(a) Give an account of the work of Philip in Samaria (b) In what two ways were the activities of the Holy Spirit manifested in Samaria?

(a) The work of Philip in Samaria (Acts 8:4-13)

• After the martyrdom of Stephen, a great persecution scattered the believers, and those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
• Philip went down to a city of Samaria and proclaimed Christ to them.
• The crowds paid close attention to what Philip said when they heard him and saw the signs he did.
• Unclean spirits came out of many, crying with a loud voice, and many who were paralysed or lame were healed.
• As a result there was great joy in that city.
• In the city was a man named Simon, who had practised magic and amazed the people, claiming to be somebody great, so that they called him the power of God that is called Great.
• When they believed Philip's preaching of the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptised.
• Even Simon himself believed and was baptised, and he continued with Philip, amazed at the signs and great miracles performed.
• (Later the apostles Peter and John came down from Jerusalem, prayed for the Samaritans and laid hands on them so that they received the Holy Spirit.)

(b) Two ways the activities of the Holy Spirit were manifested in Samaria

1. Through miracles and healings. Unclean spirits were cast out and the paralysed and lame were healed, demonstrating the Spirit's power through Philip.
2. Through the reception of the Spirit by the believers. When the apostles laid hands on the baptised Samaritans, they received the Holy Spirit, marking their full incorporation into the Church.