a part of a larger covenant community of faith. The details of this story—Christian persecution, Philip’s ministry, widespread Samaritan conversion, Simon’s lust for power, and an Ethiopian eunuch’s inclusion into the church—all help to clarify the significance of baptism and its relationship to Christian devotion. As we seek to grow in our devotion to Christ and be faithful to our own baptism into the faith, let’s allow this narrative to provide insights toward these ends. Moreover, as we enter back into the infant years of the church, may we also recover a sense of wonder for God’s transforming power in the life of his people.

On That Day: Displaying Devotion through Great Persecution

Biblical Narrative (Acts 8:1–4)

In the days of the early church, Christians experienced violent persecution. After the execution-martyrdom of Stephen (cf. 6:8–8:1), “a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem” (8:1). This caused these early Christians (except for the apostles) to be “scattered throughout Judea and Samaria” (8:1). What would appear to be a great blow to these Christians—persecution that led to scattering—in reality would end up serving the mission of the church: “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went” (8:4). The regional dispersion of Christians throughout Judea and Samaria would help fulfill the programmatic mission statement of Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Like sowing and scattering seed on tilled soil, the dissemination (or diaspora) of believers throughout the area would plant Christian witnesses broadly across the region in a way that would accelerate the gospel’s spread.

In response to Stephen’s martyrdom, “God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him” (8:2). Not fearing for their own lives, these devout men were willing to associate themselves with a Christian who had just been martyred for his faith. Because “Saul began to destroy the church” (8:3), their own lives would be at risk by any continued affiliation with Christians or their leaders. In contrast to the devotion of Stephen and these devout men, Saul showed his antagonism toward the faith by “going from house to house” (8:3) to target Christians. Specifically, Saul “dragged off men and women and put them in prison” (8:3). The forceful, violent, and focused opposition against Christians marked the early church. In fact, persecution, marginalization, and dispersion have been marked characteristics of Christians throughout the history of the faith. Believers place their faith in Christ, join the assembly of believers, and commit to a Christian life with the expectation that persecution awaits them.

Biblical Principles

Targeted Persecution and Mission Progress. The opening of this narrative highlights the church’s persecution. In the previous section, Stephen was martyred for his faith (7:54–60). Saul approved Stephen’s death (8:1) and mobilized targeted persecution of Christians (8:3). The wider church was scattered when “a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem” (8:1). From its inception, the church has been known by her scars. Faithful followers of Christ have endured hardship, affliction, mistreatment, and violent attack from opponents of the faith. While Christians have endured persecution with mature resolve, they have also embraced persecution as a means to advance the gospel. Proven in the historical chronicles of Scripture (especially Acts) and the subsequent history of the church, the persecuted church has been a powerful agent in advancing God’s purposes in the world. Rather than persecution threatening the survival of Christianity, persecution has been used (in God’s redemptive genius) to accelerate the spread of the gospel. True commitment to Christ calls for a faith in Jesus that expects and endures opposition, suffering, and persecution. Christians embrace the life of faith, knowing that risk is involved and dangers await. The hardship of the Christian life, however, is tempered by the fact that Jesus himself endured great suffering at the cross and secured a future hope of eternal life for believers in his resurrection. God uses antagonism against Christians to advance the gospel throughout the world and mature his people in their faith.

Mission through Dispersion. In this biblical narrative, the sacrificial commitment of Stephen (cf. 7:54–8:1) and the continued preaching of the scattered believers (8:1, 4) were in direct contrast to the violent fervor of Saul in his persecution of Christians (8:3). The passion of both groups is evident even though each differs in its motivation and aims. The martyrdom of Stephen was an occasion for those who were devout followers of Christ to show the integrity of their commitment to Christianity. Dispersed believers treated their dispersion as a missionary journey. What may have brought about the demise of the Jerusalem church set up the regional expansion of the gospel. Fervent oppression of believers and churches stokes the flames of Christian devotion. When Christians are martyred for their faith, other believers are emboldened to represent Christ even to the point of death. Even when Christians are scattered for their faith, they continue to preach the gospel along the way. Persecution affords a chance for the Christian faith to be tested, galvanized, and disseminated.

