With such intentionality, Luke selects the story of Philip in Samaria as the first example of the expansion mentioned in verse 4. The principles Luke lays out for the original readers are also important for us to consider in our everyday faith:
1. Read Acts 1:8- When Jesus gave his disciple’s their new mission for the rest of their days, Samaria was second on Jesus’ list for receiving the gospel. His mission and promise was being fulfilled, and this encouraged the faith of the church.
2. Read Acts 6:5- Philip was a servant in the church, but he was not one of the original disciples. This story illustrates that the power of the Holy Spirit was for all Christians, not just the apostles.
3. Re-read Acts 8:15-16- Luke emphasized that being filled with the Holy Spirit was a different experience than being baptized in Jesus name, and yet extremely crucial for the Samaritans. Think about that statement: Luke, the apostles, and the early Christians—they all believed that the full Christian life could only be experienced with the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Not just the miracles and extraordinary moments—they meant the everyday, Jesus-centered life.
Is this my conviction? Is this your conviction?
You were not saved to live a nice life; you were saved and reborn to live a life of mission. But you need more than salvation to live out that call. Today, you need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Wait on the Lord and ask Him to fill you again with His Spirit. And let every part of your day be centered on Jesus and His mission.