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Preaching Christ (Acts 8 ) When one looks at this record of the activities of the early church, we find them busy in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ; specifically consider the different ways this is spoken of. |
Preaching Christ (Acts 8 )
When one looks at this record of the activities of the early church, we find them busy in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ; specifically this is spoken of as:
- Preaching the Word (v4) – this they did as they went about in their lives. Consider some qualities of the word they proclaimed (John 17:17; Luke 8:11; 1 Thess. 2:13; Rom. 10:17; Heb. 4:12; James 1:21; 1 Pet. 2:2; Acts 20:32; 2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Pet. 2:25).
- Preaching Christ (v5) – this centers on the work of Philip who was one of those preaching the word (v4), thus he was not just telling them of the man Jesus, but proclaiming the whole of the gospel. He spoke, confirming with miracles (v6-7, 13; Heb. 2:3-4); he preached things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus (v12; Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28l; Eph. 1:22-23; Matt. 28:18-20; Col. 3:17); he taught them concerning salvation and baptism (v12); he preached the word of God (v14).
- Testifying and Preaching the Word of God and Preaching the Gospel (v25). They came speaking the word of the Lord (that which comes from God and testifies of Him) and preached the gospel of Christ (the good news of Christ and salvation). Peter and John proclaimed the same message Philip had.
- Preaching Jesus (v35) – Philip now preaches to the eunuch and obvious he teaches not just of who Jesus was but of the response that such knowledge should bring as the eunuch is baptized.
- Preaching (v40) – simply notes Philip preaches (evangelize; proclaims good news), which is no doubt what he has been doing in the rest of this chapter.
Let us be active in doing the same today.