Devotion, Commitment, and Association. Stephen demonstrated an unflinching courage in the face of death (8:1; cf. 7:54–60). When targeted attacks broke out against the church, the apostles remained in Jerusalem, not leaving the center of the persecution at this time (8:1). God-fearing men buried Stephen’s body and mourned his death (8:2). Whether these God-fearing men were Jews or Christians, they demonstrated respect and devotion by caring for the martyred Christ follower. In fact, their burial of Stephen would have caused them to be associated with the believing community, potentially putting their own lives at risk. The dispersed believers demonstrated great loyalty and commitment by preaching the gospel as they scattered (8:1, 4). Although these believers experienced violent attacks in Jerusalem, they did not cease to share their faith in other areas. In this brief opening, these examples of devotion highlight commitment to the Christian faith.

Commitment to Christ requires a faith that endures opposition. The context of martyrdom at the beginning of the biblical story helps explain an important aspect of Christian baptism. Baptism, which occurs later in this story, is a public sign of commitment to Christ. The Christian rite of water baptism marks disciples in a public way that makes them targets for persecution and opposition. Profession of faith in Christ takes on a more serious and concrete form as Christians go through the public rite of baptism. Joining the faith places a bounty on one’s head for those who seek to assault the Christian faith. Christians must enter into the rite of baptism aware of the cost of being Christ’s disciples. In a real sense, Christian baptism announces to the world our association, affinity, and allegiance to Christ and his people.

Word and Deed: Laying the Gospel Truth as Faith Foundations

Biblical Narrative (Acts 8:4–8)

The persecution of these early Christians caused the gospel to advance. God used hostile attacks to disperse Christians and therefore promote the dissemination of the gospel. During these infant years, the community of Christian disciples grew familiar with life and ministry in the context of a diaspora. Opposition did not handicap their commitment to Jesus, nor did it quash bold gospel proclamation. Instead, “those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went” (Acts 8:4). Not only did the early Christians continue to share the gospel as they were dispersed throughout the region, but the leaders of the early church continued to serve the progress of the gospel. One leader in the early church, Philip, traveled to Samaria where he “proclaimed the Christ to them” (8:5). Philip’s evangelistic efforts were fruitful: “The crowds gave their undivided attention to Philip’s message” (8:6). Miraculous signs accompanied his preaching of the gospel. The crowds paid attention to “the signs they saw him perform” (8:6). In word and deed, Philip powerfully ministered in Samaria. Along with preaching the gospel, he drove out unclean spirits and healed the lame and paralyzed (8:7). The dynamic impact of Philip’s ministry in Samaria was unquestioned. When he performed exorcisms, the unclean spirits came out with “loud shrieks” (8:7). In response to his ministry of word and deed, “there was great joy in that city” (8:8) of Samaria.

Biblical Principles

Ministry of Word and Deed. The foundation of all devotion to Christ is the gospel message. The scattered Christians preached the gospel in their dispersion (8:4). Philip traveled to Samaria to proclaim Christ (8:5). Common Christians and church leaders alike bore testimony to Jesus through evangelistic ministry. In the early church, the proclamation of the word was reinforced by powerful miraculous displays. Philip performed exorcisms (i.e., driving out evil spirits) and healings: “Unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, and many of the paralyzed and lame were healed” (8:7). Philip’s miraculous signs did not occur outside of his preaching ministry. In fact, his displays of power validated the gospel message. The miraculous activity in Philip’s ministry (his deeds) brought credence to his message of salvation (his word). This word-deed approach to ministry resulted in the faith, belief, and joy of the people in Samaria (cf. 8:8, 12–13). While miraculous signs may (or may not) accompany every gospel proclamation, a well-balanced word-deed ministry is a model for all disciples. Bold in announcing salvation through Christ and merciful in attending to the needs of the hurting and helpless, disciples can make a gospel impact wherever they go.

