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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 8:35 mean?

Explanation

Acts 8:35 describes an event where Philip the Evangelist explains the Scriptures to an Ethiopian eunuch who has been reading the Book of Isaiah.

The Ethiopian is struggling to understand the passages he is reading.

Philip starts with the specific passage the eunuch is reading and explains that the verses are referring to Jesus and His mission of salvation.

Philip's ability to elucidate the scripture signifies the Christian belief that the Old Testament prophecies point to the coming of Jesus as the Messiah.

The emphasis is on the opening of the mouth, implying a proclamation or declaration of the Gospel starting from the prophet Isaiah's writings and connecting them directly to Jesus.

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Historical Context

This episode takes place during the early days of the Christian church, after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, but before Christianity had become widespread.

At this time, the message of Jesus was being preached primarily to Jewish audiences and nearby regions.

Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen by the early church to distribute food to widows, is divinely directed to approach a chariot wherein the Ethiopian eunuch is seated.

The eunuch is a high official under Queen Candace of Ethiopia and is returning from worshiping in Jerusalem, showcasing the spread of Judaism and its influence beyond Israel.

Theological Insights

Different Christian traditions have reflected on Acts 8:35 and drawn various theological insights.

Some emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding Philip to the eunuch, highlighting divine providence in evangelism.

Protestant theologians might focus on "preaching Jesus" as central to the process of opening Scriptures to believers and non-believers alike.

Catholic and Orthodox perspectives may appreciate the passage as demonstrating the need for apostolic authority and tradition to correctly interpret Scripture.

There's a common consensus that the Ethiopian's baptism following Philip's teaching represents the inclusivity and global reach of the Gospel.

Practical Applications

Acts 8:35 advises Christians on the importance of understanding scripture deeply, not just superficially.

The verse encourages believers to seek and provide guidance in interpretation, stressing the value of discipleship and mentorship in the faith.

It underscores the need to be ready to share the Gospel message with those seeking understanding, using the Bible as the source of truth about Jesus Christ.

Additionally, it reminds Christians that opportunities for witnessing can arise unexpectedly and that they should always be prepared to share their faith.

Cross-References

Isaiah 53:7-8: the specific scripture the eunuch was reading, which Philip explains refers to Jesus.
Acts 8:26-40: the broader story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
Luke 24:27: Just as Philip did, Jesus also explained what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Romans 10:14: "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"
1 Peter 3:15: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

Language Study

The key word in Acts 8:35 in the original Greek is "euaggelizō," translated as “preached." This term shares its root with "euangelion" (Gospel), denoting good news or glad tidings.

In this context, "euaggelizō" conveys the act of declaring the good news about Jesus Christ and implies an explanation with emphasis on salvation and the fulfilment of prophecy.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient religious texts often contain stories of gods or messengers enlightening individuals or groups.

This verse can be compared to narratives in other traditions where a divine truth is made clear through personal revelation or an interpreter.

Philip's role is similar to that of a prophetic figure or a sage in various cultures who guides seekers to a deeper understanding of spiritual truths, though uniquely centered on the figure of Jesus in a Christian context.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not typically intersect directly with the content of this verse since it focuses on religious teaching and interpretation rather than empirical claims.

However, discussions about the cognitive processes involved in learning and understanding could be relevant, including how individuals integrate new religious concepts with existing beliefs, or how cultural and social contexts influence religious experiences and conversions.

Commentaries

Most Biblical scholars and commentators agree that Acts 8:35 is a significant example of early Christian evangelism and the interpretation of Hebrew Scriptures in light of Jesus Christ.

Commentators like Matthew Henry have noted the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding Philip to the eunuch and opening the opportunity for preaching.

John Calvin highlights the willingness of the eunuch to receive instruction, and the responsibility of those knowledgeable in the faith to guide others.

Modern evangelical commentators often use this verse to illustrate the necessity of witnessing and the clear presentation of the Gospel.

Acts 8

Acts 8

What does Acts 8:35 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 8:35 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?