1 Samuel 9-10; Acts 8

God clearly directs the election of Saul to the kingship. On the surface, it may seem like everything happens by chance. First, Saul's father's donkeys are lost. Then, his father sends Saul and a servant to search for them. As they search for the donkeys, they wander far and come to where Samuel lives. There, Saul's servant suggests asking Samuel about the donkeys, etc. But in reality, all of this is orchestrated by God. He tells Samuel the day before: "Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him commander over My people Israel..." (1 Samuel 9:16). God organized all this.

In choosing Saul, God gives the Israelites the best from a human standpoint - handsome, tall, and even modest enough to hide among the baggage when everyone is looking for him (1 Samuel 10:22-23). He pays no attention to his detractors (1 Samuel 10:27). Moreover, God fills him with the Holy Spirit, giving him the abilities for the mission assigned to him (1 Samuel 10:6). But despite this, as is known from the subsequent chapters, Saul quickly becomes proud and suffers defeat.

More about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments can be heard here: https://wgbc.org/sermons?sapurl=LytzNHd3L2xiL21pLytjdmQ0enBoP2VtYmVkPXRydWUmcmVjZW50Um91dGU9YXBwLndlYi1hcHAubGlicmFyeS5saXN0JnJlY2VudFJvdXRlU2x1Zz0lMkJidGhrYzdo

Acts 8. The mass persecutions that arose against the church after Stephen forced thousands of believers to flee from Jerusalem. This led them to preach the Gospel first to the Samaritans (Acts 8:5-8) and then to the Gentiles. Thus, Philip preaches to the Ethiopian eunuch, who immediately accepts Christ, receives baptism, and continues to his country, undoubtedly carrying the Good News there (Acts 8:26-40).

It was difficult for Jewish believers to accept this, so they sent Peter and John there to ensure that the Samaritans could receive salvation. God confirms this by sending the Holy Spirit upon the Samaritans (Acts 8:14-17).

Here, abuses also arise. Simon the Sorcerer tries to buy apostolic authority for money, seeing in salvation a power for self-promotion. Such problems are inevitable at all times.