TRUTH VS. COUNTERFEIT
Lesson 24 Breath of God
1. A) What spiritual gift did Peter demonstrate in Acts 3:1-7 _____________________________
Acts 3:1-7 (AMP) 1 NOW PETER and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the
ninth hour (three o'clock in the afternoon), 2 [When] a certain man crippled from his birth was
being carried along, who was laid each day at that gate of the temple [which is] called Beautiful,
so that he might beg for charitable gifts from those who entered the temple. 3 So when he saw
Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them to give him a gift. 4 And Peter
directed his gaze intently at him, and so did John, and said, look at us! 5 And [the man] paid
attention to them, expecting that he was going to get something from them. 6 But Peter said,
Silver and gold (money) I do not have; but what I do have, that I give to you: in [the use of] the
name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk! 7 Then he took hold of the man's right hand with a firm
grip and raised him up. And at once his feet and ankle bones became strong and steady.
B) With what result? Acts 3:10 _________________________________________________
Acts 3:10 (AMP) 10 And they recognized him as the man who usually sat [begging] for alms at
the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement
(bewilderment, consternation) over what had occurred to him.
C) Peter preaches his second recorded sermon – what resulted? Acts 4:4 _______________
Acts 4:4 (AMP) 4 But many of those who heard the message believed (adhered to and trusted in
and relied on Jesus as the Christ). And their number grew and came to about 5,000.
What else resulted? ________________________________________________________
D. How does scripture describe Peter in Acts 4:8? __________________________________
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Acts 4:8 (AMP) 8 Then Peter, [because he was] filled with [and controlled by] the Holy Spirit,
said to them, Rulers of the people and members of the council (the Sanhedrin).
E) What did Peter do? Vs 9-12 __________________________________________________
Acts 4:9-12 (AMP) 9 If we are being put on trial [here] today and examined concerning a good
deed done to benefit a feeble (helpless) cripple, by what means this man has been restored to
health, 10 Let it be known and understood by all of you, and by the whole house of Israel, that
in the name and through the power and authority of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom you
crucified, [but] Whom God raised from the dead, in Him and by means of Him this man is
standing here before you well and sound in body. 11 This [Jesus] is the Stone which was
despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which has become the Head of the corner [the
Cornerstone]. 12 And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name
under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.
F) What did the Chief Priests and Elders do? Vs 13-21 _______________________________
Acts 4:13-21 (AMP) 13 Now when they saw the boldness and unfettered eloquence of Peter and
John and perceived that they were unlearned and untrained in the schools [common men with
no educational advantages], they marveled; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
14 And
since they saw the man who had been cured standing there beside them, they could not
contradict the fact or say anything in opposition. 15 But having ordered [the prisoners] to go
aside out of the council [chamber], they conferred (debated) among themselves, 16 Saying, what
are we to do with these men? For that an extraordinary miracle has been performed by
(through) them is plain to all the residents of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order
that it may not spread further among the people and the nation, let us warn and forbid them
with a stern threat to speak any more to anyone in this name [or about this Person]. 18 [So] they
summoned them and imperatively instructed them not to converse in any way or teach at all in
or about the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied to them, whether it is right in the sight
of God to listen to you and obey you rather than God, you must decide (judge). 20 But we
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[ourselves] cannot help telling what we have seen and heard. 21 Then when [the rulers and
council members] had further threatened them, they let them go, not seeing how they could
secure a conviction against them because of the people; for everybody was praising and
glorifying God for what had occurred.
G) As a result of this experience what did Peter and John do? Vs 24-30 _________________
Acts 4:24-30 (AMP) 24 And when they heard it, lifted their voices together with one united
mind to God and said, O Sovereign Lord, You are He Who made the heaven and the earth and
the sea and everything that is in them, 25 Who by the mouth of our forefather David, Your
servant and child, said through the Holy Spirit, Why did the heathen (Gentiles) become wanton
and insolent and rage, and the people imagine and study and plan vain (fruitless) things [that
will not succeed]? 26 The kings of the earth took their stand in array [for attack] and the rulers
were assembled and combined together against the Lord and against His Anointed (Christ, the
Messiah). 27 For in this city there actually met and plotted together against Your holy Child and
Servant Jesus, Whom You consecrated by anointing, both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the
Gentiles and peoples of Israel, 28 To carry out all that Your hand and Your will and purpose had
predestined (predetermined) should occur. 29 And now, Lord, observe their threats and grant to
your bond servants [full freedom] to declare your message fearlessly, 30 While You stretch out
your hand to cure and to perform signs and wonders through the authority and by the power of
the name of your holy Child and Servant Jesus.
