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Evidence of Conversion (Acts 8-9) These chapters give us a glimpse into some of the lives of those who were changed by the gospel. |
Evidence of Conversion (Acts 8-9)
These chapters give us a glimpse into some of the lives of those who were changed by the gospel.
- The Deceived to Convicted: Samaritans (8:5-12)
- Had thought they were following a man of God, but saw the difference and were willing to change.
- Shows the importance of investigating and following what is true (Matt. 7:21-23; 1 Jn 4:1; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Acts 17:11). Also shows the reaction we should have when we are corrected (Acts 19:17-19; 1 Thess. 1:9-10).
- The Haughty to Humble: Simon (8:13-24)
- He professed to be something he was not but at least was willing to recognize “the real thing” and follow God. Even later, when convicted of sin, he was willing to repent.
- This same humility must be exhibited by God’s children today (Acts 3:12-16; 14:14-18; Matt. 5:3-6; 23:12)
- The Searcher to Rejoicer: Ethiopian Eunuch (8:26-39)
- He is one who truly wanted to know more, was willing to act on what he learned, and so could go rejoicing.
- Such is true of all do the same (Jn 8:30-31; 2 Pet. 1:16ff; Heb. 1:1-2; 2:1-4; 2 Thess. 2:14-15; Lk 2:10-11).
- The Persecutor to Proclaimer: Saul (9:1-30)
- One who once worked to put Christians to death was now proclaiming the gospel he once tried to silence.
- We can be zealously wrong (Rom 10:1-4; 1 Tim. 1:12-13; Acts 22:2-3; 23:1); but like Paul we can change and zealously do right (Acts 22:16; Gal. 1:23; Titus 2:14).
