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PHILIP PREACHES CHRIST IN SAMARIA
NO sooner was the Gospel preached with success, than Satan stirred up persecution against it; determined, if possible, to crush and annihilate the infant Church. But what he designed for the destruction of Christianity, God overruled for its speedier propagation, and its firmer establishment. The persecution which commenced with the death of Stephen was so bitter, that the new converts were constrained to flee from Jerusalem, in order to escape its violence; the Apostles alone daring to brave the storm. But the Christians who fled to all the surrounding country, carried the Gospel along with them, and published it in every place: and the very circumstance of their being persecuted on account of it, rendered them more earnest in spreading the knowledge of it, and gave it a deeper interest among the people to whom they spake. Philip, who, like Stephen, was one of the seven deacons, fled with the rest, and went down to Samaria: and there was made a happy instrument of diffusing widely the knowledge of his Lord and Saviour.
From the account given of him in our text, we are led to notice,
I. The subject of his discourses—
The “preaching of Christ” is a term commonly used in Scripture for the publishing of the Gospel in all its parts: it is said of the Apostles, that “daily, in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach, and preach Jesus Christ.” Respecting Philip’s discourses we are more fully informed; for “he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ [Note: ver. 12.].” He shewed them,
1. Concerning the kingdom of God—
[This kingdom had been distinctly spoken of by the prophets, as to be established in due time: and the Gentiles, as well as Jews, expected the erection of it about that time. The person to whom the throne of David belonged was now come; and, though rejected and crucified by his own subjects, he had set up a kingdom which should never be moved. His empire indeed was not like those of the world, but was altogether spiritual; it was established in the hearts of men, and was founded in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Into this kingdom all are called; and all who would be saved must become the subjects of it, giving up themselves to Christ, as their only Governor and Redeemer.
This is the instruction which ministers in every age must give to those whom they address in the name of Christ. None can properly be called the natural subjects of this kingdom: for all by nature are subjects of Satan’s kingdom, and must be conquered by divine grace, before they will submit to the government of Christ: as the Apostle expresses it. they are “delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son.” This then is the message, which, as God’s ambassadors, we declare to you in his name: you must all throw down the weapons of your rebellion, and submit yourselves to Christ, to be saved wholly by his grace, and to be governed wholly by his laws — — —]
2. Concerning the name of Jesus Christ—
[To the Apostles this name was more precious than words can possibly express: it was the foundation of all their hopes, and the source of all their joys. They had seen the efficacy of this name to produce the most astonishing effects; and they knew that “there was no other name given under heaven whereby men could be saved.” Hence they strove to commend the Lord Jesus to the whole world, proclaiming him in all his offices, and magnifying him as the Saviour of a ruined world — — — And what other theme is there so delightful to his ministers in all ages? To honour him, and exalt him, and commend him to the world, is the great office of a minister: and then is his ministry most successful, when he can be instrumental to the making Him known and loved and honoured by the world at large — — —]
3. That Christ had now established his kingdom upon earth—
[It was well known, from the prophetic writings, that the Messiah was to come, and to erect an universal empire in the world. This Messiah was come; and Jesus had proved, by the most unquestionable evidence, that he was the person so long foretold, and so earnestly desired [Note: Hag_2:7.]. These proofs Philip doubtless set before them — — — and declared to them the nature of that kingdom which was now established: it was not indeed such as the carnal Jews had expected, and such as existed among the heathen; it was a spiritual kingdom erected in the hearts of men, and consisting “in righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost” — — —]
4. That of this they might all become the happy subjects—
[Satan had usurped dominion over mankind, and had held his vassals in the sorest bondage: but his power was broken: Christ had “triumphed over him upon the cross, and had spoiled all the principalities and powers” of hell. By making atonement for sin, Christ had reconciled men to their offended God, and had obtained for them the privilege of becoming his sons. This privilege Philip held forth to them as of inestimable value, and as to be secured simply by faith in the Lord Jesus. In urging this point, no doubt he opened fully the riches of grace and love that are in Christ Jesus: and entreated all the people to embrace his proffered salvation. He would expatiate largely on the privileges which all the subjects of this kingdom should enjoy; their security from all evil, their possession of all good: in a word, he magnified the Lord Jesus Christ among them, as the only, and all-sufficient Saviour of a ruined world.]