Faith and Undivided Attention. Devotion to Christ is born by faith in the gospel. Philip’s gospel message and miraculous wonders called people to respond in genuine belief in Christ. As it relates to baptism, profession of faith in the gospel is the prerequisite for Christian baptism. As we will see as the story unfolds, the rite of Christian baptism occurred after people had placed their faith in Christ (cf. 8:12–13). The faith of disciples is intimated in the following account: “the crowds gave their undivided attention to Philip’s message and to the signs they saw him perform” (8:6). The “undivided attention” described here (and also in 8:10–11) was not the curiosity of passive observers but the intentional focus of active and interested adherents. Faith and devotion to Christ are undivided, wholehearted, and thoroughgoing. A life of worship and devotion is built upon uncompromising, exclusive, and undiluted fidelity to Christ. Consequently, those who are baptized not only publicly and visibly profess faith in Christ, but they also express an intention to follow Christ and to continue with Christ and his people (cf. 8:13).

Exclusive Commitment and Expulsive Joy. Our commitment to Christ is proportionate to our accurate understanding of the gospel. To come to terms with the claims of the gospel is to come to encounter the living and risen Christ, ever active and involved in the affairs of humanity. At the time of encounter with Christ, we have the chance to heed (cf. 8:6; literally, “pay attention”) or resist his authority in our lives. Those who resist his authority will eventually be driven out and cast away, much like the unclean spirits exorcised in Philip’s ministry (cf. 8:6). But those who heed and pay regard to Christ’s authority come to know liberation, freedom, and restoration that he alone can bring. Exclusive commitment to Christ entails complete surrender to his authority. The crowds gave Philip their “undivided attention” (8:6) and the unclean spirits “came out of many who were possessed” (8:7) in a display of submission to Christ’s authority. The “loud shrieks” (8:7) from the unclean spirits highlighted the unmatched power of Jesus. In contrast, the “great joy” (8:8) is a birthright to all who yield their lives fully to Christ. Christ’s deliverance defeats the powers of evil, dethrones its tyrannical rule, and expels it from menacing humanity. This decisive conquest over evil is expulsive: it ousts wickedness and replaces it with Christ-given joy. Great joy in Christ is the wellspring out of which all authentic devotion arises.

The Power of God: Experiencing the Transforming Impact of God’s Work

Biblical Narrative (Acts 8:9–13)

One particular individual in Samaria experienced a dynamic change in his life and vocation as he encountered Philip’s ministry of word and deed. A man named Simon had previously “practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria” (8:9). Self-aggrandizing and self-promoting Simon “claimed to be someone great” (8:9). People agreed with his self-appraisal. Many were sober-minded and serious about what he said: “All the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words” (8:10; cf. 8:5–6, 11). His deeds of power caused people to need his message. The people in this area paid “close attention to him because he had astounded them … with his sorcery” (8:11). Simon had this influence on the people “for a long time” (8:11). Being a magician of impressive ability, Simon was highly thought of by the populace to the effect that they (wrongly) attributed to him a quality of divinity: “This man is the divine power called the Great Power” (8:10).

Despite Simon’s pride and controlling effect over the people, he was greatly impacted by the gospel message proclaimed and demonstrated by Philip’s ministry. Although Simon exercised the ability to amaze the people of Samaria with his magical power, it was no match for the true power of God. The people’s amazement of Simon’s magical displays (8:11) was replaced by Simon’s own amazement at God’s undeniable work: Simon “was astounded by the great signs and miracles he observed” (8:13). The people of Samaria “believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (8:12). Amazingly, “even Simon himself believed” (8:13). In response to their belief in Philip’s message, the people—“both men and women” (8:12) and “even Simon” (8:13)—were baptized. In a sign of discipleship and commitment, Simon himself “followed Philip closely” (8:13). Philip’s ministry of proclamation, miraculous signs, and baptism had invited people to the devotion of a disciple: following in the ways of Christ with one’s whole life.

