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In Acts 8, we read of a most violent wave of persecution, which had the church running from the persecutors in Jerusalem. But, they did not run away from Jesus - or give up - or say - "This is proving too costly." They just got on with doing what Jesus wanted done - without thinking about it.

Some of our finest work can be done when we are on automatic - when we don't think too much about what we say or do - when we are being led and motivated by The Holy Spirit. The Gospel was now on the move for the first time. It is interesting to read that the leaders remained in Jerusalem, and the people moved out and travelled.

Today, we turn it round the other way. We send out the leaders - those whom we call missionaries - and usually the people remain where they have always been. Another of the seven, Philip, who had been appointed to do that special work of administration, went to one of the cities of Samaria, and began to preach Christ.

Never lose sight of the importance of preaching Christ. This is the supreme method which God uses to convict people of their sin, bringing people to repentance, and leading men and women to faith in Jesus Christ. Preaching involves two things - hearing and seeing. Verse 6. When Philip preached in Samaria, the people not only heard his words, but they also saw the miracles. Many were set free as Philip went into the devil's territory. Many were released. The sick were healed. Cripples were cured. There was great joy in that city. Is this one of the fruits of the persecution in the first three verses?

But - verse 9 - there is always someone around who raises a BUT. A man called Simon had been involved in the occult. He said he was a great man, and people believed him. He had deceived many. As the people believed in Jesus through Philip's ministry, they were baptised (plunged) - men and women. Simon also believed and was baptised. He began to go around with Philip. When he saw the miracles and the signs he wondered if he might be able to function like this.

News of what was happening in Samaria reached Jerusalem and Peter and John were sent down. There was a tremendous 'revival meeting' going on, BUT, something was missing. The Samaritan believers had not been receiving the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter and John seek to remedy this situation. They went, not as observers, but to minister. They went so that these new believers might receive the power of the Holy Spirit, because as yet, He had not come on any of them. They were only baptised in water, in the Name of Jesus. They had not as yet been baptised by Jesus in the Holy Spirit. Peter and John pray for these new believers in Jesus, lay their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Only a year or so previously, John had been saying to Jesus - "they will not receive You - (Luke 9 : 52 - 55) - do you want us to command fire from heaven to come down and consume them?" But now, a different fire was falling. Jesus Christ is baptising these believers with the Holy Spirit, as Peter and John lay hands upon them, and something happens - something which did not happen when they first believed. Simon the sorcerer noticed this. He wanted what these believers were receiving. He wanted to be able to do what Peter and John were doing. His eyes must have been popping out of his head. What was he seeing? What was he hearing? He was hearing them praising God in languages they had never learned just as all the disciples of Jesus did on the day of Pentecost.

Can you hear him? I'd like to be able to do this trick. I'd like to have this in my repertoire. You just touch people and things happen. He offers Peter and John money. He thought he could buy this ability. In verse 20, Peter deals with Simon firmly, stating that in no way are you involved with, or committed to this ministry, of the risen and living Lord Jesus Christ. Your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent of your wickedness and pray.

Simon still wanted to be someone, and perform this miracle - this 'magic' - which Peter and John had been performing. Peter, ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit, and in the Love of Jesus, is so tender and compassionate to those who are in need and who are open to God, but when he meets SIN he deals with it firmly - boldly - courageously. Simon had professed faith in Christ, and had been baptised in water, but how real had it all been? Had he truly repented? Had he sincerely believed? In the end of the day that is what matters.

Peter could see right through him, and what he saw he did not like. Peter told him to pray, but he would not pray. Perhaps he could not pray. Simon is more concerned about his own welfare and safety than his sin! Peter and John could not be bought. They do their job, thoroughly and comprehensively. They preach the Word of God in many villages, and then return to Jerusalem following this brief but tremendously successful missionary expedition. Here is God teaching us vital aspects regarding 'mission'; lessons which are frequently overlooked or ignored.

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

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