PrevActs 8:40Next

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 8:40 mean?

Explanation

Acts 8:40 refers to the aftermath of Philip's interaction with the Ethiopian eunuch, whom he had just baptized.

The verse tells us that Philip finds himself at Azotus, also known as Ashdod, after being supernaturally transported away (as discussed in the prior verses).

Notably, Philip continues his ministry in Azotus and on his journey to Caesarea, spreading the Christian gospel.

The literal meaning is clear in its description of Philip's travels and evangelistic efforts.

Deeper meanings can be drawn from the sudden appearance of Philip in Azotus, the divine orchestration behind the spread of the Gospel is evident, suggesting that the message is meant to be taken to all areas, not just where one initially intends to go.

Additionally, Philip's journey highlights the active, ongoing nature of missionary work and the evangelical mission of the early Christian church.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts is authored by Luke and serves as a sequel to his Gospel.

It aims to chronicle the establishment and spread of the early Christian church following Jesus Christ's resurrection and ascension.

Acts 8:40 is situated within the broader context of the apostolic age, a period of rapid expansion of Christianity outside its Judaic roots into the Greco-Roman world.

Azotus was a coastal city in Judea, and Caesarea was a prominent city built by Herod the Great, serving as an administrative center. Philip's travel from Azotus to Caesarea represents the shift of the Christian message's geographical reach from smaller towns to significant urban centers.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 8:40 touches upon concepts like divine guidance, mission, and obedience in Christian ministry.

Philip's unplanned arrival in Azotus is often viewed in theological discussions as a testament to the idea that God directs the steps of His servants.

This reinforces the belief that God intervenes in miraculous ways to ensure the dissemination of the Gospel.

The reference to Philip preaching in "all the cities" he passed highlights the theological understanding of the universal nature of the Gospel, that it is to be preached to all people irrespective of their location or background.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse serves as a source of encouragement for believers to be open to divine redirection in their lives. Like Philip, Christians are encouraged to engage in evangelism, sharing their faith as opportunities arise, even in unexpected circumstances or locations.

Furthermore, the emphasis on Philip preaching in various cities can inspire believers to take a proactive role in reaching different communities with the message of their faith, whether at home or beyond.

Cross-References

Acts 1:8: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Acts 6:5: "And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:"
Acts 21:8: "And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him."

Language Study

The original Greek text uses the word "εὑρίσκω" (heuriskō) translated as "was found," suggesting Philip's unexpected appearance in Azotus.

The term "διερχόμενος" (dierchomenos) translated as "passing through," carries the sense of traveling or journeying through an area, implying that he did not remain in one place but continuously shared the Gospel as he went.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this experience to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, Philip's transport to Azotus can be paralleled with stories of divine transportation or guidance found in various cultures.

For instance, the Greek god Hermes, known for swift movements, and the Hindu concept of "vimana," referring to mythical flying palaces or chariots, suggest a historical fascination with deities or divine agents moving across distances by supernatural means.

In religious texts, the Jewish prophet Elijah's whirlwind ascent to heaven (2 Kings 2:11) provides a cultural antecedent within Philip's own religious heritage.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings do not provide a framework for supernatural events like Philip's sudden appearance in Azotus. Such accounts are beyond empirical verification and typically fall into the realm of faith and religious belief, rather than scientific inquiry.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators offer different perspectives on this verse.

Some suggest Philip's relocation to Azotus is a literal and divine act orchestrated by God, while others propose metaphorical interpretations, viewing it as a literary device to convey the rapid spread of Christianity.

Notably, commentators often praise Philip's immediate response to preach regardless of his physical location, viewing him as a model of Christian obedience and evangelistic zeal.

Matthew Henry, in his commentary, notes the strategic progression of the Gospel as presented in Acts and Philip's role as a bold preacher who takes advantage of divine opportunities for witnessing.

Acts 8

Acts 8

What does Acts 8:40 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 8:40 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?