Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to a city of Sama'ria, and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the multitudes with one accord gave heed to what was said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs which he did. For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice; and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.
In a Nutshell
Despite the persecution, the good news continues to be spread far and wide. The gospel goes to Samaria in fulfilment of Jesus' prediction.
Questions
Why do you think Luke was rather vague when he says "to a city"? Didn't he know which city he was talking about? Could there be other explanations?
Jesus taught mostly in and around Galilee. Samaria was between Galilee and Jerusalem. On His way up to Jerusalem in the final weeks of His life, Luke recounts His avoidance of Samaritan towns when they refused to give Him hospitality. This was their customary attitude toward those going up to Jerusalem to worship because the Samaritans had their own temple at Mount Gerizim. But Jesus had also begun to gather disciples from Samaria. Luke tells us that when James and John reported on the Samaritan's lack of hospitality, they suggested that their Master issue a condemnation. Jesus rebuked them. They had shown a lack of understanding about the Son of Man's mission (Luke 9:51-56). Let's look at references to Samaria in the New Testament to help us understand what Luke is saying to us about Philip's work there. Look at the list below:
Luke 9:52 - Jesus is on His way to
Jerusalem and the disciples are alarmed that the Samaritans will not offer
hospitality.
10:29-37, the parable of the
merciful Samaritan - go and do what he did!
17:11-19 Jesus heals a group of
lepers and the one Samaritan among them returns to give thanks to God for this
wonderful act.
John
4:4,9,39-40 returning home to Galilee after a time in Judea, Jesus meets the woman
at the well. He gives her the good news and the local people believe.
8:48 Jesus is accused of being a
Samaritan and having a demon. He denies having a demon, but doesn't object to
being identified as a Samaritan.
Acts 1:8 "you
will be my witnesses in Samaria"
8:1,5,14,25 Philip's work in "a city" of Samaria and its aftermath.
God's spirit comes to Samaria and the news is proclaimed throughout the region.
9:31 There is a unity "in Judea, Galilee and Samaria" because the Holy Spirit has been at work there among those believing in Jesus Christ.
Something wonderful was beginning to happen despite the persecution and dispersion of the believers. Luke tells us that when the news of the coming of "the Christ" came to Samaria it reversed a long-held and bitter rift between the children of Abraham waiting for the promises of Almighty God to be fulfilled. This also explains Jesus' rebuke. The Son of Man had also been sent as Deliverer for Samaria as well. When the Holy Spirit confirmed the gospel, then the region, Galilee, Judaea and Samaria was united in faith as never before.