God Uses the Unlikely - Acts 8:4-25
I enjoy reading detective novels. Something about them just captures my attention.
If you’ve read a detective novel, you know that much of the genre’s allure comes from its unpredictability. You can be convinced you’ve pinned down the right suspect, only to find the least likely candidate ultimately be the culprit. Typically, when you review the clues in hindsight, the once-jarring conclusion makes complete sense.
Unpredictability is not unique to detective stories. Each day, we witness things contrary to what we might expect. On Sunday, Pastor Michael preached on a passage which described an event we might have considered unlikely.
In Acts 8:4-25, we read about the spread of the gospel into Samaria. The passage opens by saying, “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4, ESV).
We could easily overlook the significance of this verse. At first glance, we might not give much thought to the fact that those who were scattered by the persecution in Jerusalem went about sharing the gospel.
If we recall the beginning of the chapter, though, we know that this group of dispersed believers did not include the apostles. They remained in Jerusalem (see Acts 8:1). Also, we should consider the cultural tension in Samaria. Most Jews thought of Samaritans as ethnically and religiously compromised. Historically, Jews and Samaritans hated one another. Sharing the gospel with Samaritans might have been an intimidating task for a believing Jew.
Additionally, we could remember that Jesus spoke previously about the spread of the gospel into Samaria, specifically. In Acts 1:8 — in what can be thought of like a thesis statement of the book of Acts — we read, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’”
Jesus intended for the gospel to go forth from Jerusalem to the end of the earth — including to Samaria, a place many Jews would have regarded with bitter hatred. The mission was great. And which Christians did Christ first send to such a place? Well, it was a group one might regard as unlikely.
It wasn’t the apostles. It was a group of ordinary believers.
This is not, of course, to say that the apostles were not faithfully carrying out gospel-centered work elsewhere, but there is encouragement to be taken in this verse. God did not reserve the work of sharing the gospel for a select few Christians, but entrusted this mission to all believers. No matter your background, gifts, struggles, or resources, know this: If you are in Christ, you are called to make disciples.
The sending of ordinary believers into Samaria might seem unlikely to those of us who would expect the apostles to first bring the gospel to such a place. However, ministry was entrusted to ordinary believers then, and ministry is entrusted to ordinary believers today. God delights in displaying His power and grace through His church.
How can you be faithful to share the gospel? As Easter draws near, consider how you can pursue those around you with the good news of Jesus Christ.
Resources:
Four Reasons We Don’t Share the Gospel — Steven Lee
3 Ways to Share the Gospel This Week — Matt Smethurst
Reflection Questions:
Why is it encouraging to know that ordinary believers brought the gospel to Samaria?
Why is it important for Christians to share the gospel with others?
How, specifically, can you pursue those around you with the gospel this Easter season?
Listen to the Sermon: