Text: Acts 8:1-40

Introduction

• In Acts 1:8 we have a summary of how the church grew.
• “the scattered ones" Why were them scattered?
• The Roman laws aloud religious freedom for the ones who had lost.
• They permitted persecution against the Christians.
• Permission was necessary for a death penalty.
• Example: The sentence against Jesus.

• Acts 7, the sermon of Steven
• What were the two main points of Steven's sermon?
• The religion was spiritual
• God was interested in all people
• In Galatians 1:13 and in I Corinthians 15:9 Paul recognizes this period.
• The great persecutor would be used to organized missionary trips.
• Paul’s conversion and the missionary trips were a result of the church's work.

• Acts 8:26
• While the people were scattered (Acts 8:4) Phillip heads Samaria
• The samaritans were a racial mixture.
• Illustration: Acts 2. Many races in Jerusalem.
• The gospel was universal.

• Acts 8: 27-35
• Phillip explained the Word
• An important man had gone to Jerusalem
• He was reading the book of Isaiah but did not understand.
• He went to the temple and left empty. What a tragedy!
• The text is explained. Conversion and growth happen.
• If the Word isn’t explained, there is no growth.

Conclusion

• Acts 8:36-39
• He understood and was baptized.
• What happen when the baptistery is dry.
• Acts 8:39b. "went on his way rejoicing"
• Illustration : Angels proclaimed to the pastors: "news of great joy"
• This way, the church grows. Jesus is the foundation
• New religions come up; time goes by, and the church remains.