Ordinary Christians, Extraordinary Mission — Acts 8:1–25
Oct 8, 2026 7
Who carries the message of Jesus when the church is scattered? In Acts 8, ordinary Christians take part in an extraordinary mission. As persecution drives them from Jerusalem, they keep telling people about Jesus.
Acts 8:4–5
[4] Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. [5] Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. (ESV)
Scattered believers keep speaking
Stephen has been killed. His friends grieve, and Saul drags believers from their homes into prison. The church scatters throughout Judea and Samaria, while the apostles remain in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1-3).
These are painful circumstances. Following Jesus has cost these believers dearly. Yet wherever they go, they share his message. They continue to proclaim that the crucified One is the Christ, and that he is alive!
Remember Acts 1:8? Jesus said his witnesses would go from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Now, through the scattering of his people, that mission moves forward.
Despite appearances, God is in control.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Ordinary Christians, extraordinary mission
Philip, one of the Seven (see Acts 6:1-7), proclaims Jesus in Samaria. People hear his message, witness healings and respond with faith. There is great joy in the city (Acts 8:5-12).
This is a significant moment. Jews and Samaritans had a long history of hostility. When Peter and John arrive, they pray for the Samaritan believers, who receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17).
Their inclusion marks a major step in the gospel’s spread. The apostles’ involvement shows that Jewish and Samaritan believers belong to one people of God. This unusual sequence is best understood in that setting, rather than as a pattern requiring Christians to receive the Spirit sometime after believing.
We also meet Simon, who wants to buy the power to give the Spirit. Peter calls him to repent (Acts 8:18-24). Simon wants the benefits without submitting to Jesus.
You don’t need to be someone great to take part in God’s mission. We know the one whose name is great: Jesus.
The Good News is…
Our Risen Saviour continues building his church, and ordinary Christians have a part in his extraordinary mission. Our everyday lives might differ from the forced scattering in Acts 8. But much of our week is spent scattered among people who need Jesus: in our homes, neighbourhoods and workplaces. We can make the most of opportunities to share him there.
So keep trusting Jesus. Wherever you find yourself, keep pointing people to him.
Like and share so others can see Jesus clearly.
Further reading: Acts 8:1-25.
Reflection
Pray that God’s Spirit will help you make the most of opportunities to speak about Jesus among the people you see this week.
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited