Daily Bibel Plan – Acts of the Apostels 8

18. February 2026

Devotion by Deaconess Ruth Ahiabor

Theme: Raising Spirit-Filled Disciples for the Unleashing Agenda

Introduction

Persecution begins to push believers beyond Jerusalem fulfilling Jesus’ prophesy that the gospel will spread to Judea, Samaria and beyond. Under these circumstances, God also uses Philip to reach new territories whilst orchestrating divine encounters.

Spirit-filled disciples channel pain into purpose

“As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

After the death of Stephen, a great wave of persecution broke out in Jerusalem as Saul (who later became Paul) began to destroy the church.

“Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This persecution caused the believers in the early church to be scattered but God used this situation to multiply the church as the believers refused to stay silent but instead preached the glorious gospel everywhere they went.

Though scattered, the faith of the believers grew stronger and stronger and the message of hope spread abroad. What appeared to be a tragedy (persecution) in the early church actually became a catalyst for global evangelism.

In times of trials, we are encouraged to hold on to our faith, remain strong and focused, being mindful that God is always with us and He can even use our pain to expand His purpose.

The Gospel has power to break barriers

As a result of the scattering of the believers, Philip, one of the seven chosen in Acts 6 went up to Samaria - a region originally despised by the Jews and where there was a great harvest of souls ready to be saved.

Here he preached the Word of the one true God, (not the god/gods of the Samaritans) to the people with great success.

The message preached by Philip under the influence of the Holy Spirit convicted the hearts of multitudes in the city and many were healed and unclean spirits cast out. The gospel has power to break and transcend cultural and religious barriers, bringing healing, deliverance and joy to a whole city!

“For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The power of the Holy Spirit cannot be earned, bought or manipulated

Simon the sorcerer also heard the good news of hope preached by Philip; he believed and was baptised.

When he later saw the apostles laying hands and imparting the Holy Spirit, he wrongly thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money revealing a corrupt heart.

“for your heart is not right in the sight of God.” Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Our faith must go beyond fascination

Like Simon, we too must check our motives.

The power of the Holy Spirit cannot be earned, bought or manipulated. It is a gift from God for a heart aligned with Him.

If we humble ourselves before God, walk away from the things that separate us from His presence; if we walk in obedience to His word then we will begin to walk consistently in the power of the Holy Spirit.

A divine set up on a desert road

“Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Guided by the spirit, Philip met the Ethiopian Eunuch and explained the scriptures to him who also believed and was baptised.

God is the one who saves and orchestrates perfect moments to bring people to himself. In spite of that he uses you and I in this mission to the world. So our job is to be like Philip, obedient to God’s leading and sensitive to how Holy Spirit is working in the lives of people around us.

Chair time

Read

Acts 8:1-40

Reflect

• Do I consider pain and persecution as rejection by God or opportunities to advance purpose?

• How ready am I to go outside of my comfort zone for the glory of God?

• Do I seek God or is my interest in what I can get from Him?

• Why do I seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

• How obedient am I to divine appointments that God might be calling us to?

Prayer

Lord search my heart and purify my motives. Use even my pain for your purpose. Fill me with boldness and discernment like like Philip. Help me to treasure your spirit not for power but for intimacy with You. In Jesus name, amen.