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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 8:27 mean?

Explanation

Acts 8:27 speaks of a significant encounter between Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen by the early Christian church, and an Ethiopian eunuch.

This verse lays the groundwork for the encounter by introducing the Ethiopian man's background. He is depicted as a person of significant status, serving under Queen Candace of Ethiopia as a high official in charge of the country's treasury.

The verse also tells us that he had come to Jerusalem to worship, indicating his devotion to the Jewish faith, as Ethiopia at that time had a Jewish population that practiced the religion.

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Historical Context

This event occurs during the period of the early Christian church's expansion outside of Jerusalem.

Ethiopia, in ancient times, was known as a land south of Egypt, inhabited by people who were considered to have great wealth and power.

The title "Candace" was not a personal name but a hereditary title for queens or queen-mothers of Ethiopia.

The presence of a Jewish community in Ethiopia is well-documented, and such a trip to Jerusalem for religious pilgrimage was not uncommon.

Theological Insights

Theologically, the story of the Ethiopian eunuch is significant from several viewpoints.

From a Christian perspective, it represents the expansion of the Gospel to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission Jesus gave to His disciples.

It also brings into question the inclusivity of the early church, as eunuchs were generally excluded from certain religious practices (Deuteronomy 23:1).

This encounter implies a breaking of traditional boundaries, showing that the message of Jesus was for all, regardless of societal status or physical condition.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can be applied by embracing inclusiveness and breaking down barriers that separate people.

The passage calls believers to be open and willing to share their faith with others from different backgrounds and walks of life.

It also teaches the importance of welcoming those who seek God, regardless of their societal or economic status.

Cross-References

Isaiah 56:4-5: "For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off."
Matthew 28:19: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
Deuteronomy 23:1: "He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD."

Language Study

"Ethiopia" originates from the Greek word "Aithiops," meaning "burnt faces." In ancient times, it was a term used for the regions south of Egypt.
"Eunuch" comes from the Greek "eunouchos," which likely means "keeper of the bed," implying a high official who served a king or queen, though it also indicates that he was castrated.
"Candace" is believed to be from the Cushitic language term "Kandake," which referred to queens or queen-mothers of Ethiopia.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Ethiopian eunuch's position as a treasurer under a female ruler is notable, as several ancient societies had similar roles typically held by eunuchs, including Persians and Assyrians.

In other ancient myths and religious beliefs, eunuchs often held significant roles due to their perceived trustworthiness and lack of familial ties.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific intersection with the content of this particular verse, the practice of eunuchs serving in royal courts has been studied anthropologically and historically.

It sheds light on the social structures of ancient civilizations and the roles that were influenced by a person's physical condition and the trust placed in them.

Commentaries

Various experts provide different insights into this verse.

Some focus on the historical and cultural implications of the Ethiopian eunuch's status and his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Others delve into the theological significance of his seeking out the Jewish faith and God's intention to spread the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries.

Scholars like John Stott and Matthew Henry have emphasized the providential guidance of Philip towards this encounter, which highlights its importance in the narrative of Acts and the broader Christian mission.

Acts 8

Acts 8

What does Acts 8:27 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 8:27 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?