Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.
Acts 8:4-8
And, missionary work starts. Luke writes, “of those who were scattered,” Philip, a deacon of the church in Jerusalem (not the Disciple Philip), went to Samaria proclaiming the Gospel. Crowds listened to him as the Holy Spirit worked in the hearts of these “despised Samaritans” to bring salvation to them. Philip not only preached the gospel, he performed signs and miracles among the people, driving out unclean spirits inhabiting people and healing many sick and afflicted people. The people were joyful at all that they saw Philip perform and many believed in Jesus because of Philip’s works there. Oh, to see such working of the Holy Spirit in our world today! Jesus’ Bride, the church, today, has become so infiltrated by false teachers, doctrines and, lying signs and wonders that one might think we are living in the last days before Christ returns. In fact, we are living in the last days. But, 2,000 years after Christ’s Ascension has brought cynicism and doubt into the camp of believers and there seems to be a lack of enthusiasm for spreading the gospel message today. The Great Commission is still in effect but apostasy and the world’s system have taken their toll upon the Bride of Christ. Jesus spoke of these times in Luke 18:8 saying, “…when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” The expected answer here would be, “No.” God the Holy Spirit still works in this world. There are many “hotbeds” of the gospel preached/taught around the globe. Christians who are not in these areas of our world should take heart in the works of God and support those efforts in any way possible. As for our own country, pray for the salvation of many, especially those in positions of leadership in the church, our government and, businesses, that a badly needed reformation of the church will take place.
Source: S C Ball June 13, 2023
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