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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 8:37 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 8:37 presents a declaration of faith made by the Ethiopian eunuch just before his baptism by Philip, one of the deacons and evangelists in the early Christian Church.

In response to Philip’s assertion that belief is a prerequisite for baptism, the eunuch confesses his belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

This verse encapsulates the importance of personal faith in Jesus Christ for the Christian practice of baptism, which signifies one’s acceptance into the Christian community and a symbolic washing away of sins.

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Historical Context

Acts 8:37 is part of the larger narrative of Acts 8:26-40, which describes Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The historical setting is the Judea and Samaria region during the Apostolic Age, shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Ethiopian eunuch was an important official under Queen Candace of Ethiopia, returning from worshiping in Jerusalem.

His reading of the prophet Isaiah leads to an interaction with Philip, through which he learns about the message of the Gospel.

Philip’s baptism of the eunuch marks an early example of the spread of Christianity beyond the Jewish community.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 8:37 emphasizes the necessity of faith for the sacrament of baptism. It aligns with the Christian doctrine that faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the savior is the cornerstone of salvation.

Some Christian traditions see this verse as supporting credobaptism (baptism upon profession of faith), as opposed to paedobaptism (infant baptism).

Scholars also note that this verse shows an explicit confession of faith was required in the early Church before one could be baptized.

Practical Applications

Practically, Acts 8:37 can encourage believers to make a public profession of their faith, affirming that such a confession is a significant step in the Christian life.

This verse can also serve as a guidepost for churches in establishing baptismal practices, reinforcing the importance of understanding and believing the Gospel prior to baptism.

For individuals, this scripture might prompt self-reflection on their own faith and commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Cross-References

Mark 16:16: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
Romans 10:9: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
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."

Language Study

In this verse, key words include "believest" (Greek: πιστεύεις - pisteueis), which means to have faith or confidence in something, particularly in someone's teachings or authority.

The term "heart" (Greek: καρδίᾳ - kardia) metaphorically refers to the inner self, encompassing mind, character, innermost thoughts, etc. When the eunuch says "I believe" (Greek: πιστεύω - pisteuō), it implies a personal conviction and trust in the truth proclaimed about Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Cultural and religious comparative analysis would consider other ancient practices of initiation rites.

Comparable rituals in other religions might include such things as the Jewish Brit Milah (circumcision) or ritual bath (mikveh), indicating entrance into a religious community or covenant.

Belief and confession before the community are essential aspects of many religious traditions, where verbal proclamation often accompanies religious conversion or initiation.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives on this verse are generally limited as the act of baptism and profession of faith are religious practices not typically within the scope of empirical science.

However, cognitive neuroscience might explore the neurological basis of belief systems and conviction, offering insights into how and why individuals come to hold and express deep religious beliefs.

Commentaries

Commentators from different denominations have varying perspectives on Acts 8:37.

Many agree on its affirmation of the need for faith in Christ for salvation and consider it a template for baptismal practices.

Some, such as John Calvin, emphasize the eunuch's eagerness and readiness to accept the Gospel.

Others might explore the textual tradition of this verse, noting that it does not appear in some early manuscripts of the New Testament, which could lead to differing conclusions about its authoritative place within the Scriptural canon.

Despite these debates, the verse remains a significant part of Christian liturgy and theology concerning salvation and baptism.

Acts 8

Acts 8

What does Acts 8:37 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 8:37 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?