Biblical Principles

Encountering Divine Power. The gospel has liberating power to set people free. This is proven by a literary contrast between the ministry of Philip and the sorcery of Simon. Although people thought that Simon was “the divine power called the Great Power” (8:10), they encountered true divine power in the ministry of Philip, a ministry that heralded “the name of Jesus Christ” (8:12). The supposed greatness of Simon (8:9) was dwarfed by the unmatched power of God (8:13). Simon’s magic (8:11) could not contend with Philip’s miracles (8:13). Simon’s control over the people (8:11) unraveled at the announcement of the “kingdom of God” (8:12). Amazement over Simon’s sorcery (8:9, 11) was soon superseded by attentiveness, amazement, and allegiance to the gospel (8:12–13). No one can contend with God’s power. The gospel challenges all other claims of superlative greatness; its message invites people to come to terms with the true source of divine power, God himself. The amazement of God’s power does not invite people to be spectators, but active participants in a new kind of life. This new life in Christ is fueled by genuine faith in Christ.

Attention, Faith, Baptism, Following. Philip’s ministry of the gospel word and miraculous deed had won many converts who heeded Christ’s authority over their lives. Many had “heeded” (8:10) Simon’s words and “paid close attention to him” (8:11). Eventually, people came to give “their undivided attention to Philip’s message” (8:6). The result of this was that people in Samaria “believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (8:12). In fact, “Simon himself believed” (8:13). Subsequent to this faith in the gospel, the people (including Simon) were baptized (8:12–13). After Simon’s baptism, he “followed Philip closely” (8:13). This story highlights a consistent pattern of Christian devotion: attention, faith, baptism, and following. This simple pattern highlights that faith precedes baptism. Those who place their faith in the gospel publicly express their faith in the act of baptism. In contrast to the magical feats of Simon, baptism is not a superstitious ritual through magical waters. It is an outward sign of an inward spiritual reality. Baptism commences a life of discipleship: following after and continuing with Christ and his people in genuine faith (8:13). Being that all believers profess faith in the same gospel and are baptized into one community of faith, baptism is a community affair. Through this Christian rite of passage, believers are initiated into the covenant community of faith to continue their faith together with other believers. Further, when believers come to the rite of baptism, they give testimony to God’s great transforming power in their lives. As the Christian message is “the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (8:12), baptism is a rite in which believers pledge their allegiance to Christ’s kingdom and renounce the kingdom and powers of darkness.

Awe, Amazement, and Allegiance. The sorcerer who astounded the Samaritans with his magic (8:9, 11) was himself astounded by Philip’s miracles (8:13). The great joy of the Samaritan city brought by Philip’s message and miracles (8:8) was translated into explicit devotion to Jesus Christ and God’s kingdom (8:12). This devotion to Christ was based upon faith: the people had “received the word of God” (8:14). Whether or not miraculous signs accompany one’s conversion, the gospel invites hearers to encounter God’s transforming power. Great joy, genuine awe, and unfeigned amazement are results of an encounter with divine power. God’s power is transformative: healing the sick, liberating the captive, overcoming evil, and establishing a righteous reign. Awe and amazement of God’s powerful work fuel the community of faith in their devotion to God. Whatever dynamic force had previously captured a person’s attention, whatever popular personality had previously won the crowd’s affections, whatever great works had astounded the populace, were no match for the power of Christ. Devotion to Christ is built upon one’s encounter with the transforming power of God, which no human can counterfeit or control.

