The physician Luke wrote how Philip the apostle of Jesus went to Samaria to share the gospel, and he did so many miracles that there was great joy in the city. However, “a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one. To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries”, and in chapter eight and verse twelve of the book of Acts Luke shared how the people of Samaria, “believed Philip” and “were baptized” where we read:
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God,
and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
The verse begins, “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, ...” Luke began with the words, “but when they believed Philip” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover at the time and moment the people in Samaria trusted, were persuaded by and had faith in Philip whose name means lover of horses and was one of Jesus' apostles” “preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God” or “who was bringing the good news, announcing and proclaiming the glad tidings about the Heavenly Father God's royal power, kingship, dominion and rule”. Luke shared how the people of Samaria “trusted” Philip as he proclaimed the “good news” of God's Kingdom.
The verse goes on to say, “... and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”. Luke continues the words, “and the name of Jesus Christ” which means “and the name which is used for everything that the name covers including the thoughts or feelings which are aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing and remembering belonging to Jesus whose name means Jehovah is Salvation and is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate and is the anointed One and Messiah”, “they were baptized” or “the people of Samaria were immersed, submerged and cleansed by dipping”, “both men and women” or “both male and female human beings in Samaria”. Luke shared how “Philip” also proclaimed the “name” of “Jesus” who is the “anointed One and Messiah”, and the men and women of Samaria who believed were “immersed in water” as an outward demonstration of their inner belief in Jesus.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the people in Samaria “believed” the preaching, teaching and miracles spoken and performed by “Philip”. They took action by being “baptized” to demonstrate to others their inward belief and trust in Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”. Philip's mission was to proclaim God's Kingdom and Jesus' name, and he fulfilled his purpose when the people yielded their lives to Jesus. God loves people, and He desires to have a personal relationship with everyone through His Son Jesus. Those who are wise surrender to Jesus like the people of Samaria and follow their decision by being “baptized” to announce to the world their commitment to Him.
Next time Luke shares how, “Simon himself believed also”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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