Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8

Overview: The experiences persecution (8:1-3) pushing Philip and others to preach the Word to Samaria (8:4-8). Simon the Magician offered money for the (8:9-25). Philip converts an Ethiopian and continues preaching the good news to Caesarea (8:26-40).

Persecution of the Church: 8:1 – 3

• Saul: First introduction to Saul; Stephen’s prayer and bloodshed efficacious for conversion • Severe persecution: The Church has experienced lots of persecution in its history! o Key: What is initially a setback, God uses for good, i.e., opportunity for mission • Except Apostles: Importance of stability in ; said to leave alone (5:38) • Loud Lament: Healthy to grieve for our loved ones who die, but we do so differently (hope) • Destroy: Greek can mean “devastate” or “ravage” (Kurz, 137); see :4 and 26:10 o Gal. 1:13: I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. o Napoleon: Threatening to destroy the Church, Cardinal Ercole Conslavi replied, “If in 1,800 years we clergy have failed to destroy the Church, do you really think that you’ll be able to do it?” In short, God will always guide and protect His Church. • Imprisonment: Ironically, Paul will suffer this way (:23; 2 Cor. 11:23-24; Phil. 1:14)

Philip in Samaria: 8:4 – 8

• Preaching: We see God bringing good out of evil; the moves to Samaria • Key: It is a tremendous gift to see God working to bring good out of situations • Philip: Second Hellenist after Stephen appointed in :5; he is a great evangelist • Samaria: Ten northern tribes exiled in 722 BC; Samaria repopulated with non-Israelites • Note: considered half-blood heretics not worshipping at the Temple (Kurz, 138) • One accord: One of Luke’s favorite expression (unity); reflects ’ prayer (Jn. 17:21) • Signs: This includes removed evil spirits and healing people, i.e., restoring wholeness • Joy: Luke often emphasizes the joy that follows Jesus’ mighty deeds and the conversion of sinners (Lk 15:7, 23-24; 19:37; :52) (Kurz, 139); Themes: unity, healing – joy follows

Simon the Magician and Philip: 8:9 – 13

• Simon: Samaritan who did mighty acts of by virtue of the devil; according to St. , he was honored with a statue with an inscription, “To Simon the god.” (Kurz, 140) • Note: Jesus speaks of the evil one as a strong man guarding his possessions, but when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor (Lk 11:21-22) • Someone great: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled…” (Lk 14:11)

Simon the Magician Attempt to be in control through technique Openness to God’s mystery, power, not control Aimed for self-glory, to appear great Goal is to glorify God, communion with Him

1 The Apostles, the Spirit, and Simon the Magician: 8:14 – 25

• Peter and John: The Apostles are sent to bestow the Holy Spirit on new • Key: Apostles’ regarded as the origin of the Sacrament of o CCC 1288: Confirmation completes baptism; perpetuates grace of o CCC 1303: Unites us more firmly to ; increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us; renders our bond with the Church more perfect; strength to spread the faith by word and action; confess the name of Christ more boldly; not ashamed of the cross o Rite: “N., be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you.” • Offered money: Sin of simony, the buying and selling of church of offices or spiritual goods • Heart not right: God always sees the heart in actions, whether it is right or not • Pray for me: Simon recognizes the power of prayer, especially from Peter the Apostle • Samaritan villages: Luke shows the power of to overcome division (Kurz, 144)

Philip and the Ethiopian: 8:26 – 40

• of the Lord: We see that Philip is open to the Lord, willing to go where called • : Castrated men, whom ancient monarchs often employed as guardians of the royal harem (2 Kgs. 9:32; Jer. 41:16); drawn to Jerusalem to worship one true God (Kurz, 146) o Is. 56:3-7: Promises that eunuchs welcomed into the temple as God’s people • Join the : God directs those who are open to the Spirit; grace is tailored for you • Note: Many years ago, asked God about extra Twins tickets; pointed me to a father/son • Understand: Theme in Luke-Acts; need help to understand Scripture (Lk 24:25-27, 32) • Note: Some Protestants believe Scripture interprets itself (perspicuity); Catholics guidance • Key: hungers for the truth and understanding; reading Sacred Scripture • Scripture Passage: The eunuch is reading from Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (suffering servant song) • Key: This passage is read on Good Friday as it foreshadows the • Himself: Refer to (original meaning) or someone else (beyond original intention) • Beginning: Philip had evangelized by signs (8:6); now teaches meaning of Sacred Scripture • Prevent: Before Christ, eunuchs prevented from full membership (Dt 23:2) • Baptized: Fulfills Is. 56:3-7: “Nor should the eunuch say, ‘See, a dry tree.’ For thus says the Lord: To the eunuchs who keep my sabbaths…I will bring to my holy mountain.” • Snatched: Philip has filled his mission and sent on his next one in Azotus and Caesarea • Note: We will see Philip again in :8 when Paul and Luke stay at his house • Key: You never know who God will bring across your path (park bench, airplane seat)

Talking Points

• Obstacles: Killing of Stephen (violence), persecution of Christians in Jerusalem, Simon the magician’s misinterpretation of Christian as magic, and status of being a eunuch could not hinder the spread of the gospel (Kurz, 149) • Key: God uses some of your most difficult moments as opportunities for growth! • Discernment of Spirit: Is it consistent with Church teaching, Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition? Pay attention to thoughts/heart (rest, peace); does it bear fruit (self, others)?

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