The crowds paid attention

Acts 8:1b-8

^1b A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. ² (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) ³ But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.

⁴ But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. ⁵ Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. ⁶ Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. ⁷ Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. ⁸ So there was great joy in that city.

Wow – so much is going on in this reading.  I am drawn to many things – there is persecution, and the leaders stay in Jerusalem and the followers scatter.  Then we read of Philip.  Verse 6 particularly caught my attention – “The crowds were paying attention with one mind to what Philip said, as they heard and saw the miraculous signs he was performing”.  The crowds paid attention!!!  Getting the attention of a crowd is no mean feat.  Commanding their attention and holding it is difficult – but something remarkable was occurring!  They heard the Gospel, and it was on display with miracles in front of people’s eyes.  Such was the atmosphere that surrounded Philip at the time.

When was the last time – you as you spoke of Jesus, also performed a miracle?  This was what was happening for Philip.

I think it is time to ask God for a miracle – one that those who do not know Jesus will pay attention to!!

Why not ask God now!!

Father God – I am asking you for a miracle today – not for me but for the person I share the Gospel with today!  May they pay attention to what they hear and receive a miracle at Your hand!

Written by Ps. Richard Botta

Have a look at this excellent Bible Project video overview of Acts 8-12, at https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/gospel-acts-2/