Not Yet Fallen: Yielding to a Life Governed by the Holy Spirit

Biblical Narrative (Acts 8:14–25)

After some initial fruit from Philip’s evangelistic work in Samaria, “the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God” (8:14). As word of this conversion reached the ears of these early Christian leaders, “they sent Peter and John to them” (8:14). Although the believers in Samaria had received the Holy Spirit in terms of coming to faith in Christ (i.e., their conversion), these same believers had not experienced the signs of empowerment associated with the coming of the Spirit—“the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of them” (8:16)—that was associated with God’s new work among a people group (cf. 2:38; 10:44–48; 19:1–6). All believers have the Holy Spirit at the time of their conversion and should be “baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus” (8:16). This instance of a delay in the Spirit’s coming was not a delay that they were without the Holy Spirit upon believing and being baptized. Instead, these believers had not yet experienced the Spirit’s manifest empowerment as a sign that God had broken into a new area or people group.

Therefore, Peter and John came down to Samaria to pray for them (8:15) and lay hands on them (8:17). After doing this, the believers “received the Holy Spirit” (8:17; cf. 8:15–16) and his empowering effect in their lives. When Simon witnessed that the power of the Holy Spirit had come upon people through the apostolic laying on of hands (8:18), he offered money to get this power. Still influenced by his magical vocation, Simon wanted the power for the following reason: “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit” (8:19). Peter confronted the superstitious, greedy, and self-interested request by Simon and told him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money” (8:20). Peter rebuked him, telling him that he would not partake in their ministry or spiriutal authority (8:21). Because Simon’s heart was “not right before God” (8:21) and because he was “poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity” (8:23), he had “no part or share in [their] ministry” (8:21). Peter called Simon to humble and contrite repentance: “Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord” (8:22). Peter explained to Simon, “Perhaps [God] will forgive you for the intent of your heart” (8:22). Simon asked Peter to pray for him that he would escape divine punishment (8:24). This instance was only one encounter with unbelievers. After bearing witness to the gospel there, the apostles continued to preach the gospel throughout the Samaritan villages on their way back to Jerusalem (8:25).

Biblical Principles

Faith and Repentance. This portion of the story exposes potential dangers to genuine faith. Having come to some manner of belief in the gospel (8:13–14), Simon’s greed and lust for power caused him to try to purchase the ability to dispense the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands (8:18–20). The coming of the Spirit in this passage is likely referring to the Spirit’s coming in terms of his empowerment of believers (cf. 2:4; 19:6) or his manifestation in signs as evidence that the gospel has broken into a new area or people group (cf. 1:8; 8:15–18; 10:44–48). This means that Simon desired a magical approach to God that was akin to his previous vocation (cf. 8:19–23). He thought that divine power could be controlled, co-opted, or managed. He wanted supernatural enablement to further his own personal agenda. Simon was spiritually unaware. His ignorance was evidence that he was still bound to sin. His heart was “not right before God” (8:21). The motivation of his heart was wicked (8:22). He was “poisoned by bitterness” and “captive to iniquity” (8:23). Material gain, self-seeking power, personal interest, spiritual ignorance, and sinful intent can become formidable barriers that keep a person from sincere faith in Christ. Along with Simon, we have to learn that devotion to God acknowledges God’s absolute and sovereign authority, a power never to be governed or manipulated for human ends. Rather than our faith in Christ putting God in our service, authentic devotion puts us in God’s service. In this way, devotion to Christ involves repentance of sin (8:22) as much as it requires faith in Christ (8:14).

Holy Spirit. The empowering presence of the Holy Spirit is the expectation for all who have placed their faith in Christ (8:14–17). Neither baptism, the empowering signs of the Spirit, nor the laying on of hands are magical rituals that subjugate divine power to human will or incantation. With this in mind, we come to a more nuanced understanding of the importance of baptism. Baptism is a sign of the Spirit: God’s divine power at work in and among his people through the indwelling Spirit. The Spirit works in many ways in the lives of believers. The Spirit’s “coming” involves his converting, transforming, empowering, enabling, illuminating, and comforting work in the lives of his people. Although much more can be said, baptism symbolizes the coming of the Holy Spirit in the lives of his people. The Spirit indwells his people upon faith in Christ and manifestly empowers his people in various ways and in various ministries.