H) For what did they pray? Vs 29-30 _____________________________________________
Acts 4:29-30 (AMP) 29 And now, Lord, observe their threats and grant to Your bond servants
[full freedom] to declare Your message fearlessly, 30 While You stretch out Your hand to cure
and to perform signs and wonders through the authority and by the power of the name of Your
holy Child and Servant Jesus.
I) What was the result of this prayer? Vs 31 and vs 33? ______________________________
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Acts 4:31 (AMP) 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled was
shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak the Word of
God with freedom and boldness and courage.
Acts 4:33 (AMP) 33 and with great strength and ability and power the apostles delivered their
testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace (loving-kindness and favor and
goodwill) rested richly upon them all.
2. A) Who was Philip? Acts 6:5 ____________________________________________________
Acts 6:5 (AMP) 5 And the suggestion pleased the whole assembly, and they selected Stephen, a
man full of faith (a strong and welcome belief that Jesus is the Messiah) and full of and
controlled by the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas,
and Nicolaus, a proselyte (convert) from Antioch.
B) What were his qualifications? Vs 3 _____________________________________________
Acts 6:3 (AMP) 3 therefore select out from among yourselves, brethren, seven men of good and
attested character and repute, full of the [Holy] Spirit and wisdom, whom we may assign to
look after this business and duty.
C) To what was he appointed? Vs 2 ______________________________________________
Acts 6:2 (AMP) 2 So the Twelve [apostles] convened the multitude of the disciples and said, It is
not seemly or desirable or right that we should have to give up or neglect [preaching] the Word
of God in order to attend to serving at tables and superintending the distribution of food.
3. A) Persecution rose – the saints scattered (Acts 8:4). Where did Philip go? _______________
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Acts 8:4 (AMP) 4 now those who were scattered abroad went about [through the land from
place to place] preaching the glad tidings, the Word [the doctrine concerning the attainment
through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God].
B) What did he preach? Vs.5 ____________________________________________________
Acts 8:5 (AMP) 5 Philip [the deacon, not the apostle] went down to the city of Samaria and
proclaimed the Christ (the Messiah) to them [the people].
C) What Spiritual gifts did he practice? Vs. 6-7 _____________________________________
Acts 8:6-7 (AMP) 6 And great crowds of people with one accord listened to and heeded what
was said by Philip, as they heard him and watched the miracles and wonders which he kept
performing [from time to time]. 7 For foul spirits came out of many who were possessed by
them, screaming, and shouting with a loud voice, and many who were suffering from palsy or
were crippled were restored to health.
D) What was the result? Vs 12 _________________________________________________
Acts 8:12 (AMP) 12 But when they believed the good news (the Gospel) about the kingdom of
God and the name of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) as Philip preached it, they were baptized, both
men and women.
E) What did the Jerusalem apostles do? Vs 14 _____________________________________
Acts 8:14 (AMP) 14 Now when the apostles (special messengers) at Jerusalem heard that [the
country of] Samaria had accepted and welcomed the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to
them,
F) What did Peter and John do there? Vs 17-19 ___________________________________
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Acts 8:17-19 (AMP) 17 Then [the apostles] laid their hands on them one by one, and they
received the Holy Spirit. 18 However, when Simon saw that the [Holy] Spirit was imparted
through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he brought money and offered it to them,
19 Saying,
Grant me also this power and authority, in order that anyone on whom I place my
hands may receive the Holy Spirit.
Why? Vs 16 ______________________________________________________________
Acts 8:16 (AMP) 16 for He had not yet fallen upon any of them, but they had only been baptized
into the name of the Lord Jesus.
