Stephen's vision uniquely depicts Jesus "standing" rather than the typical "sitting" at God's right hand, suggesting Christ's active reception of the first Christian martyr.
Acts 8
1Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.
2Devout men buried Stephen and lamented greatly over him.
3But Saul ravaged the assembly, entering into every house and dragged both men and women off to prison.
Philip's Ministry in Samaria
4Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word.
5Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.
6The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip when they heard and saw the signs which he did.
7For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.
8There was great joy in that city.
9But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one,
10to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that great power of God.”
11They listened to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.
12But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.
14Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
15who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;
16for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus.
17Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,
19saying, “Give me also this power, that whomever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
21You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn’t right before God.
22Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
23For I see that you are in the poison of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.”
24Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things which you have spoken happen to me.”
25They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News to many villages of the Samaritans.
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
26Then an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert.”
27He arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship.
28He was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.
29The Spirit said to Philip, “Go near, and join yourself to this chariot.”
30Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
31He said, “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” He begged Philip to come up and sit with him.
32Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this, “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. As a lamb before his shearer is silent, so he doesn’t open his mouth.
33In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away. Who will declare His generation? For his life is taken from the earth.”
34The eunuch answered Philip, “Who is the prophet talking about? About himself, or about someone else?”
35Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached to him about Jesus.
36As they went on the way, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?”
38He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch didn’t see him any more, for he went on his way rejoicing.
40But Philip was found at Azotus. Passing through, he preached the Good News to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
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Theme
Following Stephen's martyrdom, persecution scatters the Jerusalem church throughout Judea and Samaria, ironically fulfilling Jesus' commission to spread the gospel beyond Jerusalem. Philip's evangelistic ministry in Samaria demonstrates God's acceptance of despised outsiders through miraculous healings and mass conversions, though Simon Magus's attempt to purchase spiritual power reveals the danger of mixing worldly motives with divine gifts. The chapter culminates with Philip's Spirit-led encounter with an Ethiopian eunuch, showing how the gospel transcends ethnic and social boundaries as it spreads to the ends of the earth.
Context
This chapter marks the beginning of the gospel's expansion beyond Jerusalem as promised in Acts 1:8, transitioning from the apostolic ministry in Jerusalem to the broader Gentile mission that will dominate the remainder of Acts.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-3 Persecution Scatters the Church Saul's persecution following Stephen's death disperses believers throughout Judea and Samaria.
- 4-8 Philip's Ministry in Samaria Philip preaches Christ in Samaria with miraculous signs, bringing great joy to the city.
- 9-13 Simon the Sorcerer Believes A local magician named Simon converts and is baptized after witnessing Philip's powerful ministry.
- 14-17 Peter and John Confirm the Work The apostles come from Jerusalem to lay hands on the Samaritan converts to receive the Holy Spirit.
- 18-25 Simon's Attempted Purchase of Power Simon tries to buy spiritual authority with money, earning Peter's sharp rebuke and call to repentance.
- 26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch An angel directs Philip to evangelize an Ethiopian court official, who believes and is baptized.
The Stoning of Stephen and Persecution of the Church
7:54–8:3 narrative narration triumphant
Stephen is stoned to death after seeing a vision of Jesus at God's right hand, becoming the first Christian martyr and praying for his persecutors' forgiveness. His death triggers widespread persecution that scatters believers throughout Judea and Samaria.
person_contrast
Stephen's vision uniquely depicts Jesus "standing" rather than the typical "sitting" at God's right hand, suggesting Christ's active reception of the first Christian martyr.
Philip's Ministry in Samaria
8:4–8:25 narrative narration joyful
Philip preaches in Samaria with great success, performing miracles and baptizing many including Simon the sorcerer. When Peter and John arrive to lay hands on the new believers, Simon tries to buy the power to give the Holy Spirit, leading to Peter's sharp rebuke.
person_contrast
Philip, typically associated with calling and prayer in the Gospels, here emerges as a miracle-working evangelist whose signs and healings spark unprecedented joy throughout Samaria.
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
8:26–8:39 narrative narration joyful
Philip, guided by an angel and the Spirit, encounters an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah and explains how the passage refers to Jesus. The eunuch believes and is baptized, then continues his journey rejoicing.
quotation_chain
Luke strategically places the Ethiopian eunuch's reading of Isaiah 53:7-8 about a silent, suffering lamb to mirror Jesus's own voiceless trial before Pilate.
Insights
Philip, typically associated with calling and prayer in the Gospels, here emerges as a miracle-working evangelist whose signs and healings spark unprecedented joy throughout Samaria.
