Questions for Acts 8:1-25

Key verse 8:12

THE GOOD NEWS SPREADS TO SAMARIA

1. In what ways was Saul involved in the killing of Stephen (1a)? What were the consequences for the church in Jerusalem after Stephen’s martyrdom, and how did these events unfold (1b-3)? How was Jesus’ purpose fulfilled despite the tragedy of Stephen’s death (1:8; 8:4; 11:19-21)?

2. Who was Philip, what prompted his journey to Samaria, and what actions did he take upon arriving there (5-6a; 6:5)? What happened in Samaria as a result of Philip’s ministry, and why were these events significant (6b-8; 1:8; Jn 4:9)?

3. What actions did Simon take in Samaria, and what impact did Philip’s proclamation of the good news have on the people there (9-13)? How did the apostles in Jerusalem respond to the news from Samaria (14-17)?

4. What was Simon’s offer, why was it considered wrong, and what does Peter’s rebuke reveal about the proper response to such offers (18-23)? How did Simon react to Peter’s rebuke, and what actions did the apostles continue to pursue afterwards (24-25)?

5. What can you learn from this passage?