The Conversion Of The Despicable

Ron Cosby
As you read the conversion of the Samaritans in Acts 8:5-12, keep in mind the following important statements:
  1. Philip proclaimed unto them the Christ,

  2. There was much joy in that city,

  3. When they believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ,

  4. They were baptized, both men and women.
Such is the summary of the Conversion of the "Despicable." If you look up the word "despicable" in the dictionary you will find that it means, "deserving of contempt or scorn; vile, to despise... treated shamefully." Daffy Duck's feeling when he says "you'rrre dethpicable" is a perfect description of some people. Despicable is when a man beats or strikes his wife. Despicable is when a man of authority takes advantage of a young woman who does not have the power to ward off his advances. Despicable is when an ideology will murder innocent women and children to advertise their movement or to get the world's attention. Despicable is when a spouse will vengefully disparage or belittle the mother or father of their children. To despise such action does not mean we hate the person behind the action.


The Despicable

Jews held Samaritans in contempt because they were a mongrel race of Jewish and Gentile blood, described in Second Kings 17. History indicates that the Samaritans were also despicable because of their behavior toward the Jews. Over the centuries, they sought to assassinate Israel's leaders, lied to the Jews and lied about them, and tried to ambush them as they were rebuilding their religious shrines and nation.

With this background, read John 8:48, "... Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a demon?" As far as the Jew was concerned, such name calling should have stung. It was freely acknowledged that "Jews have no dealings with Samaritans" (John 4:9). The Samaritans were so odious to the Jews, they would not set foot in Samaria but traveled along the east bank of the Jordan River, going dozens of miles out of their way to get to Galilee. This contempt was not racial but religious and ethical.

In a sense, the Samaritans were despicable before God. They were in sin, as Paul says, "all have sinned" (Rom 3:23).

Though the Jews would have no dealings with Samaria, God knew they needed salvation. Jesus went straight through Samaria, and while in their country, offered them the "gift of God" (John 4:9-10). A few years later, having been commanded to "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature," Philip preached to them. Since "faith comes by hearing," they needed to hear the gospel to be saved (Acts 8:5; Rom. 10:13-17). Philip preached Christ (Acts 8:5). He preached the kingdom (Acts 8:12). He preached baptism (Acts 8:12b), else they would not have known to be baptized. Therefore, we learn to "preach Christ" certainly includes preaching the kingdom and baptism.

While on the earth, Jesus had taught that the kingdom was "at hand" (Mat. 3:1; 4:17; 10:7). Now, as Paul and John wrote, and as Philip preached, the same kingdom was present and they could enter it (Col. 1:13; Rev. 1:9; Acts 8). As the expression "kingdom of God" literally means the "reign of God," it is likely that Philip spoke of the rule and reign of God now present (Mat. 28:18; Acts 2:36; 5:31).

The Samaritans believed Philip was a man of God, instead of a charlatan like Simon the sorcerer. God holds men responsible for believing a lie (Gal. 3:1; Acts 26:9; 1 Ki. 13). A person may be sincere in his belief yet be lost. To be saved, they had to believe the message of Philip (Acts 8:12). They had to give heed to the message (Acts 8:12a), meaning, they "embraced" or applied themselves to the message they heard.

Men must heed the commandments of God instead of the creeds of men, "This testimony is true. For which cause reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth" (Titus 1:13 ASV). Paul could not say it any clearer than he did in Hebrews 2.

"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard; God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will" (vv. 1-4 ASV).

Obviously, giving heed means to obey God. Even the text verifies our conclusion because it says the Samaritans obeyed by being baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 8:12b, 14-16). Baptism in the name of the Lord is for men and women — not children (Mark 16:16). Infants cannot believe, therefore they are not subjects of the Lord's prescribed baptism. Furthermore, they are not lost, therefore have no need to believe or be immersed. Children are safe. Jesus repeatedly advocated obedience to God (Mat. 7:21ff). Paul warned his readers that the Lord Jesus would be revealed from heaven "with the angels of his power in flaming fire, rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might" (2 Thess. 1:7-9 ASV). To be saved, the Samaritans needed to obey the message of God, preached by Philip.

The conversion of the Samaritans is simple. They heard the gospel, believed and gave heed to the words of God. Having been baptized into Christ, they were no longer spiritually despicable but pure and without spot in the blood of the Lamb! David cried for the blessing the Samaritans received, "Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies" (Psa. 119:22). Removed — in Christ!



Back To Articles

Back To Main Page