G) Why do you suppose Philip didn’t just lay hands on the people for them to receive the
Baptism with the Spirit? __________________________________________________________
4. A) Who was Simon? Acts 8:9-11 _________________________________________________
Acts 8:9-11 (AMP) 9 But there was a man named Simon, who had formerly practiced magic arts
in the city to the utter amazement of the Samaritan nation, claiming that he himself was an
extraordinary and distinguished person. 10 They all paid earnest attention to him, from the least
to the greatest, saying, this man is that exhibition of the power of God which is called great
(intense). 11 And they were attentive and made much of him, because for a long time he had
amazed and bewildered and dazzled them with his skill in magic arts.
B) How would you describe him? Vs 9-11 _________________________________________
C) Scripture says he believed and was baptized. Was there any mention of repentance?
Y ___ N ___
D) Do you think this was a legitimate conversion? Y ___ N ___ Why or why not? _________
E) Vs 13 says he continued with Philip and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs that
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Philip did. Do you think it strange that he beheld the miracles and signs and there is no
mention of beholding the Lord Philip preached? Y ___ N ___ never thought about it ___
F) What did Simon desire after the apostles visited Samaria? See Acts 8:14-19 ___________
Acts 8:14-19 (AMP) 14 Now when the apostles (special messengers) at Jerusalem heard that [the
country of] Samaria had accepted and welcomed the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to
them, 15 And they came down and prayed for them that the Samaritans might receive the Holy
Spirit; 16 For He had not yet fallen upon any of them, but they had only been baptized into the
name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then [the apostles] laid their hands on them one by one, and they
received the Holy Spirit. 18 However, when Simon saw that the [Holy] Spirit was imparted
through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he brought money and offered it to them,
19 Saying,
Grant me also this power and authority, in order that anyone on whom I place my
hands may receive the Holy Spirit.
G) What do you think Simon heard/saw/coveted that he asked to purchase? _____________
H) What was Peter and John’s response? Vs 20-24 __________________________________
Acts 8:20-24 (AMP) 20 But Peter said to him, Destruction overtake your money and you,
because you imagined you could obtain the [free] gift of God with money! 21 You have neither
part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is all wrong in God's sight [it is not straightforward or
right or true before God]. 22 So repent of this depravity and wickedness of yours and pray to the
Lord that, if possible, this contriving thought and purpose of your heart may be removed and
disregarded and forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in a bond
forged by iniquity [to fetter souls]. 24 And Simon answered, pray for me [beseech the Lord, both
of you], that nothing of what you have said may befall me!
I) How do you think Peter and John knew what was in Simon’s heart? Vs 21 ______________
Acts 8:21 (AMP) 21 you have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is all wrong in
God's sight [it is not straightforward or right or true before God].
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J) What did Simon ask of Peter and John in Vs. 24? __________________________________
24 And
Simon answered, pray for me [beseech the Lord, both of you], that nothing of what you
have said may befall me!
K) What do you think was his motive for the request? _______________________________
L) Is there any evidence that Peter or John ever prayed this prayer for Simon? Y ___ N ___
5. Read over the attached internet advertisement. What (if any) similarities or differences do
you see between this ad and the story about Simon? _______________________________
6. What lessons could we/should we learn from all this? ____________
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6. What lessons could we/should we learn from all this? ______________________________
TRUTH vs. COUNTERFEIT
Syllabus 24
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Jesus promised His disciples in Acts 1:8, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has
come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and
to the end of the earth”. (NKJ) Power, power for what? Did Jesus say power for performing
miracles, signs, and wonders? No, Jesus said power to be witnesses. Witnesses of HIM – in
Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. The result of the witness – 3,000
saved souls - daily adding to their numbers. The disciples did not just talk the talk – they walked
the walk.
One day Peter and John went to the Temple. As they entered the Gate Beautiful a lame man
from birth begged them for alms. Peter and John paused to look intently into the man’s face – a
discerning gaze into the character of the crippled man – did they see faith to be healed? The
crippled man looked upon them also – did he read their pitying look – the look that wished they
could bring healing to this man? Peter did not have material things to give – silver and gold he
did not have. He also did not have power to heal the man; however, he knew the One who did.
The crippled man was not looking for a healing – only alms. Yet God gave him more than mere
alms – the man received a miracle. No natural means could have brought healing to him – only
the name. In the name of Jesus Christ – stand up and walk! Peter disavowed any power to heal.