Common Devotion. Peter rebuked Simon and said that he would have “no part or share in [their] ministry” (8:21). Faith in Christ and baptism initiate believers into a shared life and joint gospel ministry. The Spirit himself forms God’s people into a community of faith. The rite of baptism within the Christian community initiates Christians into an accountable relationship before God and the Christian community. As Simon was confronted with his sin, all believers—all those baptized into one body—should invite accountability and discipline in their lives. As invasive as it sounds, without godly and loving accountability in our lives, we are susceptible to a misappropriation of the faith, much like Simon. However sincere our devotion to Christ, we are all in need of a community of faith that takes the work of encouragement, exhortation, edification, and accountability seriously. We are all vulnerable to past allegiances of our former lives. Should we attempt the Christian life in isolation, we put ourselves in a precarious position fraught with peril. God never intended for the Christian life to be experienced alone. Believers share a common life and ministry together. As much as baptism is an initiation into the family of God, our devotion is expressed and matured in the context of loving and accountable relationships with other believers. Such community relationships help us keep watch over our conduct (8:19–21), guard the intentions and motivations of our hearts (8:22–23), and participate together in the progress of the gospel (8:21). We accept this invitation to community life to our great joy and ignore it to our tragic demise.

Here Is Water: Entering into the Covenant Community of Faith

Biblical Narrative (Acts 8:26–40)

The story of Philip’s ministry in Samaria is followed by his continued ministry to an Ethiopian eunuch who was traveling on a road from Jerusalem to Gaza. This story highlights key aspects of devotion to Christ and the role of baptism in the faith. Directed under divine guidance, Philip followed the angel’s instructions to “get up and go south to the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza” (8:26). Philip obeyed these divine directions and “met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians” (8:27). This important court official to the Ethiopian queen had “gone to Jerusalem to worship” (8:27) but was now returning to his North African home (8:28).

When Philip saw him, he was sitting in his chariot reading from the book of Isaiah (8:28). Again, directed by divine instruction, Philip obeyed the Holy Spirit’s directive to go over to the eunuch (8:29). Philip ran to the eunuch, heard him reading, and asked him if he understood what he was reading (8:30). The Ethiopian eunuch responded to Philip, “How can I … unless someone guides me?” (8:31). The eunuch invited Philip up to sit with him in his chariot (8:31). The eunuch was reading a portion from Isaiah 53:7–8 that told about the promised Messiah dying like a slaughtered lamb (8:32–33) and asked Philip to explain who this passage was referring to (8:34). In his explanation to the eunuch, Philip started with this Scripture and “told him the good news about Jesus” (8:35).

Implicit in the passage is the fact that the eunuch came to faith in Christ. From Philip’s previous ministry in Samaria, we know that faith upon hearing the gospel was part of commitment to Christ in one’s conversion (cf. 8:6, 11–14). Accepting the good news of the gospel, the eunuch signified his initial commitment to Jesus as the promised Messiah prophesied in Isaiah 53:7–8. As they traveled along the road, the eunuch himself saw water and asked to be baptized (8:36). Though he was a foreigner and a eunuch, the Ethiopian official’s faith and baptism initiated him into the covenant community of the Christian faith. The eunuch stopped the chariot, he and Philip went into the water, and Philip baptized him (8:38). When the eunuch emerged from the water “the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more” (8:39). Much like the joy experienced in the Samaritan village (cf. 8:8) with Philip’s ministry of word and deed, the eunuch “went on his way rejoicing” (8:39) at his faith conversion and baptism. As Philip appeared at Azotus, he continued to preach the gospel throughout the towns on his way to Caesarea (8:40; cf. 8:25).

Biblical Principles

Gospel Foundations. Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch reiterates many of the key principles already mentioned in his encounters in Samaria. Importantly, it reinforces the gospel foundation as central to salvation, baptism, and devotion to God. Integral to both narratives is the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ (8:4–6, 12–14, 28–35). The discussion about the identity of the Messiah in Isaiah 53:7–8 (8:30–35) reminds us of the evangelistic work of Philip in Samaria where he “proclaimed the Christ to them” (8:4) and “preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (8:12). The baptism of the eunuch (assuming that he placed faith in Christ as the story and larger context of Acts 8 would lead us to believe) (8:36–39) reiterates the role of baptism as a sign of faith in Christ (8:12–13). At the foundation of all life transformation and Christian devotion is the good news of Jesus, God’s messianic deliverer, sent to save humanity from sin.

