Philip the Evangelist
INTRODUCTORY WORDS
Philip was a man mighty in word and in deed. He wrought miracles and preached Christ, The people may have talked and marveled at the many palsied and lame that were healed, and at the demons that were cast out, but Philip did not use his power of the miraculous to preach himself as some mighty one; he did not parade his miracles, but his Master.
Among the multitude who gave heed to Philip was Simon the sorcerer. Aforetime in the same city, Simon had used sorcery, bewitching the people of Samaria. Let me bring before you Acts 8:10-11 :
"To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying. This man is the great power of God.
"And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries."
Simon sought to make himself a name. He gave out that he was some great one, and the people, from the least, even to the greatest, granted his claims, saying, "This man is the great power of God."
We have no doubt discovered the key that will unlock much of the false work that carries the stamp of the true. It is nothing less than the deism of man.
Jesus Christ humbled Himself. He made Himself of no reputation. Have we not read? "Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not." We are commanded to cease "from man, whose breath is in his nostrils."
Three things are stated in Corinthians: (1) "Let no man glory in men." (2) "Let no man glory in the flesh." (3) "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
Some of us must stand rebuked along with Simon the Sorcerer. Some love the "chief seats in the synagogues"; some delight in being called, "Rabbi, Rabbi": some seek the "uppermost rooms at feasts," and "greetings in the markets." Some even allow themselves to be called, "Father," and, "Master."
This is true of self-seeking religious leaders, and, "The people love to have it so." Simon made himself some great one, and the people acquiesced.
Men seek human worship, and men delight in worshiping them. This leads me to the following consideration:
I. PHILIP FOUND THE PEOPLE READY TO FOLLOW A FALSE PERFORMER (Acts 8:11)
Simon builded his reputation on his cunning. He claimed to do the genuine, but was, in fact, a trickster. He paraded as true, but was false. The people swallowed whole his craftiness. They failed to discern his deceit. They were ready to follow his fraud.
The day of superstition has by no means passed. The day of the reign of religious fads and fancies, has by no means disappeared. The lure of delusions is still paramount. People gladly believe a lie; some still follow hot after the cunning craftiness of men, whereby the crafty lie in wait to deceive.
Simon Magus was an antichrist on a small scale. The people of that day, were typical of the people who will follow the antichrist in the near future. We have not passed from the age of ignorance and superstition; we have not passed from the thraldom of deceptive delusions. Hear the Word of God:
"Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; "Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
"Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?"
Surely the world is ripening in the very sorcery that Simon practiced. The whole world will wonder after the Beast. The people will yet cry, "Who is like unto the beast?" One who worketh wonders will yet deceive those who dwell on the earth by means of his miracles, and he will cause men to worship the Beast.
In Simon, the sorcerer, God has given us a warning of certain things which will prevail in the last days.
II. GETTING BEHIND THE WONDERS GOD OR SATAN, WHICH? (Acts 8:11)
Simon wrought wonders, and the people acclaimed him, "The great power of God," Philip also wrought wonders, and miracles, and signs. Was there any method by which the common people could discern between the true and the false?
In the days of the tribulation, which now approaches, the antichrist will work with "all power and signs and lying wonders." At the same period the Lord, through His Two Witnesses, will work miracles and wonders and signs. How may the people discern between the true and the false?
The populace had pronounced Simon as "the great power of God," but Simon had been, in fact, the power of Satan, God once said, "They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean" (Ezekiel 44:23).
Here are some suggestions, based on Divine revelation, by which we may discern between the false and the true in the miraculous.
1. We should go back of the miracles and wonders and examine the Spirit that dominates those who work them. We will quote at length from I John, chapter four:
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
"Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
"And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
"We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error" (1 John 4:1-3; 1 John 4:6).
Deceivers and antichrists are they who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. They also confess not that He is coming in the flesh. Deceivers follow after strange creeds, and abide not "in the doctrine of Christ." These words from the Holy Spirit, suffice. Every false worker will be revealed by his vagaries, and fanaticisms. He may at times, parade good doctrine, but the insincerity of his statements will be easily discerned.
The true, always stand by the Bible testimony to the Lord Jesus Christ, in His Death, Burial, Resurrection, and Return. They hold to the faith in a pure conscience. They possess a sound mind.
2. We should consider the aim, and the purpose of the miracle worker. The false magnify themselves, the true magnify Christ. The false work to make to themselves a name, the true do all to the glory of God.
