The Church In Samaria JSS3 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

CONTENT

• Philip’s Work in Samaria (Acts 8:5-40)
• The Gospel Reaches the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)

PHILIP IN SAMARIA

After Stephen’s death, persecution broke out in Jerusalem, forcing many believers to flee. One of those who fled was Philip, one of the seven deacons. Philip went to Samaria, where he preached the gospel with great success. He performed miracles, casting out demons and healing the sick. Many people believed in the message and were baptized.

The news of Philip’s work in Samaria reached the apostles in Jerusalem, and Peter and John were sent to lay hands on the new believers so they could receive the Holy Spirit. This event marked the expansion of the church beyond Jerusalem, fulfilling Jesus’ command to take the gospel to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.

PHILIP AND THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH

In Acts 8:26-40, Philip was led by the Holy Spirit to meet an Ethiopian eunuch who was traveling from Jerusalem to Gaza. The eunuch was reading a passage from the book of Isaiah but did not understand its meaning. Philip approached him and explained that the passage was a prophecy about Jesus Christ. The eunuch accepted the message, and Philip baptized him.

This story shows how the Holy Spirit guided Philip to share the gospel with individuals, as well as large crowds. The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch is significant because it represents the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth.

EVALUATION

1. Why did Philip go to Samaria?
2. What happened to the Ethiopian eunuch?

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. What led to the division of labor in the early church?
2. List four reasons why Stephen was killed.
3. Who was the first Christian martyr?
4. Describe the impact of persecution on the growth of the church.

THE CHURCH IN THE PART OF PALESTINE: LYDDA AND JOPPA- Acts 9:32-35, 9:36-46

The church at Lydda and Joppa were established by scattered Christians who settled there after they flee from the persecution in Jerusalem. This territory was successfully evangelized by Philip and later visited by Peter to perform the miracles of healing.

 Peter came down to Lydda where he found a man named Aeneas who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralysed. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed”. And immediately, he arose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

 At Joppa, there was a disciple called Tabitha or Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. She died suddenly and was laid in an upper room. The disciples sent two men down to Joppa to entreat Peter who was residing at Lydda to come without delay. Peter followed them to Joppa, and was taken to the upper room. He put the weeping disciples outside and knelt down and prayed.

 Turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, rise” Dorcas opened her eyes and saw Peter, Peter gave her his hands and lifted her up. He presented her alive to the saints. Many believed in the Lord and Peter stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

Lessons 

1. We should obey the great commission like Peter 
2. With God all things are possible 

 
EVALUATION

1. Describe the condition of Aeneas before Peter found him at Lydda
2. Write briefly about Dorcas.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

Christian Religious Knowledge for J.S.S. 3 page 25-27