Acts of the Apostles - Chapter 8

Acts of the Apostles 8.1 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. Acts of the Apostles 8.2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. Acts of the Apostles 8.3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Acts of the Apostles 8.4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Acts of the Apostles 8.5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. Acts of the Apostles 8.6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. Acts of the Apostles 8.7 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. Acts of the Apostles 8.8 And there was great joy in that city. Acts of the Apostles 8.9 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: Acts of the Apostles 8.10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. Acts of the Apostles 8.11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. Acts of the Apostles 8.12 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. Acts of the Apostles 8.13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Acts of the Apostles 8.14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Acts of the Apostles 8.15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: Acts of the Apostles 8.16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Acts of the Apostles 8.17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. Acts of the Apostles 8.18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Acts of the Apostles 8.19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. Acts of the Apostles 8.20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Acts of the Apostles 8.21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Acts of the Apostles 8.22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. Acts of the Apostles 8.23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Acts of the Apostles 8.24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. Acts of the Apostles 8.25 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. Acts of the Apostles 8.26 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. Acts of the Apostles 8.27 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, Acts of the Apostles 8.28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Acts of the Apostles 8.29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. Acts of the Apostles 8.30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? Acts of the Apostles 8.31 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. Acts of the Apostles 8.32 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: Acts of the Apostles 8.33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. Acts of the Apostles 8.34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Acts of the Apostles 8.35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. Acts of the Apostles 8.36 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? Acts of the Apostles 8.37 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. Acts of the Apostles 8.38 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. Acts of the Apostles 8.39 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. Acts of the Apostles 8.40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Acts of the Apostles : Chapter 8

The Dispersion of the Church and the Ministry of Philip

Chapter 8 of the Acts of the Apostles evokes the dispersion of the Church and the essential mission of Philip. This passage invites us to reflect on how persecution can be transformed into an opportunity for the spread of the Gospel. Through dynamic narratives, we discover Philip's ministry in Samaria, his encounter with Simon Magus, and the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch.

The Expansion of the Gospel

This chapter illustrates the geographical and ethnic expansion of the Gospel, thus fulfilling the mission Jesus entrusted to his disciples. Acts 8 addresses crucial themes such as the action of the Holy Spirit and the importance of baptism. As we study this text, we are invited to explore five biblical passages that resonate with the missionary themes of this foundational chapter.

Biblical Passages

Isaiah 53:7-8

In this passage, we read: "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter, and like a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." » Philip explains this passage to the Ethiopian eunuch, revealing that it refers to Jesus, emphasizing Christ's sacrifice and humility.

Matthew 28:19

In Jesus' call, we find: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. » This verse echoes the baptism of the eunuch by Philip, illustrating the fulfillment of Jesus' command and the integration of the nations into the kingdom of God.

Mark 16:17-18

Jesus promises: "These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will lay hands on the sick and they will recover." » The miracles performed by Philip in Samaria testify to this promise, strengthening the faith of new believers.

John 4:39-42

This passage shows us that "many Samaritans in that city believed in him because of the woman's testimony: 'He told me everything I ever did.'" » Philip's evangelism in Samaria continues Jesus' ministry, revealing the Savior of the world to those who were once excluded.

2 Kings 5:15-16

In this account, Naaman declares: "Now I know that there is no God anywhere except in Israel." » Peter's refusal to accept money from Simon Magus resonates with Elisha's integrity, illustrating the purity of the apostolic ministry and the need to keep the gospel spotless.

As we delve into these passages, we are invited to meditate on the power of the gospel, its ability to transcend barriers, and our role as disciples called to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ.