Acts 8:4-8 (NKJV) 4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.
Stephen’s death and Saul’s assault on the fledgling church necessitated the disciples finally obey Jesus’ mandate to take the good news away from Jerusalem (Acts 1:8). The same bold grace that enraged the religious emboldened these scattered disciples.
They preached everywhere they went. Rather than being localized in Jerusalem, the good news now smothered the countryside. The proclamation of the gospel was paired with a demonstration of the Kingdom of God. Philip, who was full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, didn’t attempt a new formula for results he simply presented Jesus.
The power of the resurrected Jesus stirred both the spirit realm and the populace of Samaria. Hurting people found freedom as Philip continued the ministry of Messiah (Luke 4:18) in their midst. Jesus always draws a crowd. No slick advertising was needed...just love, compassion, and Kingdom power.
Off the Top of My Spirit: Devotional Thoughts by Eddie Taylor • Copyright © 2020 TMG Publishing • November 14, 2020
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