Acts 8 on 10/17 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Acts 8 audio:

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Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Persecution scatters the church from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria (just like 1:8), and they keep sharing Jesus wherever they go (vv. 1–4). Philip goes to Samaria; God backs the message with healings and freedom from evil spirits, and there’s great joy (vv. 5–8). A famous magician, Simon, believes and is baptized, but then tries to buy the power to give the Spirit. Peter rebukes him and calls him to repent (vv. 9–25).

Next, an angel sends Philip to a desert road where he meets an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah 53 (vv. 26–33). Philip starts “with this Scripture” and tells him the good news about Jesus; the man believes and is baptized, then goes on his way rejoicing (vv. 34–39). Philip is carried to Azotus and continues preaching up the coast to Caesarea (v. 40).

🌀 Reflection:
Ask the Spirit to make you ready and obedient like Philip—willing to leave the crowd for the one (vv. 26–35). Also invite Him to check your motives so they’re not like Simon’s—seeking control instead of a clean heart (vv. 18–23).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Cross a line this week. Share Jesus with one person outside your usual circle (a neighbor from another background, a coworker you rarely talk to). Offer a simple ask: “Could we read one short passage (Isaiah 53/John 3) and talk about it?” Follow up with an invite to pray for a need.