Luke records the first account in the second movement of the book of Acts. Here Philip goes to an unnamed Samaritan city and preaches the gospel, doing miracles, healing and casting out demons. A man named Simon, who practiced magic, was recognized by all and upheld as one from god or somehow empowered by god. As Philip preaches, the city responds to the one true and living God, accepting the truth of Jesus as the promised Messiah from God - even Simon accepts. But they don't receive the Holy Spirit when they accept and are baptized. Peter and John come and pray for them and lay hands on them and they receive the Spirit. This is important, one of the 4 passages in Acts that frames our understanding comes in an unusual way in Acts. Most in Acts receive the Spirit when they accept Jesus. The passage concludes with Simon asking to buy the power to give the Holy Spirit like the apostles did. Peter firmly warns Simon and challenges him not to be filled with bitter envy because everyone is not looking to him any longer. We need grace to avoid the same kind of self-seeking, bitter envy toward others when we don't get the recognition or position that we sense we need.

Acts is a unique book in our New Testament, because it is the only book of history that we are given. As Luke writes, a second edition to his gospel, he continues with two vital themes – first, that Jesus offers salvation to men and second, that this work – the mission is accomplished – in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had already instructed his disciples about the Holy Spirit and his ongoing ministry to them and all who would come to believe in Jesus. Despite the obvious focus on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Acts, this book is about Jesus. Throughout Acts, Jesus is described as Lord (the most common title for Jesus in Acts), Jesus (67x), Christ (25x), Servant, Holy One, Just One, a Prophet like Moses, Savior, Son of God, Son of Man, Author of Life, Judge, Man and God. There is absolutely no question that Acts is the continuing account of all that Jesus began to do and to teach as presented in the gospel of Luke. The outline of Acts is very straightforward: Witnesses in Jerusalem (1-7), Witnesses in Judaea & Samaria (8-12), and Witnesses to the ends of the earth (13-28). Luke focuses throughout on this truth: You will receive power from the Holy Spirit and be my witnesses to the ends of the earth. May God strengthen us to be effective witnesses for Jesus.

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community. 

Graceway Church is committed to being a God Exalting, Christ Centered, Spirit Motivated, Word Focused local body of Believers!