Acts 8:8
When Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ unto them, one of the phenomenal side-effects or after affects was – Joy. Luke is very specific and intentional in reporting, “And there was great joy in that city.“ The fact that he chooses to point this out causes the reader to think about what the city must have looked like before the entrance of the gospel and the impact of the gospel upon the entire landscape of the city.
As demonstrated throughout the book of Acts, wherever this gospel was preached, things wondrously happened in the supernatural. No wonder, Jesus declared “And these signs shall follow them that believe . . .” (Mark 16:17). It is incontestable that this remains “A signs and wonders” gospel. A “signs and wonders” gospel, produces a “signs and wonders” church. A “signs and wonders” church radiates with joy and excitement!
The gospel signifies that our amazing God has broken into our sin-cursed, mundane world, breaking evil spells and strongholds wherever they exist. It brings us under a new, irresistible influence. It’s not just words but it comes with a power. Sweeping changes take place. It completely reorders and restructures the very fabric of our lives and environment. Evidently one of the end results is a change in our mental outlook and emotional state. It replaces our depression with an irrepressible joy. It expels sadness. It causes sorrow and mourning to flee away. It brings to light “everlasting joy” that the prophet Isaiah speaks about in Isaiah 51:11. It’s joy of a different kind!
I found it most fascinating that when Philip went down to Samaria, all he did was preach Christ unto them. He remembered his assignment and remained loyal to it. Our primary duty is to preach Christ. Our gospel is Christ. He is the power of God. We can preach other things, but to preach other things is simply an exercise in futility. Nothing happens! When Christ is preached, phenomenal things transpire!
When Philip preached, miracles occurred. He spoke and the Holy Spirit powerfully confirmed the Word. The people heard and saw the miraculous (v6). Unclean spirits were expelled (v7). The lame were healed (v7). Revival broke out. The yoke of oppression and depression and possession were destroyed. Those who were bewitched by sorcery and the occult, were supernaturally delivered (v12). The change was more than cosmetic.
Resultantly the entire city became submerged in joy. Luke vividly expresses it this way “And there was great joy in that city” (v8). The joy was so notable that Luke attempted to describe it as not only joy but “great joy.” The songwriter, in seeking to define the joy salvation brings, refers to it as “joy unspeakable and full of glory“. It remains one of the hall marks of revival – Joy.
We reject the pall of sadness and grief that has descended upon our modern-day society and church. There is too much joy in this message for us to hang our harps upon the willows and refuse to sing and celebrate. The Word of God declares, you’ve got to keep your head up. Chin up! We are called upon to look up and lift up our heads in these last days (Luke 21:28). The manifestation and operations of Jesus in our midst produce great joy in our midst.
Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
