Join us as we read the scriptures and a daily devotion written by Don Crisp. We pray these messages will bless us all at this time.
Read Acts chapter 8:20-25:
Categories: Don’s Daily Devotions
Read Acts chapter 8:20-25:
V20: Peter is angered by this mercenary attitude, but surely more at the unbelieving heart behind it. He tells Simon he will come under solemn judgement for this, and his money will perish with him. Perhaps we remember the parable of the “rich fool” in Luke 12:16-21.
V21-22: Then he tells Simon his heart is not right with God, he has no part in the work of God he has just witnessed and is still a sinner under judgement – but now he calls on him to repent and to pray for forgiveness.
V23-24: He perceives the bitterness of Simon’s spirit – his desire for status and power, and that he is truly in the grip of sin. Simon asks the Apostles to pray for him, that this judgement will not come upon him. Does he feel unable to pray himself, or does he think the Apostles’ prayers will “carry more weight”? He is still far from true faith, and Scripture does not tell us if he came to faith after this. But God’s grace has a long reach, and His mercy is wonderful.
V25: Peter and John stay a while in Samaria after this, preaching there, then as they return to Jerusalem, they preach in all the Samaritan villages they pass through. Clearly, they are fully convinced that God’s grace has been poured out on the Samaritans too, and that will be their report back.