Acts 8
BSB1 And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them. 6 The crowds gave their undivided attention to Philip’s message and to the signs they saw him perform. 7 With loud shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, and many of the paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city. 9 Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, 10 and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power." 11 They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip closely and was astounded by the great signs and miracles he observed. 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money. 19 “Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity." 24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me, so that nothing you have said may happen to me." 25 And after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many of the Samaritan villages. 26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go south to the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his return was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to that chariot and stay by it." 30 So Philip ran up and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. 31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so He did not open His mouth. 33 In His humiliation He was deprived of justice. Who can recount His descendants? For His life was removed from the earth." 34 “Tell me,” said the eunuch, “who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35 Then Philip began with this very Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road and came to some water, the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is there to prevent me from being baptized?" 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip appeared at Azotus and traveled through that region, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Study Notes — Acts 8
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Acts 8
- Themes from Acts 8
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Acts 8
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Acts chapter 8 begins with a description of the persecution of the church in Jerusalem, led by Saul, which resulted in the scattering of believers throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1-4). Philip, one of the deacons, went to the city of Samaria and preached the gospel, performing miracles and baptizing many (Acts 8:5-13). Meanwhile, an Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official, was reading from the book of Isaiah and was approached by Philip, who explained the gospel to him, leading to his conversion and baptism (Acts 8:26-40). The chapter concludes with Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus, which marked a significant turning point in his life and ministry (Acts 9:1-31, referenced in the context of Acts 8).
Context for the Chapter
Acts chapter 8 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Acts, which describes the early Christian church and the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles. The chapter follows the events of Acts 6 and 7, which describe the selection of the seven deacons and the martyrdom of Stephen. The events of Acts 8 set the stage for the conversion of Saul in Acts 9 and the subsequent missionary journeys of the apostles.
Heart Application
As believers, we can learn from Philip's obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading and his willingness to share the gospel with others. We should be sensitive to the Spirit's guidance and seek to explain the Scriptures in a way that points to Jesus Christ, just as Philip did with the Ethiopian eunuch.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Acts chapter 8 describes how the early Christian church was persecuted, but this led to the spread of the gospel to other regions. Philip preached the gospel in Samaria and explained the Scriptures to an Ethiopian eunuch, leading to his conversion and baptism (Acts 8:35). This chapter shows that God can use difficult circumstances for His glory and that believers should be obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading.
Voices from the Church
“The gospel is not a mere theory, but a living, powerful, and practical thing, which can transform the lives of men and women.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Holy Spirit is the teacher of the church, and it is His work to illuminate the minds of believers and to guide them into all truth.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Persecution in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1-4) — The church in Jerusalem was persecuted, leading to the scattering of believers throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria.
- Philip's Ministry in Samaria (Acts 8:5-13) — Philip preached the gospel in Samaria, performing miracles and baptizing many.
- The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40) — Philip explained the gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch, leading to his conversion and baptism.
- Saul's Conversion (Acts 9:1-31, referenced in the context of Acts 8) — Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus marked a significant turning point in his life and ministry.
- Conclusion — The chapter concludes with the spread of the gospel to other regions, demonstrating God's power and sovereignty in the face of persecution.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter demonstrates God's power and sovereignty in the face of persecution, as He uses difficult circumstances for His glory.
- The Importance of Scripture
- The Ethiopian eunuch's reading of Isaiah 53:7-8 and Philip's explanation of the gospel highlight the significance of Scripture in pointing people to Jesus Christ.
- The Work of the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit guided Philip and led him to the Ethiopian eunuch, demonstrating the Spirit's role in guiding believers and illuminating their minds.
- The Gospel and Salvation
- The chapter presents the gospel as the good news about Jesus Christ, which is the power of God for salvation to all who believe.
Lessons from Acts 8
- The Power of Persecution — The chapter demonstrates that God can use difficult circumstances for His glory, leading to the spread of the gospel to other regions.
- The Importance of Obedience — Philip's obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading resulted in the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, highlighting the need for believers to be sensitive to the Spirit's guidance.
- The Significance of Scripture — The Ethiopian eunuch's reading of Isaiah 53:7-8 and Philip's explanation of the gospel demonstrate the importance of Scripture in pointing people to Jesus Christ.
- The Work of the Holy Spirit — The Holy Spirit guided Philip and led him to the Ethiopian eunuch, demonstrating the Spirit's role in guiding believers and illuminating their minds.
- The Gospel and Salvation — The chapter presents the gospel as the good news about Jesus Christ, which is the power of God for salvation to all who believe.
Themes from Acts 8
- The Spread of the Gospel — The chapter describes the spread of the gospel to other regions, demonstrating God's power and sovereignty in the face of persecution.
- The Importance of Scripture — The Ethiopian eunuch's reading of Isaiah 53:7-8 and Philip's explanation of the gospel highlight the significance of Scripture in pointing people to Jesus Christ.
- The Work of the Holy Spirit — The Holy Spirit guided Philip and led him to the Ethiopian eunuch, demonstrating the Spirit's role in guiding believers and illuminating their minds.
- The Gospel and Salvation — The chapter presents the gospel as the good news about Jesus Christ, which is the power of God for salvation to all who believe.
- The Power of Persecution — The chapter demonstrates that God can use difficult circumstances for His glory, leading to the spread of the gospel to other regions.
Questions for Meditation
- How does the persecution of the church in Jerusalem lead to the spread of the gospel to other regions?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in guiding Philip and leading him to the Ethiopian eunuch?
- How does Philip's explanation of the gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch demonstrate the significance of Scripture in pointing people to Jesus Christ?
- What lessons can we learn from Philip's obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading and his willingness to share the gospel with others?
