The Book Of ActsSýnishorn

The Growth of the Kingdom in Judea and Samaria: Acts 8:5–9:31

We might have expected internal tension and outward opposition to discourage the fledgling church in Jerusalem. But under the power of the Holy Spirit, the reality was just the opposite. The gospel witness continued to go forth with great strength, ultimately unhindered in its progress.  

The second major division of Acts focuses on the gospel witness of the church in Judea and Samaria in Acts 8:5 – 9:31. These regions were roughly equivalent to the southern and northern regions of the Promised Land given to Israel in the Old Testament. Jesus himself had ministered in these regions before his ascension.

Luke’s focus on Judea and Samaria can be divided into two main batches of stories: the ministry of Philip in Acts chapter 8:5-40 and the conversion of Paul in Acts 9:1-31. 

These stories draw attention to the internal growth of the church. For instance, internal growth continues as:

• New believers continued to be filled with the Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 8; and
• Saul was made an apostle after his conversion in Acts chapter 9.

Hand-in-hand with these events, however, tension also builds within the church. For example, 

• Questions were raised in Acts chapter 8 because some believers had not yet received  the Holy Spirit;
• Simon the magician tried to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles in Acts chapter 8.

On the other hand, the pattern of outward growth and opposition also continued. For instance, the church continued to grow numerically in Judea and Samaria through events such as: 

• The many converts made through Philip’s evangelistic ministry in Acts chapter 8; and
• The conversion of Paul in Acts chapter 9.

Even so, this growth did not occur without opposition from unbelievers. For example,

• Saul persecuted believers before his conversion in Acts chapter 9; and
• Some Jews attempted to assassinate Saul after his conversion in Acts chapter 9.

Once again, internal tension and outward opposition ultimately failed to hinder the church. Instead, the Holy Spirit used these challenges to bring further maturity and numerical growth to the church.