1 Kings 9.1-10.29; Acts 8.14-40; Psalm 130.1-8; Proverbs 17.2-3

Throughout the book of Acts, we see the movement of the Holy Spirit. (In fact, some have suggested that the book should be entitled The Acts of the Spirit.) What is interesting is to note not just how the Spirit acts, but how the Spirit is given. In our story today, Peter and John lay their hands on the Samaritans, who then receive the Spirit. What purpose do you sense the Spirit played in this story and how is the way the Samaritan’s received the Spirit significant?

Questions:

Why do you think we are told about the visit from the Queen of Sheba and her response to Solomon?

Why do you think Simon was trying to “buy” the Spirit? What was evil about his thinking?

How difficult is it for you to put your hope in God to cover your sins? In what ways do you at times assume there is no reason to hope in God BECAUSE of your sins? How can you reverse this thinking?

What does this proverb say about the wisdom we use to perform the tasks we have been given?