- How does the chapter conclude, and what does it demonstrate about God's power and sovereignty?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Persecution in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1-4)
| Acts 8:1 | The church in Jerusalem was persecuted, leading to the scattering of believers throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. |
| Acts 8:2 | The believers were devout men who buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. |
2. Philip's Ministry in Samaria (Acts 8:5-13)
| Acts 8:5 | Philip preached the gospel in Samaria, performing miracles and baptizing many. |
| Acts 8:6 | The crowds listened with one accord to what Philip was saying, and they saw the signs that he did. |
3. The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)
| Acts 8:26 | The Holy Spirit said to Philip, 'Go to the chariot and join it.' |
| Acts 8:27 | So Philip ran to it and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, 'Do you understand what you are reading?' |
4. Conclusion (Acts 8:40)
| Acts 8:40 | But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through, he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the spread of the gospel to other regions?
The persecution of the church in Jerusalem led to the scattering of believers throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1-4).
What role did the Holy Spirit play in Philip's ministry?
The Holy Spirit guided Philip and led him to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40).
What is the significance of the Ethiopian eunuch's reading of Isaiah 53:7-8?
The Ethiopian eunuch's reading of Isaiah 53:7-8 and Philip's explanation of the gospel demonstrate the importance of Scripture in pointing people to Jesus Christ (Acts 8:26-35).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 8:1 → Matthew 10:23 | The persecution of the church in Jerusalem is reminiscent of Jesus' words to the disciples, 'When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next' (Matthew 10:23). |
| 2 | Acts 8:5 → John 4:4-42 | Philip's ministry in Samaria is similar to Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, where He preached the gospel and performed a miracle (John 4:4-42). |
| 3 | Acts 8:26 → Isaiah 53:7-8 | The Ethiopian eunuch's reading of Isaiah 53:7-8 is a fulfillment of the prophecy of the suffering servant, which points to Jesus Christ. |
| 4 | Acts 8:35 → Luke 24:27 | Philip's explanation of the gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch is similar to Jesus' explanation of the Scriptures to the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:27). |
| 5 | Acts 8:40 → Mark 16:20 | Philip's preaching of the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea is reminiscent of the Great Commission, where Jesus commanded the disciples to preach the gospel to all nations (Mark 16:20). |
| 6 | Acts 8:1 → Psalm 119:126 | The persecution of the church in Jerusalem is a fulfillment of the psalmist's words, 'It is time for the Lord to act, for they have broken your law' (Psalm 119:126). |
| 7 | Acts 8:5 → Acts 1:8 | Philip's ministry in Samaria is a fulfillment of Jesus' words, 'You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth' (Acts 1:8). |
| 8 | Acts 8:26 → 1 Kings 8:41-43 | The Ethiopian eunuch's reading of Isaiah 53:7-8 is reminiscent of Solomon's prayer, where he asked God to hear the prayers of foreigners who come to worship Him (1 Kings 8:41-43). |
| 9 | Acts 8:35 → Romans 10:14-15 | Philip's explanation of the gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch is similar to Paul's words, 'How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?' (Romans 10:14-15). |
| 10 | Acts 8:40 → Genesis 12:3 | Philip's preaching of the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea is reminiscent of God's promise to Abraham, 'I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed' (Genesis 12:3). |
Sermons on Acts 8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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How to Identify the Enemy - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, Derek Prince discusses the basics of deliverance and how to identify the enemy. He emphasizes that the ministry of Jesus serves as the ultimate example and should n |
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Choosing Rather to Suffer by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of dedication and sacrifice in our pursuit of righteousness. He uses examples of athletes who train for hours every day to ach |
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Witchcraft - Public Enemy #1 - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the negative influence of a mother-in-law on a family and how it can hinder a man from fulfilling his responsibilities at home and in the work |
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Available to God by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a boy named Abraham who had no home, friends, family, money, or food. The preacher gave Abraham a German Testament and explained t |
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Revival by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah chapter 6 and highlights three key words: woe, love, and go. The first word, woe, represents confession and recognizing our own sinfu |
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Immersed in the Holy Ghost by Smith Wigglesworth | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being in a room and feeling unable to communicate with others. However, through prayer and the power of God, the speaker |
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Hindrances to Holiness by William P. Nicholson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of living a defeated and discontented life despite one's desire, decision, determination, and devotion to the Lord. The preacher em |
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(Spain) the Supply of the Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony about his wife and daughter battling cancer. Despite the hardships, he emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's wi |
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Releasing the Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and guidance of the Holy Ghost. He tells the story of Philip, a man of God who is led by the Holy Spirit to preach Jesus to an Eth |
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A Word From the Lord by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being obedient to God's promptings, even when they don't make sense or seem logical. He uses the example of Philip, who wa |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 8
In Acts chapter 8, we see the power of God's Word to transform lives and the importance of obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading. Philip's ministry in Samaria and his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch demonstrate the significance of Scripture in pointing people to Jesus Christ. The chapter also highlights the role of persecution in the spread of the gospel, as the scattering of believers throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria led to the preaching of the gospel to all nations. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The gospel is not a mere theory, but a living, powerful, and practical thing, which can transform the lives of men and women.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Power of Persecution
The persecution of the church in Jerusalem led to the spread of the gospel to other regions, demonstrating that God can use difficult circumstances for His glory.
The Importance of Obedience
Philip's obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading resulted in the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, highlighting the need for believers to be sensitive to the Spirit's guidance.
The Significance of Scripture
The Ethiopian eunuch's reading of Isaiah 53:7-8 and Philip's explanation of the gospel demonstrate the importance of Scripture in pointing people to Jesus Christ.