Crossing Boundaries. As the story unfolds, we learn that common faith in Christ builds a diverse community of faith that crosses borders, barriers, and boundaries that would naturally divide people. The believing eunuch did not want to be prevented from joining the Christian community (8:37). Baptism is a “boundary-crossing” rite of passage. That is, baptism invites converts to pass over from one life, community, and worldview to another. Genuine faith in Christ involves passage into a whole new existence. While some aspects of our life maintain continuity with our new life in Christ, the major foundations of our life undergo a sweeping transformation when we believe in Jesus. In this way, entrance into the faith involves crossing a boundary from a former life to a new life in Christ. All are welcome to cross this boundary, but the only way to cross it (as this story reiterates) is by faith in Christ. This boundary, or threshold, emphasized in baptism is different than barriers erected by natural human affinities—language, culture, class, age, or gender. These diverse expressions of humanity, which tend to segregate humans, are not the main issue when it comes to the Christian faith. Humans tend to use such diversity as a barrier to inclusion and exclusion. Rather, the boundary crossed at baptism is whether one has placed faith in Christ, regardless of one’s social or ethnic status, age, or gender. If we have genuine faith in Christ, then we, too (with the Ethiopian eunuch), can say that nothing else prevents us from being baptized (cf. 8:36).

Multicultural Community. In terms of Christian devotion, this passage helps us to gain a picture of God’s intention to build a multicultural family of faith. In a short narrative, we learn that Philip, the Ethiopian eunuch, the Samaritan converts, and the Jerusalem believers are all a part of the same body. Though separated by culture and geography (and language?), they all belong to God’s church. Our devotion to Christ celebrates diversity in the church around the common core of our faith confession. In fact, the eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship (cf. 8:27), but it was only after he believed in Christ and was baptized into the community of faith that he could truly worship. This not only reiterates the importance of gospel proclamation but also celebrates the variety within the body of Christ. Devotion to Christ is not robotic, monolithic, or cloned adherence to faith principles. While all Christians must confess and adhere to the one faith, we live out this one confessed faith as a diverse and multicultural people.

Conclusion

The record of Philip’s ministry is a gift to the church. It recounts the early years of the church and its devotion to Christ. During this time, the church faced persecution, the gospel expanded into Samaritan territory by proclamation and miraculous deed, the Holy Spirit came in transforming power, and believers from various ethnicities were being formed into a unified covenant community of faith. Integral to the story of early Christian formation was the role of baptism. Based upon genuine faith in Christ, Christians were baptized in water as a means to publicly profess their belief in the gospel, testify to God’s transforming work in their lives, announce their commitment to the life of discipleship, and join the community of faith.

Across generations and cultures, baptism continues to be integral to the life of the Christian community. Heeding Simon’s example, we must beware of viewing Christian rites and practices as magical means to conjure and control God’s power. We must not ignore Christian baptism as an ancillary part of Christian formation. While God’s work of building a multicultural covenant community of faith—his church—the foundation of gospel belief must be followed with the practice of Christian baptism. Genuine faith must be accompanied by sincere repentance. Understanding how baptism fits into the formation of disciples helps us further understand what it means to live with devotion and worship before God.

