Detours and Delays – Acts Chapter 8
Detours and delays—Covid-19 and Tropical Storm Isaias have roadblocked plenty of our plans this year. When we find ourselves off-road in unfamiliar territory, how do we see the hand of God in it?
Here in Acts 8, followers of Jesus and the fledgling church are still reeling from the loss of Stephen, and face a growing danger. As I read the first few verses, I can’t help but pause and think about what they are going through. The fire of persecution runs rampant thanks to Saul who fans the flames. I can’t imagine the fear as believers gather their belongings to escape his reach. Uprooted from their community, they escape to Judea and Samaria.
A Detoured Church
Philip, one of the seven chosen to care for the widows travels to Samaria, performing amazing signs with many coming to faith in Jesus. Including a character named Simon who formerly amazed crowds with magic arts and exalted himself in the eyes of the people.
When the Apostles in Jerusalem hear that Samaria received the word of God, they send Peter and John to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Simon wants to pay money to know how to perform this “trick” too—he is reprimanded by Peter for having a heart that’s not right with God.
Does this sound like turmoil to you? There’s more…
An angel directs Philip to speak to an Ethiopian eunuch. Philip finds him in his chariot reading from the prophet Isaiah and engages him in conversation. The eunuch asks to be baptized and as soon as they emerge from the water, the angel snatches Philip away.
I wonder—did Philip think it curious to be led, used, and then taken away like that? Talk about a turbulent journey. The story tells us that he found himself further down the road, and he continued proclaiming Jesus in the cities on the way to Caesarea. A strange detour for sure.
Detours and Delays Turn Us Upside Down
The jarring changes for Philip and the other believers are not unlike the detours and delays we have experienced during the 2020 pandemic. Speaking for myself, my whole year has been turned upside down. I have heard similar stories from you too. We can wonder what God is doing or if He knows we are careening downhill without access to an emergency brake.
I assure you, He does. But the upheaval is real just the same.
I don't like all the detours and delays because I feel adrift and out of control. #Acts8BibleStudy #2020PandemicDetour Click To Tweet
I don’t like all the detours and delays because I feel adrift and out of control. A simple trip to the grocery store has become stressful with senior shopping hours at 6:00am, meaning I get up at 4:30 to get out by 5:30. I need to remember my mask, and use hand sanitizer like compulsive hand lotion addict. But in the middle of it all, this chapter in Acts shows me that somehow God has a plan.
Pondering Chapter 8
I see a vivid contrast between belief and unbelief in #Acts8 and the people we meet. #ActsBibleStudy Click To Tweet
So, as I come to the end of chapter eight, I see a vivid contrast between belief and unbelief in the people we have met in chapters seven and eight.
Jewish leaders blocked their ears to the truth.
Saul agreed with putting Stephen to death and begins ravaging the church.
Believers are scattered to Judea and Samaria because of persecution.
Philip travels to Samaria and many come to faith.
Simon, famous his magic arts, hears the gospel from Philip.
Simon desired to buy the power to the Holy Spirit and receives a reprimand.
Ethiopian eunuch travels by chariot to worship in Jerusalem.
An angel directs Philip to engage with the Ethiopian—he responds with a desire to be baptized.
This points out that there will always be:
those who resist,
those who dabble,
and those who surrender to the things of God.
There will always be those who resist, those who dabble, and those who surrender to the things of God. #ActsBibleStudy #ReadGodsWordWithYourHeart Click To Tweet
There are things I have gleaned about detours and delays from Philip’s adventure – to apply to my own:
Philip was faithful to care for those he encountered.
Philip was led to go to Samaria, and to speak to the eunuch.
Philip was obedient to make disciples despite his change in circumstances.
God saw every bump in the journey—every detour, delay, and change in plans.
God had a purpose for Philip’s detour—many responded to the gospel.
God saw the eunuch and arranged a divine appointment with Philip.
An angel snatched Philip away when his work with the eunuch was complete and set him back on the road to his destination.
How Can We Seek God in Our Detours and Delays?
Surprises remind me I am not in control.
Maybe the detours and delays in my life are another way of getting where God wants me to be in the first place.
Sometimes the future can come from an unexpected direction.
God knows and sees what I face and will direct my paths to His divine appointments.
The Kingdom of God flourished through these encounters. Philip and the Ethiopian grew, both in their faith and their knowledge of God. Many came to faith in Christ in new places because believers took the message with them.
And we can trust that whatever detours and delays life brings, we will flourish too.
How has God spoken through Acts 8 – and how can it apply to your life today? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Join me next time when we find out more about Saul in Acts Chapter 9. It begins: “Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord…”
Jeanne
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If you have missed any of the posts in our Acts Bible Study series, you can catch up here:
Backlash of Power VS Roller Coaster of Truth – Acts 4
Being Filled – Truth or Lie – Acts 5
Nothing New Under the Sun – Acts 6
Telling the Truth: Stephen’s Defense – Acts 7
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The events in the Book of Acts are truly mind-blowing. I enjoyed reading your post. Thanks.
So glad you stopped in, Connie. I am seeing so many things I haven’t connected before. Mind-blowing for sure.
Another great post Ms. Jeanne. I’ve often thought that one measure of a Christian’s maturity, and their willingness to surrender to God’s will, is how well they handle the detours and new directions that God places along their path. Well said ma’am.
Thanks, J. D. I agree about the maturity of believers. And I think that is why God takes us through our faith step-by-step, growing us up.
Jeanne, how very true….our lives are full of detours and changes. If I may….I was reading a book by Charles Swindoll. He quoted something that you have also said, Jeanne. “If you wish to communicate the truth of Scripture, it is essential you identify with the subject.” If we want to identify with Paul in prison, we need to feel the grim, cold, dark chamber of horrors where he was held. I think the whole way of your teaching, Jeanne, you have asked us to experience what was happening in that day. Bless you
Thanks for the thought from Chuck Swindoll, Jan. I think getting into the text is so valuable to use our senses. Imagine if we are a character in the story. What do our senses tell us. There is so much we can glean by going deeper into the context of the story. Thanks for your thoughts on this.
Favorite line: “Sometimes the future can come from an unexpected direction.” Ain’t that just the truth. As jarring as detours are, sometimes they’re the road to our destiny. Well, done, my friend.
Thanks for your thoughts, Terry. Yes…so often we are afraid of the detour, yet we can always see a bit more of His glory there.
Hi Jeanne, I needed the reminder that while my life has not gone remotely as I had planned this year, God has had a plan the whole time. Though it has definitely hurt, as God has pruned my life this year, He is putting good things in their place and bringing fruit that gives glory to Him. If God turns my life upside down, maybe my perspective wasn’t where it needed to be to begin with. No matter where I am, He is always right side up.
Joanna, thanks for your comment today. And, I need to say, I need the reminders too!! It is so hard to see the big picture when up close is so messy. I just keep thinking of all the times in scripture that say, “in the fullness of time” or “the time came”. It helps.
We can learn a great deal from Phillip. Thank you for sharing this insightful and inspiring message. Having just gone through a challenging and life-changing detour, I appreciate your wisdom.
Thanks for stopping in to share your thoughts, Katherine. I am so glad we have God with us when we go through challenging detours. Praying you are doing okay and that your faith is strengthened through the journey.