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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 8:7 mean?

Explanation

Acts 8:7 speaks of a moment when supernatural healing and deliverance were occurring through the ministry of Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen by the early church to serve, who later became known as Philip the Evangelist.

The verse describes the expulsion of "unclean spirits," which were considered to be malevolent supernatural entities possessing individuals and causing them distress. These spirits are said to come out of the possessed people with loud cries.

Additionally, the verse mentions the healing of many who were paralyzed or lame, indicating a wider range of miraculous healings taking place.

The key elements to note are the acknowledgment of the existence of demonic possession in the early Christian worldview, the implied authority with which Philip is casting out these spirits, and the inclusivity of divine healing encompassing various physical ailments, showcasing the power of the early Christian proclamation.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This particular account takes place after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ and after the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles.

This period is characterized by the rapid expansion of the Christian faith.

Philip went to the city of Samaria to preach Christ unto them.

This was significant because Samaritans were historically despised by Jews, yet the gospel was being spread to them as well.

The casting out of unclean spirits and healing of the sick were seen as signs accompanying the apostles' and evangelists' proclamation of the gospel, validating their message.

The presence of these miracles helped to establish the early church's authority and divine endorsement amidst a world with diverse religious beliefs and rampant superstition.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse offers several insights.

Firstly, it supports the Christian doctrine that Jesus Christ's authority extends to his disciples, empowering them to perform miracles.

Secondly, it reflects the early Christian belief in the reality of spiritual warfare, with followers of Christ engaging in battle against demonic forces.

Different denominations may have varying interpretations of this verse:

Charismatic and Pentecostal Christians may view it as justification for modern-day deliverance ministries.
Cessationists might argue that such miraculous events were unique to the apostolic age and were meant to establish the early church.
Catholic and Orthodox traditions might consider this verse as supporting the practice of exorcism carried out by designated clergy.

Practical Applications

Acts 8:7 can be applied in modern life by encouraging believers that spiritual victory is possible through faith in Jesus Christ.

While interpretations of demon possession and miraculous healing vary among Christians today, this verse may be seen as emblematic of the transformative power of the gospel to address both spiritual and physical needs.

The concept of finding freedom from spiritual oppression through faith, prayer, and a supportive faith community can be a practical application. It also emphasizes the importance of compassion and action toward those who suffer various ailments and challenges.

Cross-References

Mark 16:17-18: "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;"
Luke 4:18: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,"
Acts 5:16: "There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one."

Language Study

The term "unclean spirits" (ἀκάθαρτα πνεύματα) in Greek carries the connotation of impurity and is associated with evil spirits or demons.

The phrase "crying with loud voice" (κραυγῇ μεγάλῃ) emphasizes the intensity of the exorcism as these spirits manifest and exit their host.

The words "taken with palsies" (παραλελυμένοι) refers to individuals suffering from some form of paralysis, while "lame" (χωλοί) denotes those with an inability to walk or a physical disability.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient world, exorcisms and miraculous healings were not unique to Christianity.

Other religions and cultures also had their own rituals and beliefs regarding the expulsion of evil spirits and the healing of ailments.

For example, ancient Mesopotamian texts describe various incantations and practices for driving out spirits believed to cause illness.

What sets the Christian context apart in Acts 8:7 is the attribution of power to the name of Jesus and the proclamation of the gospel as the source of healing, rather than magical incantations or rituals for their own sake.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, demon possession and miraculous healing are often approached with skepticism. Mental illnesses and physical conditions that were once interpreted as demonic in ancient cultures are now commonly understood in terms of medical science.

However, some studies in the field of psychology and neurology have acknowledged the potential therapeutic effect of spiritual beliefs and practices, including prayer and ritual, on an individual's well-being.

Commentaries

According to Matthew Henry's Commentary, this verse confirms that the word of God was confirmed by the accompanying signs and wonders, demonstrating that the kingdom of God had come with power.

Other commentaries, such as the Expositor's Bible Commentary, note the socio-cultural implications of such events taking place in Samaria, indicating the breaking down of long-standing barriers between Jews and Samaritans through the spread of the gospel.

Additionally, modern biblical scholars often emphasize the evangelistic significance of these miracles as part of the Christian testimony in the early church's expansion.

Acts 8

Acts 8

What does Acts 8:7 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 8:7 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?