Simon Magus made himself some great one. The coming antichrist will exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped.
Paul wrought miracles, but Paul truly said, "For to me to live is Christ." He knew how to abase himself. Paul, at Lystra, healed a man impotent in his feet. The people immediately lifted up their voices, saying, "The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men." What did Paul do? He said, "Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the Living God."
Peter wrought a mighty miracle in the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. The people would have done him obeisance, but Peter said, "Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?" Then Peter continued and preached unto them Jesus.
3. We should remember that the false work miracles by Satanic power, the true work them by the Spirit of God. It is wrong to say that God alone works wonders. There may be and there is still much by way of magic, by way of cunning deceit, and by way of lying wonders. Marvels may be wrought by the unholy. There are also marvels wrought by God. Let us, then, go back of the signs and wonders, and discover the power that energizes the workers of miracles.
4. We should test the genuineness of the miraculous by the sweep and sway of its miracles. We have just granted that Satan works marvels, and that the antichrist will yet work miracles and lying wonders. We now say that the scope of Satan's power falls far beneath the scope of power Divine.
We remember how Moses and Aaron cast down their rod before Pharaoh and their rod become a serpent. Then came the wise men and sorcerers of Egypt and cast down their rods, and they likewise became serpents. However, "Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods."
We remember how, Aaron smote with his rod upon the waters that were in the river, and the waters became blood. The magicians of Egypt did so also with their enchantments. After seven days Aaron stretched forth his rod over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came forth upon the land of Egypt. The magicians did so with their enchantments and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt, However, the magicians could not rid the earth of the frogs: in this the superiority of the God of Moses and of Aaron stood forth.
You remember how Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust, and it became lice throughout the land of Egypt? The magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments, and they could not. Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God." From that time on, throughout the plagues the magicians stood helplessly by, unable to either duplicate or to stand up against the mighty power of God.
Thus again, in the days of the coming Tribulation, Satan will work with mighty power, but much that he does will be with all deceivableness of unrighteousness. His wonders will be great lying wonders. Those who succumb to his sway, will believe a lie. Over against Satan's future manifestations of the miraculous, God will work as He wrought in the days of His servants, Moses and Aaron. God's seals and the trumpets and vials will be accompanied with unprecedented miracles, world-wide in their scope.
The beast from the earth will do great wonders, so that he maketh fire to come down from heaven upon earth in the sight of men. Thus he will deceive them that dwell on the earth by means of those miracles which he shall have power to do. He will even have power to give life unto an image of the first beast. Over against his marvels, God's two witnesses will have power to turn water into blood, and to smite the earth with plagues. They will have power to shut the heaven that it rain not in the days of their prophecy; if any man will hurt them, fire will proceed out of their mouth to kill them. When, at last, the two witnesses are slain, and their bodies He in the streets of the city for three and one-half days, then the people of the earth will rejoice and send presents one to another. But, after three days and a half the spirit of life from God will enter into them, and they will stand upon their feet. Then from Heaven a great voice will be heard, saying, "Come up hither." They will ascend up to Heaven in a cloud, while their enemies behold them. At the same hour there will be a great earthquake, and a tenth part of the city will fall, and seven thousand men will be slain in the earthquake.
Thus, as Satan and his Antichrist and False Prophets work lying wonders, God will superabound over them in the scope and power of His mighty marvels.
The strong man will be overcome by the Stronger. Satan will be harassed by the Son of God. Finally, the one who opposeth himself against God will be destroyed by the Lord with the breath of His lips, and with the brightness of His coming.
III. SIMON SEEKING SALVATION (Acts 8:12-13)
The conversion and baptism of Simon. When Simon believed, he was baptized, and he continued with Philip, wondering and beholding the miracles that he did.
No one knew the sincerity of Philip, and the genuineness of his miracles better than Simon. Simon believed. In believing, he, of necessity, paid a great price. His sorcery had no place in the realms of his new relationship.
Some have thought that Simon did not truly believe, but that he entered the new fellowship, simply because Philip could outdo him in the realm of marvels, and he thought to profit thereby. Whether this be true, or not, Simon, at the first, showed signs of true faith. He was baptized, and he followed with Philip. Before Peter and John came down, there was just one thing that seemed to cast a doubt over Simon's new profession, he followed Philip, "and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done."
