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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 8:31 mean?

Explanation

Acts 8:31 captures a moment of candid vulnerability and the recognition of the need for guidance in understanding Scripture.

This verse occurs within the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.

The eunuch, a high-ranking official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, was reading the book of Isaiah while on his way home from worship in Jerusalem.

Philip, prompted by the Holy Spirit, approached the chariot and heard the eunuch reading aloud.

Philip asked if he understood what he was reading, to which the eunuch replied with the question in Acts 8:31: "How can I, unless someone guides me?" This encapsulates the idea that interpretation of Scripture often requires teaching and dialogue, acknowledging the complexity of biblical texts and the value of learned guidance.

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Historical Context

This narrative occurs during the "dispersion" of the early Church, when the followers of Jesus were spreading the Gospel beyond Jerusalem.

Philip, a deacon full of the Holy Spirit, was led to a desert road that connected Jerusalem to Gaza.

His encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch is significant; it shows the early Christian witness reaching beyond the Jewish community to a Gentile, and specifically, an African.

This event reflects the cross-cultural and inclusive nature of early Christian evangelism.

At this time, Ethiopia was understood to represent the furthermost known parts of the world, suggesting the Gospel was intended for all peoples.

Theological Insights

The verse highlights several theological themes.

First, it stresses the necessity of divine guidance and human mentors in understanding God's word.

Second, it indicates the democratization of biblical interpretation, where the Spirit can appoint anyone, regardless of status or background, as a teacher of faith.

Theologically, this passage demonstrates God's providence in orchestrating divine encounters and the fulfillment of the Great Commission to spread the Gospel to all nations.

Practical Applications

Acts 8:31 can inspire believers to seek mentorship and community in their spiritual journey.

It suggests that individuals should not feel ashamed of seeking help in understanding religious texts, doctrines, or spiritual matters.

This verse also encourages believers to be ready, like Philip, to share their understanding with those seeking enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of discipleship and teaching in the life of the Church.

Cross-References

Proverbs 11:14: "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
Matthew 28:19-20: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

Amen."

2 Timothy 3:16: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

Language Study

The word "guide" in the Greek text is "hodegēsai," derived from "hodegeo," which means "to lead," "to guide," or "to bring to a destination." This signifies a more active role than merely offering advice; it involves leading someone on a path to understanding.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, the role of a guide or teacher was paramount in religious education.

For instance, in Rabbinic Judaism, the interpretation of the Torah was typically conducted within a teacher-student relationship.

This mirrors the dynamic between Philip and the eunuch, indicative of the practice of discipleship prevalent in many religious traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly correlate to scientific perspectives, it does touch upon principles of education and cognition.

Cognitive science recognizes the value of teaching and the social aspect of learning, confirming that understanding can be deepened through interaction with more knowledgeable peers or mentors.

Commentaries

Contemporary biblical scholars often find in this verse an affirmation of the role of the Christian community in the interpretation of Scripture.

Commentators like Matthew Henry emphasize the universal need for guidance in the reading of the word of God, citing this story as a key example of how direct, human intervention can lead to clarity, understanding, and ultimately, conversion and salvation.

Acts 8

Acts 8

What does Acts 8:31 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 8:31 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?