Bible Study Notes 8/4/2026

WORD ALIVE! BIBLE STUDY ^©2026

Journey To Bethlehem and Beyond – Spring/Summer Series

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton – Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Quiet Time: Max Lucado, Because of Bethlehem: Love Is Born, Hope Is Here, 2020

Lesson 28

 4 Aug. 2026

Acts 8:18-25 NLT: The importance of teaching the Good News can never be overstated. It is only through our understanding of the Scriptures and the infallible message of Jesus Christ people can find the true meaning of life. The urgent regard with which the apostles and leaders of the early Christian movement taught and embraced people illustrates the importance of the Gospel message. The formation and rapid growth of the Church was not without challenges. The instance of Simon not fully understanding the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit is a lesson in human failure. Simon was gifted, but his natural gift of influencing people revealed his desire for personal power and gain. The presence of the holy Spirit is to teach, lead, and equip believers with abilities to be witnesses of Christ and his mission among people. 

Verses & Explanations for Acts 8:18-25, NLT:

Observe Interpret Apply

(Verse 18): The Holy Spirit is not about personal gain:

¹⁸ When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power.

(Verse 19): Lack of understanding the Holy Spirit’s presence and power:

¹⁹ “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!”

(Verse 20): The Holy Spirit is a divine gift only!:

²⁰ But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought!

(Verses 21): Sin can lead to impure motives:

²¹ You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God.

(Verses 22-24): Repentance and prayer alone can bring wholeness:

²² Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, ²³ for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” ²⁴ “Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon exclaimed, “that these terrible things you’ve said won’t happen to me!”

(Verse 25): A ministry of sound teaching is necessary to reach people:

²⁵ After testifying and preaching the word of the Lord in Samaria, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem. And they stopped in many Samaritan villages along the way to preach the Good News.

The Key Idea:

What We Believe!    

1. “Your word is a lamp to my feet  and a light to my path!” – Psalm 119:105