Invite a student to read Acts 8:12–13 aloud. What influence did Simon have on the people? What do we learn about Simon from these verses? (Explain that the “use of power gained from the assistance or control of evil spirits is called sorcery”. Ask the class to follow along and look for the description of a Samaritan named Simon. Invite a student to read Acts 8:9–11 aloud. In addition to preaching the gospel, what other works did Philip perform? How did these Samaritans respond to Philip’s preaching? Ask the class to follow along, looking for how the Samaritans responded to Philip’s preaching. Invite a student to read Acts 8:6–8 aloud. Ask students to refer to the “Overview of the Acts of the Apostles” handout (see the appendix of this manual) and find the Savior’s commission recorded in Acts 1:8.Īccording to Acts 8:5, how did Philip begin to fulfill the Savior’s commission? Remind students that Philip was one of the seven disciples ordained to assist the Twelve Apostles in ministering to the needs of Church members (see Acts 6:5). What did persecution lead Church members to do?ĭirect students’ attention to the name Philip in verse 5. You may want to explain that haling ( Acts 8:3) means dragging or pulling. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Church members did as a result of persecution against the Church in Jerusalem. Invite several students to take turns reading aloud from Acts 8:1–5. Remind students that in Acts 7 we learn about the death of the disciple Stephen at the hands of persecutors. Invite students to look as they study Acts 8 for a gift from God that cannot be purchased. However, some of the most valuable things in life cannot be purchased. Point out that some people believe that money can buy anything. What is something you would purchase with the money? Ask students to imagine they have received a large amount of money. Philip ministers in Samaria, where Simon the sorcerer attempts to purchase the priesthoodĭisplay some money. These lessons incorporate the Fundamentals of Gospel Teaching and Learning, helping students to understand the context and content of a scripture block to identify, understand, and feel the truth and importance of gospel doctrines and principles and to apply doctrines and principles. Suggestions for Teachingįundamentals of Gospel Teaching and LearningĮach scripture-based lesson in seminary focuses on a scripture block rather than on a particular concept, theme, doctrine, or principle. God later led Philip to an Ethiopian official whom Philip taught about Jesus Christ and baptized. After Peter and John bestowed the gift of the Holy Ghost on the new converts, a sorcerer named Simon attempted to purchase the priesthood. Philip ministered in Samaria, where many people accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ. Persecution against the Church in Jerusalem resulted in Church members being scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

Simon the sorcerer bible study notes