The Message

GOI Bible Study

The Message

Acts 8:4-40

Acts 8:4-40 portrays the madness of Saul's persecution transformed into the message of God's grace, as Philip boldly proclaims the Gospel to the Samaritans and an Ethiopian eunuch. In the midst of societal divisions and personal limitations, God's transformative power transcends human understanding. How does Philip's obedience to God's call challenge us to break through barriers and embrace the unexpected ways in which God works in our lives and communities?

No matter what great works we are involved in, the primary ministry is presenting the gospel message, preaching Christ crucified.

What happens when believers are scattered by persecution? In Acts 8:4-40, we find a powerful answer to this question. This study examines how the early church’s dispersion led not to its defeat but to its expansion, as believers carried the gospel message from Jerusalem into Samaria and beyond. Through the ministry of Philip in particular, we see how God uses obedience and willingness to reach the unreached with the message of Christ.

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. Acts 8:12

If we are active in taking the gospel out into the world and if we are active in caring for people, we will have to deal with awkward characters.
  • When persecution scattered believers from Jerusalem, they responded by preaching the word wherever they went
  • Philip’s primary ministry was proclaiming Christ, even though miracles also occurred
  • Peter and John’s visit to Samaria represents Peter’s second use of the “keys to the kingdom” (first to Jews, then to Samaritans)
  • Philip demonstrated immediate obedience when told to go to Gaza, leaving a fruitful ministry in Samaria
  • The Ethiopian eunuch’s conversion showcases God’s perfect timing

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. Acts 8:35

No matter what great works we are involved in, the primary ministry is presenting the gospel message, preaching Christ crucified.

Throughout this Bible study, we’ve seen how Jesus remains at the center of the gospel message. Philip’s ministry shows us that no matter where we find ourselves—whether in times of revival or in one-on-one encounters—our primary calling is to proclaim Christ. The story reminds us that obedience to God’s direction is crucial, even when it doesn’t make sense from our perspective. Jesus works through ordinary believers who are willing to go where He sends them and speak when He gives opportunity. The early church’s expansion wasn’t through elaborate programs but through faithful believers who shared the good news of Jesus wherever they went. May we follow their example in our own lives, making Christ known in our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

    Bible References

  • Acts 8:4-40
  • Acts 8:4
  • Acts 8:40
  • Matthew 10:3
  • John 1:45
  • John 14
  • Matthew 16:19-20
  • Acts 2
  • John 4
  • Acts 10
  • Isaiah 53

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