How does Acts 8:6 connect with Romans 10:17 about hearing and faith? The Two Verses Side-by-Side “The crowds gave their undivided attention to Philip’s message; they listened to him and saw the signs he performed.” “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Key Link: Hearing That Leads to Faith • In Acts 8:6, the crowd’s “undivided attention” shows a deliberate, focused hearing of Philip’s preaching. • Romans 10:17 explains the spiritual result of such hearing: genuine faith is birthed when the message heard is the very word of Christ. What Happened in Samaria • Philip proclaimed Christ (Acts 8:5). • The people heard the gospel—clear, verbal proclamation. • Signs confirmed the message, but Scripture notes first their attentive listening. • Their response was belief and baptism (Acts 8:12), demonstrating Romans 10:17 in action. Biblical Pattern of Hearing Producing Faith • John 5:24 — “Whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life.” • James 1:21 — “Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” • Hebrews 4:2 — The gospel did not benefit some “because they were not united with faith in those who heard it.” Each passage underscores that the spoken word must be received by the hearer; once received, the Spirit uses it to create saving faith. Practical Takeaways • Give Scripture your “undivided attention” as the Samaritans did. Distraction dulls faith. • Share the gospel verbally; faith cannot arise where the word is absent (Romans 10:14). • Trust that God’s word is powerful and sufficient—signs may confirm, but the message itself carries the saving power (1 Corinthians 1:18). Summary Acts 8:6 provides the narrative example; Romans 10:17 supplies the doctrinal explanation. Together they show that when people truly hear the proclaimed word of Christ, the Spirit plants faith in their hearts—yesterday in Samaria, and still today wherever His word is heard. |
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