The Samaritan's Conversion Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. The Promise of Christ to Samaria

2. The Preaching of Christ in Samaria

3. The Pardon of Christ in Samaria

Introductory Remarks.

1. Today's lesson will discuss a theme: “The Samaritan’s Conversion.” This is the second lesson in a series of messages regarding New Testament conversions in the Book of Acts. The Samaritans are the new real example of the Book of Acts conversions. This came as a result of the persecutions of Stephen by Saul and the church in Jerusalem being “scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles,” Acts 8:1-3. The disciples “went everywhere preaching the word,” Acts 8:5. Philip, one of the first deacons in the church of Christ, “went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them,” Acts 8:5.

2. First, we will consider the promise of Christ to Samaria. Recall Jesus' teaching and work in the city of Samaria. He told his disciples about this work: “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work,” John 4:34. Jesus went into this city by the woman's invitation at the well, John 4:39-43. Our Lord laid a sure foundation in this city regarding his name and him being the promised Messiah, John 4:29, 42. Now, Philip will be called upon by God to “fulfill the promise of Christ” in this city. Notice our Lord’s promise: “And ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth,” Acts 1:8.

3. Secondly, we will notice the preaching of Christ in Samaria. Philip went into the city and preached “Christ unto them,” Acts 8:5. Luke writes: “And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice(s) came out of many possessed, and many taken with palsies and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city,” Acts 8:5-8. The preaching of Christ brings healing and great joy!

4. Finally, we will describe the pardon of Christ in Samaria. Luke writes: “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. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done,” Acts 8:12-13. The preaching of Philip consisted of the kingdom of God, the name of Jesus Christ, faith and baptism. We have seen this “pattern” already in the conversion of those on the Day of Pentecost. They too heard preaching in the “name of Jesus, the Messiah's kingdom and priesthood, repentance and baptism for the remission of sins.” There can be no question that Philip was preaching the same message to these people in Samaria. Let’s consider our first thought, the promise of Christ to Samaria.

BODY OF LESSON

I THE PROMISE OF CHRIST TO SAMARIA

A. The Limited Commission. During the ministry of Jesus, there was a limited commission. This commission forbade any preaching to the Gentiles and Samaritans. Notice Jesus: “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither (gold), silver, or brass in your purses. Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into a house, salute it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it is not, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable…,” Matthew 10:5-14.

1. Limited Commission. This commission did not require the gift of tongues.

2. They were preaching to their people, the Jews.

B. Christ's visit to Samaria. Do you remember that Christ met the woman at the well? He was invited into the city and preached there, John 4:28-43. Recall our lesson, “I Must Need to Go Through Samaria?”

C. The promise of Christ to Samaria. Christ promised to preach the gospel to the city of Samaria. He told his apostles before His ascension: “But ye (apostles) shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost comes upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth,” Acts 1:8; Luke 24:44-49.