What happens when the Church is scattered by persecution — but refuses to be silenced?

In Acts 8:1–24, Pastor Luke Taylor continues our journey through the Book of Acts, following the aftermath of Stephen’s death as persecution drives believers beyond Jerusalem and into Judea and Samaria. What looks like an attempt to destroy the early Church instead becomes the means by which the Gospel spreads further than ever before.

Philip, one of the seven chosen to serve in Acts 6, arrives in Samaria and begins preaching Christ. Centuries of hostility between Jews and Samaritans begin to give way as people respond to the Gospel, experience healing and deliverance, and receive the good news of Jesus.

But among them is Simon the Sorcerer — a man accustomed to influence, reputation and supernatural power. After believing and being baptised, Simon witnesses the Holy Spirit being received through the laying on of the apostles’ hands and makes a devastating mistake: he tries to buy the gift of God.

His story gives us a searching question for our own lives: Do we want God Himself, or only what we hope God will give us?

Pastor Luke explores the danger of pursuing spiritual power without pursuing relationship with God, the difference between genuine repentance and simply fearing consequences, and why the presence, power and gifts of the Holy Spirit can never be bought, earned or negotiated.

This message also looks at:

• How persecution caused the early Church to spread rather than disappear

• The historic division between Jews and Samaritans

• Healing, deliverance, signs and wonders in Acts 8

• Simon the Sorcerer and the danger of counterfeit spirituality

• Chasing the gifts of God more than the Giver

• The Gospel as a gift that can only be received