Luke strategically places the Ethiopian eunuch's reading of Isaiah 53:7-8 about a silent, suffering lamb to mirror Jesus's own voiceless trial before Pilate.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Acts 8:1 4 references
Lexicals 4
Acts 26:20 Lexical
but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles,…
Acts 15:3 Lexical
They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of th…
Matthew 2:1 Lexical
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusale…
Matthew 3:1 Lexical
In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,
Acts 8:3 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 22:4 Lexical
I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,
Ephesians 5:25 Lexical
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly and gave himself up for her,
Acts 13:1 Lexical
Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lu…
1 Corinthians 14:35 Lexical
if they desire to learn anything. “Let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a wife to be talking…
Acts 10:22 Lexical
They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the J…
Acts 8:4 1 reference
Acts 8:6 2 references
Acts 8:7 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 4:33 Lexical
In the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon; and he cried out with a loud voice,
Mark 1:26 Lexical
The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
Revelation 18:2 Lexical
He cried with a mighty voice, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and she has become a habitation of demons, a…
Matthew 15:30 Lexical
Great multitudes came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and they put them down at…
Mark 15:34 Lexical
At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is, being interpreted, “M…
Acts 8:9 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 15:3 Lexical
They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of th…
Acts 10:17 Lexical
Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sen…
Luke 5:12 Lexical
While he was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and b…
Luke 23:2 Lexical
They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting the nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and sayin…
Revelation 16:19 Lexical
The great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered in the…
Acts 8:10 1 reference
Acts 8:12 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 5:14 Lexical
More believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.
Acts 17:34 Lexical
But certain men joined with him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others…
Acts 1:13 Lexical
When they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Phi…
Acts 9:2 Lexical
and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or w…
Acts 22:4 Lexical
I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,
Acts 8:13 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 1:13 Lexical
When they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Phi…
John 2:23 Lexical
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in his name, observing his signs which he…
Hebrews 2:4 Lexical
God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, ac…
Acts 6:8 Lexical
Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
Acts 21:20 Lexical
They, when they heard it, glorified God. They said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jew…
Acts 8:14 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 11:1 Lexical
Now the apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
John 1:19 Lexical
This is John’s testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
Matthew 10:2 Lexical
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the so…
Luke 22:8 Lexical
Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.”
Acts 2:37 Lexical
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what sh…
Acts 8:15 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ephesians 6:18 Lexical
with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and…
Acts 10:47 Lexical
“Can anyone forbid these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just like us.”
Acts 9:17 Lexical
Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to…
Luke 3:22 Lexical
and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form like a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying “You are my b…
Revelation 21:10 Lexical
He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out o…
Acts 8:17 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 9:17 Lexical
Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to…
Acts 19:6 Lexical
When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke with other languages and prophesied.
Matthew 19:13 Lexical
Then little children were brought to him that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.
Acts 13:3 Lexical
Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Acts 15:28 Lexical
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:
Acts 8:18 1 reference
Acts 8:19 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 19:6 Lexical
When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke with other languages and prophesied.
Acts 9:17 Lexical
Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to…
Acts 15:28 Lexical
For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:
Acts 26:10 Lexical
I also did this in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief pri…
Revelation 13:7 Lexical
It was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and…
Acts 8:21 1 reference
Acts 8:25 3 references
Lexicals 3
John 4:39 Lexical
From that city many of the Samaritans believed in him because of the word of the woman, who testified, “He told me every…
Acts 26:10 Lexical
I also did this in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief pri…
Luke 9:52 Lexical
and sent messengers before his face. They went and entered into a village of the Samaritans, so as to prepare for him.
Acts 8:26 4 references
Lexicals 4
Acts 10:20 Lexical
But arise, get down, and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
Acts 7:38 Lexical
This is he who was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel that spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathe…
Acts 22:10 Lexical
I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ The Lord said to me, ‘Arise, and go into Damascus. There you will be told about all thi…
Acts 23:9 Lexical
A great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ part stood up, and contended, saying, “We find no evil i…
Acts 8:27 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 11:31 Lexical
The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and will condemn them, for she came…
Acts 20:22 Lexical
Now, behold, I go bound by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there;
Luke 24:13 Lexical
Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem.
Matthew 12:41 Lexical
The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for they repented at the prea…
Luke 11:32 Lexical
The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, for they repented at the pre…
Acts 8:31 4 references
Lexicals 4
Acts 1:13 Lexical
When they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Phi…
Acts 21:12 Lexical
When we heard these things, both we and the people of that place begged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Matthew 12:29 Lexical
Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man and plunder his goods, unless he first bind the strong man? Then h…
Mark 1:40 Lexical
A leper came to him, begging him, kneeling down to him, and saying to him, “If you want to, you can make me clean.”
Acts 8:32 3 references
Acts 8:33 3 references
Lexicals 3
Luke 11:31 Lexical
The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and will condemn them, for she came…
Matthew 12:42 Lexical
The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for she came from the ends…
Luke 1:48 Lexical
for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.
Acts 8:34 1 reference
Acts 8:36 2 references
Acts 8:38 2 references
Acts 8:39 4 references
Lexicals 4
Mark 1:10 Lexical
Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
Matthew 3:16 Lexical
Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spi…
Acts 1:13 Lexical
When they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Phi…
Acts 26:13 Lexical
at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled…
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Historical Context
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