The Ethiopian was convinced by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, of the exact fulfilment of the Scripture, was made to understand the nature of the Messiah's kingdom and salvation, and desired to be numbered among the disciples of Christ. In reading the word of God, we should often pause, to inquire of whom and of what the sacred writers spake but especially our thoughts should be employed about the Redeemer. It is wisdom for men of business to redeem time for holy duties to fill up every minute with something which will turn to a good account. As to those of whom we know nothing else, we know this, that they have souls. We should not be so shy of all strangers as some affect to be. We should study to do good to those we come into company with by travelling. Sometimes God opens a door of opportunity to his ministers in very unlikely places. Verses 26-40 Philip was directed to go to a desert. May we seek only the honour which cometh from God. And keep us from that subtle poison of spiritual pride, which seeks glory to itself even from humility. May we abhor all thoughts of making religion serve the purposes of pride or ambition. Grant us, Lord, another sort of faith than that which made Simon wonder only, and did not sanctify his heart. The doubt here is of the sincerity of Simon's repentance, not of his pardon, if his repentance was sincere. But it shall be forgiven, upon our repentance. There is much wickedness in the thought of the heart, its false notions, and corrupt affections, and wicked projects, which must be repented of, or we are undone. Think not that Christianity is a trade to live by in this world. When tempted with money to do evil, see what a perishing thing money is, and scorn it. It is possible for a man to continue under the power of sin, yet to put on a form of godliness. A proud and covetous heart cannot be right with God. And if they are not right in his sight, our religion is vain, and will stand us in no stead. Our hearts are what they are in the sight of God, who cannot be deceived. This was such a condemning error as could by no means consist with a state of grace. He esteemed the wealth of this world, as if it would answer for things relating to the other life, and would purchase the pardon of sin, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and eternal life. He was more desirous to gain honour to himself, than to do good to others. Simon Magus was ambitious to have the honour of an apostle, but cared not at all to have the spirit and disposition of a Christian. No man can give the Holy Spirit by the laying on of his hands but we should use our best endeavours to instruct those for whom we pray. We may take encouragement from this example, in praying to God to give the renewing graces of the Holy Ghost to all for whose spiritual welfare we are concerned for that includes all blessings.
Verses 14-25 The Holy Ghost was as yet fallen upon none of these coverts, in the extraordinary powers conveyed by the descent of the Spirit upon the day of Pentecost. All are not savingly converted who profess to believe the gospel. The gospel preached may have a common operation upon a soul, where it never produced inward holiness. And many wonder at the proofs of Divine truths, who never experience their power. Even bad men, and those whose hearts still go after covetousness, may come before God as his people come, and for a time continue with them. But how strong is the power of Divine grace, by which they were brought to Christ, who is Truth itself! The people not only gave heed to what Philip said, but were fully convinced that it was of God, and not of men, and gave up themselves to be directed thereby. See how ignorant and thoughtless people mistake. The people said of Simon, This man is the great power of God. Pride, ambition, and desire after grandeur have always caused abundance of mischief, both to the world and to the church. Distempers are here named, the most difficult to be cured by the course of nature, and most expressive of the disease of sin. All inclinations to the lusts of the flesh which war against the soul are such. Verses 5-13 As far as the gospel prevails, evil spirits are dislodged, particularly unclean spirits. Where a simple desire of doing good influences the heart, it will be found impossible to shut a man out from all opportunities of usefulness. Wherever the established believer is driven, he carries the knowledge of the gospel, and makes known the preciousness of Christ in every place. Verses 1-4 Though persecution must not drive us from our work, yet it may send us to work elsewhere.
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