Miracles | Midyear Prayer, Fasting, and Consecration (English)Sýnishorn

Acts 8:1, 4–13

And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. . . . Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city. But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

Additional Reading: Acts 1:8; 8:25; Isaiah 55:3–11

In this part of the book of Acts, there was great persecution against Jesus’ followers. Stephen, their fellow disciple, had been stoned to death. The disciples were being targeted and dragged to prison, and they were scattered to different regions. However, instead of lying low, they continued to preach the gospel. Despite threats to their lives, they faithfully and boldly proclaimed Christ. One of them was Philip. He was neither an apostle nor a teacher; he was one of the seven men of good reputation mentioned in Acts 6. Philip was a deacon, full of the Spirit and wisdom, and was appointed to distribute food to widows.

Philip went to Samaria, a place no Jew would usually stumble upon, preaching the word and performing miracles. He is recorded as the first to minister to the Samaritans and, therefore, the first to minister outside Jerusalem.

This was quite a big deal because, culturally, the Samaritans were regarded as lower than the Jews. Even though they had Israelite blood, they were not of pure Jewish descent and were mixed with other races. God, in His compassion and wisdom, also wanted them to experience the salvation and freedom found in Jesus. So Philip maximized the opportunity to preach the gospel with them, and they witnessed many signs and wonders, including casting out unclean spirits and healing the sick. It was unimaginable! There was much joy in that city because of it.

Philip was not alone in performing miracles there. There was another named Simon performing magic in Samaria. Because of the spectacles, people regarded him as the power of God. Unlike Simon, Philip was not trying to display power; he was pointing to a bigger truth, a bigger miracle: Jesus Christ, who came to save us from our sins and restore us to a right relationship with God. Philip’s main goal was to exalt the name of Jesus and make Him known, and through this, many believed and put their faith in Christ alone.

The work of the Holy Spirit in performing signs and wonders is to be accompanied by the preaching of God’s word. This is what calls people to see and experience who God truly is, despite persecution, the culture, and the atmosphere.

• Take some time to meditate on Isaiah 55:3–11. What do you think the Holy Spirit is speaking to you today?
• Think of one or two things that you think hinder you from being used by God to be a channel of His miracles to others. In what ways can you overcome these hindrances? Believe that He will do extraordinary things through you today and in the coming weeks and months.
• Are there people around you who have a different background or culture and who you may not necessarily like being around, who need to experience God’s miracles and hear the gospel? Ask God for compassion for them and for boldness to be a witness to them.

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made;

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;

That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin.

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.

Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,

And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”

“How Great Thou Art”

(a song by Carl Boberg and translated by Stuart K. Hine)