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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 8:32 mean?

Explanation

Acts 8:32 refers to a moment in the New Testament where Philip the Evangelist encounters an Ethiopian eunuch who is reading from the book of Isaiah.

The particular verse being read by the eunuch comes from Isaiah 53:7, which is a prophecy depicting a suffering servant, a figure which Christians understand to be a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ.

In this verse, the imagery of a sheep led to slaughter and a lamb silent before its shearer is used to convey the humility and submission of Jesus during his arrest, trial, and crucifixion.

He did not resist or protest against the injustices he suffered, just as a sheep goes quietly to its death or a lamb remains mute during shearing.

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Historical Context

This event occurs while Philip is on the road between Jerusalem and Gaza.

The Ethiopian eunuch had been to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home.

During this period, Ethiopia was thought to be a distant land, often considered the "ends of the earth," and the eunuch held a significant position as an official in charge of the treasury of Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians.

The eunuch's reading of the Isaiah scroll highlights the spread of Jewish teachings and Scriptures beyond Israel, even before Christianity became established.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Acts 8:32 is significant as it confirms the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy through Jesus's life and death. It serves as a bridge between Jewish scripture and the Christian understanding of the Messiah.

Some theologians suggest that Jesus was not only the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (as referenced in John 1:29), but also the shepherd of his people, making this passage a profound paradox.

Other viewpoints, particularly from Judaism, do not interpret this passage as being messianic or related to Jesus. Instead, they may understand the suffering servant as representative of Israel or the righteous remnant within Israel.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can inspire individuals to face injustice and suffering with patience and humility, drawing from the example of Christ.

It suggests that there are times when it may be more powerful to remain silent and maintain integrity than to respond to aggression with aggression. It can apply to scenarios of personal sacrifice, enduring hardships, or standing for one's beliefs without resorting to violence or protest.

Cross-References

Isaiah 53:7 - "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth."
Matthew 26:62-63 - "And the high priest arose and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace..."
John 1:29 - "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
1 Peter 2:23 - "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously."

Language Study

Key words in this passage and their meanings from the original Greek include:

"Led as a sheep (προβατον) to the slaughter" - The sheep (προβατον) metaphor reflects innocence and vulnerability.
"Lamb (αμνος) dumb" - A lamb (αμνος) signifies purity and sacrifice; "dumb" emphasizes silence or absence of defense.
"Shearer (κειροντος) " - The act of shearing, here symbolizing the submission of Jesus to his captors and those who would crucify him.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious traditions, such as in Islam, Jesus (Isa in Arabic) is regarded as a prophet and the concept of him being sacrificed for sins is not accepted. The suffering servant in Isaiah is not linked to Islamic teachings about Jesus.

Comparing with ancient myths, the concept of a god or a divine figure who suffers or dies is not unique to Christianity.

For example, in some versions of the Dionysian myths, Dionysus undergoes suffering or death, with the idea of rebirth and redemption as common themes, though the context and interpretation within Greek mythology are entirely different from the Christian narrative.

Scientific Perspectives

There is little direct intersection between this specific verse and modern scientific understandings as the verse deals with prophetic and theological imagery rather than empirical claims.

However, scientific study of human psychology may shed light on the effects of suffering and self-control, potentially exploring the mental and emotional states reflected in this form of passive resistance.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer differing perspectives on this passage:

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy in Christ's humility and silence during his trials.

He also notes the eunuch's willingness to receive instruction in understanding the Scripture.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible discusses how the Ethiopian's reading of this particular passage was providential, allowing Philip to explain its messianic significance.
The Pulpit Commentary reflects on the contrast between the earthly silence of the "lamb" and the ultimate victory and exaltation of Christ as seen in the wider context of Isaiah's prophecy.
Contemporary scholars, such as N.T.

Wright, might argue for understanding Jesus as the embodiment of Israel's destiny and that his silence was a powerful statement of trust in God's vindication, which was fulfilled in the resurrection.

Acts 8

Acts 8

What does Acts 8:32 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 8:32 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?