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Acts 8

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

And there was great joy in that city.

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

What does Acts 8:10 mean?

Explanation

Acts 8:10 refers to a man named Simon who practiced sorcery in the city of Samaria, claiming to be someone great.

The people of Samaria, from the least to the greatest, held him in high esteem.

They said, "This man is the great power of God." This statement indicates that the Samaritans were so amazed by Simon's magical practices that they attributed his abilities to divine power.

They were fascinated and deceived by Simon's sorcery to such an extent that they considered him a manifestation of God's power.

This verse serves as a prelude to the philosophical clash between Christian truth and pagan superstition, as well as a lesson in discernment and the danger of being led astray by impressive but misleading signs.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament and outlines the history of the early Christian church, focusing on the spread of Christianity after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This particular verse is set in Samaria, a region where the Jewish people had significant historical and religious conflict with the Samaritans.

Acts chapter 8 describes the ministry of Philip, one of the seven chosen to serve in the early church, who went to Samaria to preach Christ to them.

The context is a time of great transition and religious flux. Simon the magician was likely taking advantage of this environment by promoting himself as a figure of spiritual authority, blending local superstition with a display of power that caught the attention of the Samaritans.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse offers insights into false teachings and the need for discernment among believers. The early church, represented by figures like Philip, was confronting multiple challenges, including paganism and false prophets, such as Simon.

This verse demonstrates a recognition that signs and wonders alone are not reliable indicators of divine endorsement or spiritual truth. Simon's influence is a reminder that not all that is supernatural comes from God.

Some Christian theologians also interpret this as a call to be wary of idolizing individuals who claim to represent God's power without validating their alignment with scriptural truth.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Acts 8:10 encourages individuals to exercise critical thinking and spiritual discernment.

It serves as a caution against being too easily swayed by displays of power or charisma that lack a foundation in sound doctrine.

Application of this verse in daily life involves being vigilant about the teachings one accepts and the leaders one follows.

It implies evaluating spiritual leaders and their messages against the truths given in the Bible, seeking confirmation in scripture, and praying for wisdom to recognize truth from falsehood.

Cross-References

Acts 8:9 - "But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:"
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 - "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved."
Matthew 24:24 - "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase “This man is the great power of God” uses key words such as "dynamis" (δύναμις) for "power" which commonly means strength, power, or ability.

It is often used in the New Testament to describe miracles and the power of God. The use of "dynamis" in this context suggests that Simon was seen as possessing a supernatural power that could only be attributed to divine origins.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

During the time of the early church, there were various religious movements and it was not uncommon for individuals to claim divine powers.

The people's response to Simon can be compared with the way followers of other religious systems might elevate a charismatic figure to divine status.

In other cultures, such individuals may have been viewed as intermediaries with the divine, or even as gods themselves, a common aspect of ancient myths and religions.

This particular situation showcases the tension between the Christian worldview, with its strict monotheism and denial of other gods, and the prevailing syncretistic and polytheistic cultural milieu.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, today's scientific worldview typically rejects the idea of magic or sorcery having a real impact on the natural world.

However, from a psychological and sociological perspective, the influence of individuals like Simon can be understood in terms of charisma, social influence, and the human tendency to attribute unexplained phenomena to supernatural causes.

Commentaries

Modern biblical scholars and theologians often discuss Acts 8:10 in terms of the early church's confrontation with pagan practices and the establishment of a Christian identity separate from other religious influences.

Craig Keener, in his commentary on Acts, points out that Simon's actions represent a common problem in the ancient world: individuals using magic to gain influence and power.

Keener and others note that this confrontation underscores the church's commitment to truth and the concern for the spiritual well-being of believers who might be led astray by impressive but deceptive practices.

Acts 8

Acts 8

What does Acts 8:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 8:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?