Acts 8:12-25

Teaching Notes

In Acts 8:12–25, we’re given a powerful contrast between what is genuine and what is counterfeit in the life of faith. As Philip preaches the gospel in Samaria, we see the clear fruit of God’s Word and Spirit at work. In a place marked by spiritual confusion, demonic influence, and ethnic division, it was the simple, Spirit-empowered truth of the gospel that brought breakthrough. People heard the message of the kingdom and the name of Jesus, and many believed and were baptized. There were no gimmicks, no emotional manipulation—just the power of God working through the Word, which remains more than enough today.

Baptism follows belief and serves as a beautiful and bold declaration of our new identity in Christ. It doesn’t save us, but it declares that our lives are now under Christ’s authority—that we’ve died to our old selves and risen to walk in newness of life. It’s the first step of obedience and a joyful, public way to say, “I belong to Jesus.”

Then comes Simon the sorcerer—a man deeply entrenched in his own influence and pride, amazed not by grace but by power. Though he too believes and is baptized, his motivation seems shallow. He follows Philip, but his fascination is more with miracles than the Messiah. And when he sees the Spirit given through the apostles’ hands, he offers to buy that power. His heart wasn’t right before God. Simon shows us that it’s possible to say the right words, go through the motions, and still miss the point entirely. What Simon wanted was control, status, and the ability to profit off the things of God—a dangerous and destructive pursuit still present today.

Peter’s bold rebuke is telling: “Your heart is not right… Repent.” Real faith is always accompanied by a transformed heart. It’s not about what we can get from God but about surrendering fully to Him. True repentance is more than fear of consequences—it’s a brokenness over sin and a desire to turn from it and walk in obedience. Sadly, Simon’s response reveals more concern with avoiding punishment than being made right with God. He asks Peter to pray for him, rather than turning to God himself—further exposing a lack of real relationship with the Lord.

We also see here that the giving of the Holy Spirit was uniquely delayed for the Samaritan believers—not as a norm, but as a one-time affirmation of unity. God waited for Peter and John to arrive so that it would be clear: Samaritans are fully welcomed into the body of Christ. This powerful moment broke down long-standing walls of prejudice, reminding us today that the gospel is for all people and that true unity in Christ crosses every boundary.

In the end, Peter and John return to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel throughout Samaritan villages. Their hearts are clearly changed too—no longer avoiding Samaria, they’re now proclaiming Jesus there boldly. That’s what the Spirit does in us—He breaks barriers, transforms hearts, and sends us out with good news.

So here’s the question we all need to wrestle with: are we the genuine article, or are we just going through the motions? True faith bears fruit. True repentance leads to change. May we be people who are marked not just by religious activity, but by Spirit-filled, Christ-centered transformation. Let’s remain attached to the Vine, so that our lives produce lasting fruit for the kingdom.