This testimony he confirmed by miracles, which operated strongly to the conviction of their minds; as we shall see, whilst we consider,
II. The effect of his ministrations—
It is supposed by many, that the Gospel is productive only of melancholy: but far different was its fruit in Samaria; for “there was great joy,” it is said, “in that city.” But whence did their joy proceed? We answer,
1. From the temporal benefits by which the Gospel was confirmed—
[These were certainly very great, and gave much occasion for joy, even among those who had no spiritual perception of its excellency. It could not fail to rejoice all who were related to the persons on whom the miraculous cures were effected, yea, and all too who had any measure of benevolence in their hearts.
And there is similar ground for joy wherever the light of the Gospel shines: for it banishes many dark and wicked superstitions, infanticide, parricide, the burning of women at the funeral of their husbands, together with innumerable other cruel and horrid practices. And still more, wherever the Gospel is preached with power, the people at large, as well as those who feel its influence, have reason to rejoice in it: for there all benevolent institutions are set on foot; the education of poor children, and their instruction in the faith of Christ, are attended to; societies are formed for the visiting of the sick, and the relief of the needy; and the general tone of morals is raised: and all these are, to the ungodly, what miracles were in the days of old,) evidences of the truth and excellency of that Gospel, which produces such fruits.
We admit therefore that the miraculous cures were to them one source of joy: and we a affirm, that every city into which the Gospel now comes, has, on similar grounds, good reason for a joyful reception of it.]
2. From the spiritual benefits which they experienced in their own souls—
[Multitudes of them, who had long been “led captive by the devil at his will,” now had their chains broken, and were “delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son.” A sense of God’s pardoning love was now shed abroad in their hearts: and they had “a Spirit of adoption given them, whereby they could cry, Abba, Father.” Now they were brought as it were into a new world; “old things passed away, and all things were become new:” they had new views, new desires, new pursuits, new joys, even such as they never before had the least idea of. Can we wonder then that their “joy was great?” The Gospel, when published by angels at the Saviour’s birth, was proclaimed as “glad tidings of great joy to all people:” and the prophets had all with one voice represented it in the same light [Note: For the spiritual benefit see Isa_35:1-2; Isa_55:12-13. And for the joy excited by it quote Isa_44:23 and the whole 98th Psalm.] — — — And we can appeal to all who have ever tasted its sweetness, that it is indeed “a feast of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.”]
3. From the eternal benefits which were opened to their view—
[The kingdom into which believers are brought, is but the commencement of that which is perfected in heaven. The peace and holiness which are enjoyed here, are the blossom which will be brought to maturity in a better world. Grace is glory begun; and glory is grace consummated. Besides, the subjects of the Redeemer’s kingdom will each have a crown and kingdom of his own: “the glory which his Father has given him, he has bestowed on them:” they all without exception are “kings and priests unto God;” and “they shall reign for ever and ever.” Who must not rejoice in such a prospect as this? Truly if, with such a view of the happiness laid up for us in the eternal world, we did not rejoice, we should be more stupid than beasts, more insensible than stones. But no one can be “begotten again to a lively hope of this inheritance,” without feeling in his soul a heaven begun, and “rejoicing in Christ with a joy unspeakable and glorified [Note: 1Pe_1:3-5; 1Pe_1:8-9.].”]
Application—
1. Who then amongst us desires this joy?
[Behold how the Samaritans obtained it: they “with one accord gave heed unto the things which Philip spake:” and the same attention to the Gospel now will be productive of the same effects. The Gospel which we preach is the same as was preached by him: we “preach Christ unto you:” we preach him as “the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last,” the “All in all” in the salvation of man. O “give earnest heed to what the Scripture declares” concerning him [Note: Heb_2:1.]; treasure it up in your minds, and live upon it in your hearts [Note: Heb_4:2.]; and it shall operate, as it did in them, to your present and eternal welfare.]
2. Are there any amongst us who experience this joy?
[Then endeavour to “walk worthy of Him who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory [Note: 1Th_2:12.].” To this we would exhort you with paternal authority and love [Note: 1Th_2:11.]. Do you ask, How you are to walk worthy of him? we answer, By uniting closely with each other in faith and love [Note: Php_1:27.], and being increasingly fruitful in every good work [Note: Col_1:10.]. Let it be remembered, that this is the very end for which “God has called you out of darkness into his marvellous light,” that you should “shew forth his praise,” and glorify his name.]