Acts 8

Acts 8 details the early Christian church's experiences following the martyrdom of Stephen, highlighting the persecution that scatters believers outside Jerusalem and the resultant spread of the gospel. The chapter specifically focuses on the activities of Philip in Samaria and his encounter with an Ethiopian official. The narrative showcases the church's expansion beyond Jewish boundaries, reflecting the fulfillment of Jesus' command to witness "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Acts 8:1 (NKJV)
1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

The verse marks a pivotal moment with Saul's approval of Stephen's execution, initiating widespread persecution. This event forces most believers to flee Jerusalem, inadvertently fulfilling Christ’s directive to spread the gospel further.

Acts 8:2-4 (NKJV)
2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.
4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.

Stephen's burial is attended by devout believers, signifying respect and sorrow for the first martyr. Meanwhile, Saul intensifies the persecution, leading to the arrest of many Christians. Despite this adversity, the scattered believers continue to preach the gospel, demonstrating resilience and commitment to their faith.

Acts 8:5 (NKJV)
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.

Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, takes the gospel to Samaria, breaking significant cultural and religious barriers. His preaching introduces the Samaritans, historically despised by Jews, to the message of Christ.

Acts 8:6-8 (NKJV)
6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city.

The Samaritans eagerly accept Philip's teachings, evidenced by their attention to his words and the miraculous signs he performs. The deliverance from demonic possession and the healing of the sick not only affirm Philip's message but also bring unprecedented joy to the city, highlighting the transformative power of the gospel.

Acts 8:9-11 (NKJV)
9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great,
10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.”
11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.

Simon the sorcerer had a significant influence in Samaria through his magical practices, with many people regarding him as a divine figure. His prominence sets the stage for a confrontation of spiritual powers, as his sorcery is challenged by the genuine miracles performed by Philip.

Acts 8:12 (NKJV)
12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.

As the Samaritans come to believe in Jesus through Philip’s preaching, they undergo baptism, signifying their acceptance of the gospel and their commitment to a new life in Christ, marking a significant shift from following Simon to following Jesus.

Acts 8:13 (NKJV)
13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

Even Simon professes belief in Christ and is baptized. His amazement at the miracles suggests a superficial fascination with the power displayed, rather than a deep spiritual transformation, hinting at future challenges in his understanding of faith.

Acts 8:14-17 (NKJV)
14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

The arrival of Peter and John from Jerusalem underscores the importance of the Samaritan mission. They pray for the new believers, who, despite being baptized in Jesus' name, had not yet received the Holy Spirit. The laying on of hands facilitates this reception, signifying the full inclusion of the Samaritans into the Christian community.

Acts 8:18-19 (NKJV)
18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Simon's offer of money for the power to bestow the Holy Spirit reveals a misunderstanding of the nature of God's gifts—they cannot be purchased or used for personal gain. His request indicates a lingering worldly perspective, contrary to the spiritual essence of the gospel.

Acts 8:20-23 (NKJV)
20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!
21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”

Peter's rebuke is stern and direct, emphasizing the spiritual corruption and grave error in Simon's thinking. He calls Simon to repentance, pointing out the bitterness and sin that still bind him. This interaction highlights the necessity of a genuine transformation in heart and mind to align with the principles of the kingdom of God.

Acts 8:24 (NKJV)
24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”

Simon's response shows some acknowledgment of his error, as he seeks intercessory prayer from the apostles. His plea indicates a fear of the consequences of his sins rather than a true repentance, reflecting a superficial change.

Acts 8:25 (NKJV)
25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

After addressing the situation with Simon and solidifying the church’s foundation in Samaria, Peter and John return to Jerusalem. Their journey back includes spreading the gospel throughout Samarian villages, indicating the expanding reach of their mission.

Acts 8:26-29 (NKJV)
26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert.
27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship,
28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet.
29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.”

Philip’s next divine assignment takes him to a desert road where he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official and a convert to Judaism. This meeting, orchestrated by divine guidance, signifies the gospel's reach extending beyond Samaritan borders to Africa.

Acts 8:30-31 (NKJV)
30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.

Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch highlights the importance of guidance in understanding Scripture. The eunuch’s openness to learning and Philip’s readiness to teach exemplify the collaborative journey of faith exploration and comprehension.

Acts 8:32-33 (NKJV)
32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth.
33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.”

The eunuch is reading a passage from Isaiah 53, which prophetically describes the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. This passage, rich in imagery and significance, provides a foundation for Philip to explain the gospel message centered on Christ's atonement.

Acts 8:34-35 (NKJV)
34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?”
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.

The eunuch’s question about the identity of the servant in Isaiah gives Philip the opportunity to preach about Jesus. Starting from this prophecy, Philip is able to explain the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, showing how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies.

Acts 8:36-38 (NKJV)
36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”
37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

The immediate decision of the eunuch to be baptized upon seeing water illustrates the profound impact of Philip’s teaching. His confession of faith in Jesus as the Son of God signifies a genuine acceptance of the gospel, culminating in his baptism, a public declaration of his new faith.

Acts 8:39-40 (NKJV)
39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.
40 But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

After the baptism, Philip is supernaturally transported away, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of his evangelical mission. The eunuch continues on his journey with great joy, while Philip resumes his ministry, spreading the gospel in other cities, eventually reaching Caesarea. This passage underscores the ongoing and dynamic spread of Christianity facilitated by the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power.