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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 8:28 mean?

Explanation

Acts 8:28 describes a scene involving an Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official under Queen Candace of Ethiopia, who was in charge of her entire treasury.

He had traveled to Jerusalem to worship and was on his way back home.

As he sat in his chariot, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

This verse sets the stage for a significant encounter with one of the early Christian evangelists, Philip, who is led by the Holy Spirit to approach the chariot, resulting in a conversation wherein the Ethiopian seeks and receives understanding of the Scripture he reads, leading to his conversion and baptism.

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Historical Context

During the time of the early Christian church, it was common for individuals to read scripture aloud, even when alone.

The Ethiopian eunuch's position as a high official indicates that his visit to Jerusalem for worship highlights the extended influence of Judaism outside the land of Israel and well into Africa.

Ethiopia was known as a remote territory, but one that had interactions with the Jewish religion.

This account occurs during the missionary efforts of the Apostles following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, and it displays the growing outreach of Christianity beyond its original Jewish audience.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this passage underscores the principle of divine guidance in evangelism. Philip is directed by the Holy Spirit to this particular individual who is seeking truth.

Additionally, the passage shows the eunuch’s willingness to learn and the importance of Scripture in understanding God's plan for salvation.

The eunuch reading from Isaiah is seen by many theologians as symbolic of the seeking soul's approach to God's Word, and Philip's interaction with him demonstrates how Christian understanding can illuminate the Old Testament.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life by emphasizing the importance of seeking spiritual understanding and being open to guidance from others who are more knowledgeable in faith.

It also teaches the value of reading and reflecting upon the Scriptures, as this can lead to meaningful realizations and spiritual growth.

Furthermore, it illustrates the need for believers to be ready to share their faith and assist those who are searching for answers.

Cross-References

Isaiah 53:7-8 (The scripture the Ethiopian was likely reading)
Acts 8:30-38 (The conversation between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch and the eunuch's subsequent baptism)
Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission – instruction to spread the Christian faith)
Acts 1:8 (Jesus tells the disciples they will be witnesses to the ends of the Earth)
Romans 10:14-15 (Emphasizing the need for preaching to understand the word of God)

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include:

"ἀνεγίνωσκεν" (aneginōsken) - The imperfect tense of the Greek verb for "read," suggesting that the eunuch was continuously or repeatedly reading.
"Ἡσαΐας" (Esaias) - The Greek form of "Isaiah," indicating the prophet whose work the eunuch was reading.
"ἅρμα" (harma) - Translated as "chariot," this term indicates that the eunuch was of a significant social status to be traveling in such a vehicle.

These key words set a scene of ongoing action and give insight into the stature of the Ethiopian official.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient Ethiopian culture had interactions with Judaism and later Christianity, and this encounter reflects the blend of cultures and religious influences.

Cultural comparisons can be drawn to other ancient royal figures who engaged with different religions, such as the queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon.

It also touches upon the ancient practice of religious pilgrimage, which was common across many cultures.

Scientific Perspectives

The passage does not delve into scientific themes directly but speaks to historical practices such as reading and travel.

Chariots from this period were significant technological accomplishments and symbols of power and mobility.

Their mention helps to date and contextualize the narrative in the ancient world.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have discussed Acts 8:28:

John Wesley notes that the reading of scripture was a divine appointment to guide the eunuch towards understanding through Philip.
Matthew Henry comments on the providence of God in the meeting of Philip and the Ethiopian, a divine orchestration for the spreading of the Gospel.
The Pulpit Commentary discusses the significance of the passage from Isaiah, highlighting how the eunuch's reading points to a prophecy of Christ and his suffering.
Theological scholar F.F.

Bruce emphasizes the Ethiopian's baptism as evidence of the early church’s mission to all nations, and the significance of his conversion as a testimony to the inclusivity of the Gospel.

Acts 8

Acts 8

What does Acts 8:28 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 8:28 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?