Acts 8:6-24

                            the intent of my heart

            Philip is one and the same as the one listed in Acts 6:5.  His “simple” job of serving in the daily distribution, was obviously not the “end of the line for him”.  Faithful in his duty he served as unto the Lord.  He was one of those who were scattered due to persecution, but the displacement ended up being an opportunity for the Gospel. 

            It is worth noting that up to this point, there was real hostility between Samaritans and Jews.  The former were viewed by the latter as being part of the “lost sheep of Israel”—that is, heretical in beliefs.  In this setting, faith in Jesus unites people, and brings the gospel one step closer to the even larger gap between Jews and Gentiles.

            Those who heard Philip’s preaching not only intellectually believed, but they chose to act on their belief by being publically baptized.  Prior to this, Simon the magician, had quite a following.  Yet his impressive acts could not garner the allegiance and dedication brought about by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The gospel engages every aspect of one’s being.

            Simon himself believed, was baptized, and continued with Philip.  It is noted that he was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs that were done, but perhaps his focus was a bit askew.  Was he looking through the lens of “What an awesome God this is!” or “What amazing things these men do!” ?

            Philip puts his finger on it when he says, “you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity”.  Bitterness usually relates to our feelings about other people, their words, and/or their actions.  If these feelings are not brought into the light of truth, they will become a reflection of lies, and penetrate our entire outlook on life. Related, but not identical to this, is the state of one who is bound by iniquity.  In this case, the individual has lost self-control, and is under sin’s control.  

Simon, under the control of sin (perhaps that of seeking to be adored, followed and praised by me), and filled with bitterness (perhaps over the Samaritan’s new dedication to Jesus rather than himself), seeks to change the situation by trying to acquire the thing that he sees as most influential:  supernatural power to impart the Holy Spirit (not the Holy Spirit Himself).

            Philip and Simon exemplify two responses to spiritual gifts and realities.  Which one bears an intent of the heart most like your own?   

Read and Pray:  Proverbs 21:27, 2 Chronicles 28:9, Hebrews 4:12-13, Ephesians 4:31-5:2