“Whosoever”
Acts 8:9-13
1-12-2025 AM
I cannot say for anybody else, but I am so glad that God will save whosoever.
Paul said in, 1 Timothy 1:15 “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
In our text today we see a great example of Grace that is offered unto whosoever.
This little word that is not in our text explicitly is mentioned 163 times and every time it means the same
Whosoever - to who will, or that which (anyone or anybody)
Although it is not in our text we certainly see the free will of man and his ability to call unto God for salvation.
I. A Man Of Sin
Vs. 9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
Very little in known about this Simon; only that he was Simon, the Samaritan wizard.
His power was known throughout the area.
He had the persona of a great one; meaning he carried great influence among the people of the area.
Sorcery - to be a magician, to practice magical arts, often used as a physician.
One who used and distributed drugs
It is also identified as a false prophet
Another word for magical arts is pharmakeus (far-mak-yoos’)
We get or English word Pharmacy. Magical remedies.
Bewitched - to amaze, to astonish, throw into wonderment, besides one’s self, insane
Giving out that himself was some great one – lifting one’s self up, to boast.
II. A Man Of Power
Vs. 10 “To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.”
He reflected and declared that his power was from God; and who was going to argue after they saw so much.
He seemed to accept the worship of others
III. A Man Of Prestige
Vs. 11 “And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.”
Bewitched - to amaze, to astonish, throw into wonderment
Anyone can be lured into false belief when they see great things done.
The people were following Simon for the show that was put on.
I hate to say this, but, we have in our age seen many shows that claimed great power and like Simon they were shown to be false.
Beware of the razzel dazzel of a person who comes in to brag about what great things they have done.
IV. A Man Of Influence
Vs. 12 “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
The time had come where truth clashed with a lie and TRUTH prevailed.
John 8:32 “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:36 “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
To be made free gives us the gift of life and we find our sins not just forgiven but gone.
I was born into sins slavery and yet when I was made free it is as if I was born free.
That is born again my friends.
If I am “set free” it shows that I was caged in sin and was released into freedom.
But if I am “made free” it is the picture that I was born free.
We are not free to sin we are free to serve because we are forgiven and we carry no guilt or trace of sin.
I am free to fellowship with my Saviour and God the Father.
Here is the best verse of the whole bunch:
V. A Man Of God
Vs. 13 “Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.”
Simon himself believed also - That is salvation
When he was baptized, - that is obedience
He continued with Philip - that is fellowship
Conclusion:
I am so glad for a little word like “whosoever.”
God’s mercy and salvation is available to anyone who will see their need for a Saviour and call upon Him.
The evidence of true salvation is obedience.
Salvation does not include baptism for salvation but it does show obedience with God’s authority without shame.
Fellowship is essential in the growth of a new believer and a great way to know if someone is saved, because they love to be around those who love the Lord.
Can you testify of a time when you discovered you were lost without Christ?
I am not asking did you pray some prayer.
I’m asking did you feel the weight of sin; that is called conviction?
If you are saved then no one needs to tell you or convince you the importance of Church attendance and sweet fellowship; it is part of our new life in Christ.