Session Synopsis

SESSION 5 SYNOPSIS
Water	In this passage, we learn how baptism forms people into a multicultural community of common faith. The persecution of the church caused many of the earliest Christians to scatter, preaching the gospel as they dispersed. One Christian leader named Philip had a powerful ministry of word and deed in Samaria. His ministry led a well-known sorcerer named Simon to come to faith in Christ. Unfortunately, Simon tried to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit, and the apostle Peter firmly rebuked him. Following this, Philip met an Ethiopian eunuch on a desert road in a divinely arranged encounter. Philip preached the good news, and the believing Ethiopian was baptized. This biblical narrative highlights the role of baptism in the Christian faith and church community. A summary of this story’s principles is outlined below.
Persecution and Sacrificial Devotion	God’s people will face opposition, persecution, and martyrdom (7:54–60; 8:1, 3) for their faith in Christ. Devotion to Christ and service in gospel ministry require sacrifice (8:1–3).
Mission and Dispersion	Gospel mission and evangelism often take place when God’s people are dispersed due to persecution (8:1, 4, 25, 40). Persecution does not prevent the spread of the gospel. Many times it advances it. During times of persecution and dispersion, God’s people trust in divine appointments for gospel witness (8:26–29, 39–40).
Gospel Foundation	The foundation of all devotion to Christ is faith in the good news of the gospel message (8:4–6, 12, 25, 28–35). This is a message of how Jesus brings salvation to sinners. Faith in the gospel is a prerequisite for Christian baptism (8:12–13). Gospel ministry is performed in word and deed (8:6–7, 12–14). When they occur, miraculous deeds validate the gospel message.
True Discipleship	True disciples of Christ have a whole-life change in orientation. They become focused with an undivided attention on the gospel (8:6; cf. 8:10–11). This attentiveness turns into genuine faith in Christ (8:12–14). Faith is demonstrated by repentance of sin (8:20–24). Believers signify their faith and repentance in the act of baptism (8:12–13, 36–39). Committed to Christ, disciples follow Jesus with their whole life (8:13) and share in the common life and ministry of the church community (8:21).
Power Encounter	Christ is more powerful than all other forces. Jesus is powerful enough to overcome evil in all forms (8:7, 20–24). Devotion to Christ is fueled by joy (8:8, 40) and awe (8:13 cf. 8:11) over Jesus’ transforming power. Jesus is God’s appointed deliverer for sinful humanity (8:5, 12, 32–35) and he overcomes all other claims of power or divinity (8:9–11).
Holy Spirit	Baptism is a sign that a person has received the Holy Spirit in conversion and has been empowered by the Holy Spirit for life and ministry (8:14–17).
Faith and Repentance	Genuine faith in Christ will involve a sincere repentance of sin (8:13, 22). Greed, power, personal interest, spiritual ignorance, and sinful bondage can keep people from genuine gospel belief (8:18–24).
Crossing Boundaries and Forming a Multicultural Community	Baptism is a boundary-crossing rite of passage, symbolizing the forsaking of one’s old life and embracing a newfound faith in Christ. When disciples get baptized, they join a multicultural community (8:12–13, 26–27, 36–39) that shares a common faith and shares gospel ministry (8:21).

Personal Reflection: Entering the Story

Apply the Text: The word of God is binding and authoritative, the only reliable guide for faith and godliness. True disciples submit themselves to God’s word. In this movement, you will apply God’s word to your lives.

Reflection Questions

Encourage one person to share a testimony about how this story has impacted them so far. Use the reflection questions to examine your life in light of this biblical passage.

Spiritual Practice

Ministry Practice: Rehearsing the Script

Minister the Text: God’s word is living and active. Through God’s word, the Christian community is edified. In this movement, you will utilize the biblical passage to minister to other believers and build them up in their faith.

Application Questions

Look at the infographic below. Use the questions to think about how to minister this text to other believers.

Missional Outreach: Publicizing the Truth

Witness the Text: The Bible is a message of God’s gracious salvation to the world. In word and deed, God’s people proclaim the good news of the gospel. In this movement, you will use this biblical passage to reach out to unbelievers.

Strategy Questions

Reflect on the infographic below. Consider how you can use this passage to witness to the surrounding world. Use the suggested ideas to prime your imagination. Then, put together a plan to share this passage with unbelievers, Afterward, reflect on this mission experience.