IV. PETER AND JOHN SENT DOWN (Acts 8:14-17)
When the Apostles which were in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John. When the two Apostles reached Samaria they prayed for the new converts, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.
Would that the churches today felt the same way about the importance of new converts being filled with the Holy Ghost. Some hardly know whether there be any Holy Ghost. The command, "Be filled with the Spirit" is quite as strong in its demand as the command, "Be not drunk with wine." Some of us live too much in the negative, and neglect the positive of this call of God.
It is the fruit of the Spirit that is love, joy, peace, and all of the rest. It is the Holy Spirit who gives victory in life, as well as power in service.
How can we expect to obtain a closer walk with God, and a larger reach in the Christian graces, without stressing the ministry of the Spirit?
None can live or serve acceptably, without his life is unctionized by the Holy Ghost.
We are concerned to see souls saved and baptized; are we concerned to see them Spirit-led, Spirit-endued, Spirit-taught, Spirit-filled?
V. SIMON'S REQUEST (Acts 8:18-20)
When Simon saw that through the laying on of the Apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money and said, "Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost."
Peter promptly replied, "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God."
Simon wanted to commercialize the power of God. He wanted to buy the power to impart the Holy Ghost. Perhaps he wanted to buy, in order that he might sell to others a like power.
There are a few potent questions we feel impelled to ask.
1. Are there to be found today, any who desire to have POWER that they may profit thereby? Would they seek the enduement of the Spirit, in order that they might use Him to foster their own cause? Do we want the Holy Ghost that we may use Him to build up for ourselves a reputation as evangelists, or pastors, or workers?
Surely the Spirit of God comes upon us to use us, not to be used by us. He comes to take the reins of our lives, to lead us in the way and work which He would have us pursue.
Any effort to make merchandise of the Holy Ghost, or of any power which He may give to heal, or to pray, or to serve, is an abomination before God. O Lord, have mercy! Are there any who want the blessings of Heaven on their ministry in order to make their names great? Do we seek ourselves? then we follow in line with the sin of Simon the sorcerer.
In his old life, Simon had used his sorcery to feather his own nest. By it he had sought to make himself a name, and to enrich his coffers with money. Now, he sought to follow a like method in the Church of God.
2. Is there to be found today any one who would seek to purchase the gift of God? Whether that gift be salvation, or power for service, it matters but little the spirit is the same.
Alas, alas! It seems to us that half of the world is seeking to merit, unmerited grace. We think that we may purchase the gift of God by the puny words and works of our own hands.
At Pentecost God said, through His Apostle: "And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Shall we bargain with God as though so great a gift was subject to purchase? Shall we endeavor to buy a world for a farthing? Can we buy the highest and the best of God's great gifts, even the Holy Spirit, with the puny nothingness that money represents? Money stands for human values, the value of the work of our hands; the Holy Ghost stands for Divine values, the glory of God Himself. If we think that we can buy God, and salvation and the Holy Ghost and Heaven, by the work of our hands, we must think that God's great gifts possess no more worth than we ourselves possess. We deify the works and worth of our own hands, or else we humanize the works and worth of God.
VI. ARE OUR HEARTS RIGHT WITH GOD? (Acts 8:21)
God had given to Peter the spirit of discernment. Men often look at outward appearances. It was a matter of satisfaction to many, no doubt, to see the man who once followed after his sorcery, baptized, and following after Philip. It was a disappointment to Peter to discover, that, deep in Simon's heart, was the thought of personal gain in all that he did.
Let us ask God to show us our inner selves. Are we religious with a selfish end in view? Are we outwardly pious, while we possess a heart that is not right with God?
Peter said to Simon, "I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity." Was this thrust unjust? If not unjust, was it unkind?
Do we help men by applauding their sin? Are we kind when we cover up their iniquity? Are we faithful to one's best interest, when we overlook his faults and fail to warn him of the error of his way? We think not.
The church that allows sin to remain in its folds unre-buked and undisciplined is absolutely unkind to the erring, as well as unfaithful to God.
VII. LET US CONCLUDE WITH SIMON'S PLEA FOR MERCY (Acts 8:24-25)
After Peter's charge against Simon, Simon pled: "Pray ye the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me." We trust that Simon's heart was changed, and that the future found him an humble and obedient follower of Christ, We know that if his prayer was genuine, his forgiveness was sure.