Peter pointed to Christ as the source of all power. No glory was due to Peter – only to the Lord
Jesus Christ. The effect of this divine healing was that the people were filled with wonder and
awe. The miracle opened the opportunity for Peter and John to preach a grand sermon to the
people in the face of the Sanhedrin. The result? Five thousand believed.
The Sanhedrin warned Peter and John not to teach in the name of Jesus ever again, however
Peter and John elected to obey God rather than man. For strength to continue they turned to
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God in prayer asking for increased boldness to proclaim the Word of God. The result – God heard
their prayer, the place was shaken, and they were all filled with The Holy Spirit. They in turn
preached with more fervent boldness and gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and
“Great grace was upon them all”. Such is still the secret of power (Acts 1:8) “But you shall receive
power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (NKJ) (John 7:38) “If anyone thirsts, let
him come to me and drink. 38“He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart
will flow rivers of living water.” 39But this He spoke concerning the Spirit”. (NKJ) and (John 15:7)
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done
for you. 8“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so, you will be my disciples”.
(NKJ)
With this the first miracle of the disciples following the ascension of Jesus came the
persecution of the church. In Acts 8 we read that the assembly was scattered. Philip, one of the
appointed seven – full of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom went to Samaria – there he preached Christ.
As a result of his ministry many Samaritans believed the things concerning the Kingdom of God
and the name of Jesus Christ and were baptized.
Included in this group of Samaritans was Simon Magus also known as Simon the Sorcerer.
Sorcery implies one who practiced upon the credulity of the people by conjuring, juggling, and
soothsaying or who would cast lots for the purpose of divination. Because of his magic Simon
“bewitched” the people. The people declared Simon to be “the great power of God”. The
Samaritans from the least to the greatest listened to him. We are told that Simon himself
believed and was baptized and continued with Philip beholding the miracles and signs which were
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done.
Does “believing” and being baptized result in true conversion? James 2: 19You believe that
there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! (NKJ) Demons believe - are
they saved? We hear of no mention of Simon beholding or giving glory to the Lord whom Philip
served. Would the test of his conversion be revealed in the “fruit” he would demonstrate?
After his baptism, Simon continued with Philip and was regarded as a new disciple, but
hypocrisy lurked in his heart. After hearing of Philips great work; Peter and John also came to
Samaria. They came to lay hands on the converts to receive the gift of The Holy Spirit. Acts 8:
18And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given,
he offered them money, 19saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands
may receive the Holy Spirit.” (NKJ)
What was it that Simon wanted to buy? He had watched Philip and witnessed the miracles –
he didn’t ask to purchase them. What was it about Peter and John’s “power” that Simon wanted?
Did he see in the giving of the Holy Spirit an ability to transfer this power to another? Did he
covet the power to “sell” the gift himself for gain? What a lucrative business to be able to market
The Holy Spirit. It is easy to appeal to man’s ego. Who wouldn’t want the Power! To be like God!
Peter instantly rebuked Simon. Peter could discern that Simon wanted the gift and gifts of
the Spirit, not to honor God or for the benefit of others but to advance his own reputation and
interests. Simon’s heart was not right in the sight of God. Because of ulterior motives Simon
could have no part in the inheritance of Spiritual gifts – nor in the Spiritual offices of the church.
(The name given to indicate the crime of buying or selling a spiritual office for a price in money –
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simony) Lockyer.
Peter called upon Simon to repent. But instead of repentance Simon wanted to be delivered
from the terror of future punishment for his sin. Simon did not turn to God for forgiveness of his
sin – but to Peter. He asked Peter to pray for him – he had no faith to pray for himself.
Whether Simon ever became a sincere disciple we are not told. No further mention of him is
given in the Bible. Does he fade into obscurity or is he (according to Irenaeus) the father of
Gnosticism? *
Do we market The Holy Spirit yet today? Is there profit from ungodly promises? Do we lust
for IT without knowing HIM? Do we desire power more than relationship? OR
Do we as Peter did declare to a hurting world “Such as I have give I thee – In the Name of Jesus
Christ – stand up and walk!
*Gnosticism – Greek gnosis – meaning knowledge. Gnostics believed that knowledge was the
way to salvation. It had a disruptive effect on the early church. Those who were “enlightened”
thought themselves to be superior to those who did not have such knowledge. This attitude of
superiority is severely condemned in the New Testament.
(Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary)
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