Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before-time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one. 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
For our case study we will observe both the work of The Holy Spirit, and the movements of the early Christians as they preached the good news of the gospel, under His guidance and direction. It will be of critical importance as we study to make a note of what God allowed, and what He did not prevent, or intervene to stop, even though He always knows all things.
Phillip goes down to Samaria to preach, and like as Christ stated in the parable, he casts the gospel net into the sea of humanity living there, and behold, a multitude of different “fish” are reeled in. Phillip is not to decide who is reeled in, and he is not to cast the net with any prejudice or preference, for all must be granted equal opportunity to be saved, even those whom God knows in advance, will be lost.
This is one of the most important facts for us to keep in mind as the latter rain is poured out. A few questions would obviously arise in the hearts of some, about why this particular experience has been recorded in the scriptures. The obeah man has obviously not been converted, as was later revealed in the scriptures, he has ulterior motives, and yet he comes in for baptism, because he believes.
Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!