Acts 8:4-25 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Read Acts 8:1-4. What was the result of the persecution that broke out against the church? How did God use this persecution for His glory and believer’s good? Compare Acts 1:8 with 8:5. What insight is gained as to God’s plan?

How is Philip identified in Acts 21:8? What can be learned about the call of an evangelist from Ephesians 4:11 and 2 Timothy 4:5?

Simon is initially identified as a magician or sorcerer. A magician in this context can be defined as one who performs or seeks spiritual or supernatural acts apart from God. To what is this kind of magic or sorcery compared to in Scripture? (1 Samuel 15:23; Jeremiah 14:14; Ezekiel 13:6-9; 2 Kings 17:17; and Revelation 21:8)

Why, according to James 3:13-18, is spirituality apart from God offensive to God? (See also Romans 1:24-25)

What is the connection between baptism and repentance according to the following Scripture?

Matthew 3:1-11—

Mark 1:4—

Acts 2:38—

Acts 19:3-5—

While the Scriptures do not answer conclusively whether or not Simon was truly saved, Christians can learn from the posture he took after being rebuked by the apostle Peter in Acts 8:24. Read Revelation 2:5. What ongoing role should repentance play in the life of a Christian? In what areas of your life do you need to repent?