‏ Acts 8

Persecution of the Church

This passage describes the aftermath of Stephen’s death and the beginning of a severe persecution against the church in Jerusalem. While some mourned Stephen’s death, others, like Saul (later Paul), supported it and even took part in the destruction of the church. Despite this persecution, God used it to spread the gospel to other regions, fulfilling Jesus’ command to take the message beyond Jerusalem.

v. 1: After Stephen’s death, Saul approved of his execution. Saul, who would later become the apostle Paul, delighted in Stephen’s death, thinking it would stop Christianity from growing. Stephen’s death, however, had the opposite effect. The persecution that followed caused the believers to scatter throughout Judea and Samaria, spreading the gospel as they went. The apostles, however, stayed in Jerusalem, likely directed by the Holy Spirit, to continue their work there (John 16:20; Acts 1:8 ^a).

v. 2: Devout men mourned Stephen’s death and gave him a proper burial. This act showed their respect for Stephen and their commitment to the Christian faith, even in the face of hostility. They were not ashamed of him or the cause for which he died. Their mourning also reflected the great loss the church felt, as Stephen was highly respected for his faith and service (Acts 8:2 ^b).

v. 3: Saul became a key figure in the persecution. He went from house to house, dragging men and women out and throwing them into prison. He was determined to destroy the church, showing no mercy, even to women. Saul’s extreme actions reflected his hatred for Christianity at the time, and he later admitted that he had persecuted Christians to the point of death (Acts 26:10-11; Psalm 83:4 ^c).

The Spreading of the Gospel; Philip’s Success

When persecution scattered the early Christians, it did not stop the spread of the gospel. Instead, it helped the good news about Jesus to reach more people and new places. The believers did not hide or give up, even though they suffered. Rather, they took every opportunity to share the message of Jesus with everyone they met. This section shows how God can use even hard times to help his church grow and bring joy to many.

v. 4: Those who were scattered by the persecution went everywhere preaching the word. They did not run away to hide or keep silent. Instead, wherever they went, they told people about Jesus. This included Gentile areas and cities of the Samaritans, which before had been avoided. The believers were eager to share what they had learned and experienced, and God used their troubles to spread the message even further.

v. 5–8: Philip, one of the deacons, went to the city of Samaria and proclaimed Christ to them. Many people listened to him and saw the miracles he did. Evil spirits came out of many people, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. There was great joy in the city because of this. Philip’s preaching and the miracles showed that the message was true and powerful, and many believed and were baptized, both men and women.

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v. 9–13: There was a man named Simon who had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, and many followed him. But when the people believed Philip’s message about the kingdom of God and Jesus Christ, they were baptized and left Simon to follow Jesus. Even Simon believed and was baptized, and he followed Philip, amazed at the signs and miracles he saw.

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The Account of Simon Magus

After many Samaritans believed the gospel and were baptized through Philip’s preaching, the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God. They sent Peter and John to help the new believers and to give them the Holy Spirit in a special way. This section shows the difference between outward signs of faith and true spiritual change. It also tells the story of Simon Magus, who wanted spiritual power for selfish reasons, and how Peter corrected him. The story reminds us that God’s gifts cannot be bought or used for personal gain, and that true faith means repentance and a sincere heart before God.

v. 14–15: When the apostles in Jerusalem learned that Samaria had accepted God’s word, they sent Peter and John to visit the new believers. When they arrived, they prayed for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit. This shows that even though the Samaritans had believed and been baptized, they still needed to receive the special gifts of the Holy Spirit that only the apostles could give by praying for them.

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v. 16: Until this time, the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of the Samaritans in the way he did at Pentecost. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. This means they were true followers of Jesus, but God wanted to show clearly that the Samaritans were part of the church by giving them the Holy Spirit through the apostles.

v. 17: Peter and John laid their hands on the new believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. This was a special moment, showing that the Samaritans were fully included in God’s family. The laying on of hands was a sign of blessing and the transfer of God’s power.

v. 18–19: Simon Magus, who had believed and been baptized, saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people. He offered them money, asking for the same power to give the Holy Spirit to others. Simon’s request showed he did not truly understand God’s grace—he thought God’s gift could be bought or controlled for personal gain.

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v. 20–21: Peter strongly rebuked Simon, saying, “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” Peter told him he had no part or share in this ministry because his heart was not right before God. This teaches that God’s gifts are free, and our motives must be pure to receive them.

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v. 22–23: Peter told Simon to repent of his wickedness and pray to God for forgiveness. He warned Simon that he was still trapped in sin and bitterness, not truly freed by the gospel. True faith requires repentance and a change of heart, not just outward actions.

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v. 24: Simon replied, asking Peter to pray for him so that nothing bad would happen to him. This shows Simon was afraid of God’s judgment, but it is not clear if he truly repented from his heart.

v. 25: After Peter and John had testified and preached the word of the Lord in Samaria, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages along the way. This shows that the good news about Jesus could not be stopped, and it kept spreading to new places and new people.

Philip and the Ethiopian

This section describes how the gospel was brought to Ethiopia through the conversion of an important official. It shows how God directs his servants to those who are seeking the truth, even in unexpected places. Philip is led by the Spirit to meet a foreign dignitary, showing that the message of Jesus is for all nations, not just for the Jews.

v. 26: Philip, who was an evangelist, received direction from an angel of the Lord. The angel told him to go towards the south, to the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza, through a desert area. Even though it seemed unlikely that he would find anyone there, Philip obeyed immediately, not questioning the reason or expecting anything in particular.

v. 27: The person he met was an Ethiopian eunuch, a high official who was in charge of the treasury for Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had come to Jerusalem to worship, showing that he was a proselyte to the Jewish faith or at least a worshipper of the true God. This man was of high position and influence, yet humble enough to seek God.

v. 28–29: As the eunuch was returning home, he was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah. The Spirit told Philip to go near and join himself to the chariot. This shows how God works to bring together those who seek him with those who can explain his word.

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v. 30–31: Philip ran to the chariot and heard the eunuch reading from Isaiah. Philip asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" The eunuch replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" He then invited Philip to come up and sit with him. This teaches us that it is good to admit when we do not understand the Scriptures, and to be willing to receive help.

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v. 32–33: The passage the eunuch was reading was Isaiah 53:7-8, about the suffering servant who was led like a sheep to the slaughter and did not open his mouth. The prophecy also spoke of his judgment being taken away and his life cut off from the earth. This passage predicted that the Messiah would suffer and die innocently, and also that he would live on forever, with a generation (spiritual descendants) beyond counting.

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v. 34–35: The eunuch asked if the prophet was speaking about himself or someone else. Philip began with that scripture and preached Jesus to him, showing that Jesus is the one Isaiah spoke about, who suffered, died, and rose again to bring salvation. Philip explained how Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures. This shows us how the Old Testament points to Christ.

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v. 36–38: As they traveled, they came to some water. The eunuch said, "Look, here is water. What keeps me from being baptized?" Philip replied, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch confessed, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." They both went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. This teaches that true faith in Jesus is the requirement for baptism, and that confession of faith should be made openly.

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v. 39–40: When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more. Yet the eunuch went on his way rejoicing, showing his new joy in Christ. Philip was found at Azotus and preached the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea. This shows that God’s servants must be ready to move wherever he sends them, and that the gospel is to be spread everywhere, to all people.