Lesson 10: Simon the Sorcerer, Ethiopian Nobleman, Dorcas, Aeneas

Introduction: Luke records the history of the work of the apostles 
and early church so that we might gain a better understanding of how 
Christians should conduct their lives.  Luke gives us examples of 
church discipline.  We see examples of love between Christians.  
We marvel at the power of God as seen in the miracles.  

I. Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:1-25)
   A. The persecution of the church in Jerusalem sent disciples 
      everywhere preaching the word.  Phillip went to Samaria where 
      he preached and performed miracles.  Multitudes believed and were 
      baptized (8:4-8).
   B. Simon practiced sorcery or "magic" for a living.  He was held in 
      great esteem by the people.  However, at the preaching and miracles 
      of Philip, he believed and was baptized (8:9-13).
   C. Peter and John came so that the new Christians could receive the 
      Holy Spirit.  Simon tried to purchase the gift of God and was 
      rebuked by Peter  (8:14-25).

Principles:
1. The Lord's Church will grow in spite of persecution.
2. The difference between magic and miracles is obvious.
3. God's gifts cannot be bought.
4. It is possible for a Christian to fall from grace.
5. If we sin, we do not have to be baptized again.  We must repent 
   and pray for forgiveness.


II. Ethiopian Nobleman  (Acts 8:26-40)
   A. Philip was sent to an area of desert outside of Jerusalem by an 
      angel.
   B. There he met the Ethiopian nobleman who had been to Jerusalem to 
      worship.  He was reading from Isaiah as he traveled.
   C. Philip was directed by the Spirit to overtake the chariot.  He 
      then proceeded to use the passage in Isaiah to preach Jesus Christ.
   D. The Ethiopian requested to be baptized.  Philip heard his 
      confession of faith and then baptized him.
   E. Philip was taken away by the Spirit of the Lord.  The nobleman 
      went on his way rejoicing.

	
Principles:
1. Teach others willingly, joyfully, and at each opportunity.
2. When God's Word is understood, obedience in baptism follows naturally.
3. Conversion is accompanied by great joy.


III. Dorcas  (Acts 9:36-43)
   A. Her name was Tabitha in Aramaic and Dorcas in Greek.  Both names 
      meant 'Gazelle.'  She lived in Joppa.  She was well known for her 
      acts of kindness.
   B. She became sick and died and was taken to an upper room to prepare 
      her body for burial.
   C. They sent two men for Peter who was in the nearby town of Lydda, 
      a little over 10 miles away.
   D. The widows stood by weeping and showed Peter the garments Dorcas 
      had made.
   E. Peter sent them all away and prayed.  Dorcas was restored to 
      life and returned to the disciples.
   F. All of Joppa heard the story and many believed on the Lord.

Principles:
1. Our actions are noticed by our brothers and sisters in Christ.  
   Good works encourage our brethren.
2. Luke the physician records that she had truly died.  The miracles 
   of the Bible are undeniable.
3. Miracles were performed to confirm the word and produce believers.  
   They are recorded for us to accomplish the same thing.


IV. Aeneas  (Acts 9:33-35)
   A. Peter came to Lydda and found Aeneas who had been bedridden for 
      eight years.  Luke used the Greek medical term; paralysis.
   B. He was healed by the power of Jesus Christ.
   C. The cities of Lydda and Sharon turned to the Lord.

Principles:
1. Miracles declare the presence and power of God as creator of this 
   universe.
2. Miracles were witnessed by many and widely known. Miraculous 
   healing did not deal with questionable cures of subtle symptoms.
3. The power of God produces faith.


Questions:

1. How would you answer the common teaching that baptism is not 
   essential for forgiveness since you would have to be baptized after 
   each sin?  What story illustrates this point?
2. Why do people listen to false teachers?  Are people inherently 
   gullible?  
3. How would you answer the common teaching that one cannot fall from 
   grace?  
4. Was the Ethiopian nobleman the first gentile convert?  What was 
   the status of eunuches under the Old Law?  See Deut. 23:1 and Isaiah 
   56:3-8.  How does this relate to the promises made to Abraham?
5. Should we wait for an angel to show us who to teach?  How does God  
   feel about the lost?  How are we to feel about the lost  
   (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16)?
6. Philip ran to catch the nobleman.  Do we run towards a chance to 
   study God's word or do we run away from a study?  How will God 
   judge those who do not teach others (Ezek. 3:17-19)?
7. Who can be baptized?  What passages can you quote to prove your 
   position?
8. Why is there rejoicing after baptism?  How long does this joy last 
   (Luke 15:7,10)?
9. How do faithful Christians make us stronger?  Why does the writer 
   of Hebrews mention assembling in this context (Hebrews 10:24-25)?
10. Why was Dorcas so dearly loved?  Would the response to the death of 
    Dorcas been the same if she had not been such a hard worker for the 
    Lord?  Does this imply some sort of favoritism?
11. Why do you believe miracles really happened?  How would you answer 
    criticism that these stories were fabricated by the apostles?