Acts 21:8

KJV

¶ And the next [day] we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was [one] of the seven; and abode with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the next {G1887} day we that were of {G4012} Paul's {G3972} company {G4012} departed {G1831}, and came {G2064}{G2064} unto {G1519} Caesarea {G2542}: and {G2532} we entered {G1525} into {G1519} the house {G3624} of Philip {G5376} the evangelist {G2099}, which was {G5607} one of {G1537} the seven {G2033}; and abode {G3306} with {G3844} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The following day, we left and came to Caesarea, where we went to the home of Philip the proclaimer of the Good News, one of the Seven, and stayed with him.

Berean Standard Bible

Leaving the next day, we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven.

American Standard Version

And on the morrow we departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we abode with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:8 marks a significant waypoint in the Apostle Paul's final journey to Jerusalem, detailing his company's arrival in the strategic Roman port city of Caesarea. Here, they find lodging and fellowship in the home of Philip, a prominent figure in early Christianity, identified specifically by his vital roles as "the evangelist" and "one of the seven." This brief yet rich verse underscores the interconnectedness of the early Christian community, the ongoing spread of the Gospel through dedicated individuals, and the providential provision for Paul's arduous mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter part of the Book of Acts, specifically detailing Paul's third missionary journey and his determined, Spirit-led ascent to Jerusalem. The preceding chapters (Acts 19-20) describe Paul's ministry in Ephesus, his farewell address to the Ephesian elders at Miletus, and his subsequent island-hopping journey through Coos, Rhodes, Patara, and then a direct sailing to Tyre. In Tyre, disciples warned him not to go to Jerusalem, but Paul remained resolute, feeling compelled by the Holy Spirit (see [Acts 20:22-24](/acts/20-22-24 "Acts 20:22-24 - Paul's Resolve to Go to Jerusalem")). From Tyre, they sailed to Ptolemais, where they greeted the believers and stayed for a day. Acts 21:8 picks up immediately after this, detailing their departure from Ptolemais and arrival in Caesarea, setting the stage for further encounters and prophetic warnings before Paul's eventual arrival in Jerusalem and subsequent arrest. The narrative emphasizes Paul's unwavering commitment to his divine calling despite the clear dangers ahead.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Caesarea Maritima was a newly built, magnificent port city on the Mediterranean coast, established by Herod the Great and named in honor of Caesar Augustus. By Paul's time, it served as the Roman administrative capital of Judea, housing the Roman procurator and a significant Roman garrison. Its strategic location made it a major hub for trade, travel, and communication, connecting Judea to the broader Roman Empire. The city was predominantly Gentile, with a diverse population of Greeks, Romans, and Jews, making it a natural center for the spread of the Gospel to non-Jewish peoples. For Paul, a Roman citizen traveling through the region, Caesarea offered a familiar and relatively secure environment, a temporary respite before entering the more volatile Jewish heartland of Jerusalem. The practice of hospitality, especially among traveling teachers and missionaries, was a deeply ingrained cultural norm in the ancient world, and particularly vital within the nascent Christian community, which lacked formal institutional support structures.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 21:8 contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Christian Hospitality**, demonstrating how believers opened their homes to fellow workers in the Gospel, providing essential support, rest, and fellowship for those on mission. This was crucial for the early church's growth and interconnectedness. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Continuity of Ministry** within the early church. Philip, a key figure from the church's earliest days, is still actively engaged in ministry, now specifically recognized as an evangelist. This illustrates the enduring commitment of early leaders to their calling and the sustained, organic spread of the Gospel. His presence in Caesarea, a Gentile-friendly city, aligns with his earlier ministry to Samaritans and the Ethiopian eunuch, showcasing the Gospel's expansion beyond traditional Jewish boundaries (see [Acts 8:5-40](/acts/8-5-40 "Acts 8:5-40 - Philip's Ministry in Samaria and with the Ethiopian Eunuch")). Lastly, the encounter reveals **Divine Connections and Providence**. God's hand is evident in Paul's company finding lodging with a respected and Spirit-filled leader like Philip, whose household, as revealed in the subsequent verse, included daughters with prophetic gifts (see [Acts 21:9](/acts/21-9 "Acts 21:9 - Philip's Prophesying Daughters")), indicating a divinely orchestrated encounter that would provide further guidance and warnings for Paul.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **departed (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** This verb (G1831), meaning "to issue forth, come out, go away," emphasizes the active movement and progression of Paul's journey. It denotes a deliberate act of leaving one place to move towards another, underscoring the purposeful nature of Paul's travel towards Jerusalem, a journey he felt compelled to undertake by the Holy Spirit, despite the warnings of impending suffering.
* **evangelist (Greek, _euangelistḗs'_):** This noun (G2099) literally means "a proclaimer of good news" or "a preacher of the gospel." Applied to Philip, it signifies his primary and recognized function within the early church: to boldly share the Gospel message. This title highlights a specific spiritual gift and a distinct role, emphasizing the importance of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ as a foundational activity of the church.
* **seven (Greek, _heptá'_):** This cardinal number (G2033) refers directly to the group of seven men chosen by the early church in Jerusalem to administer daily distribution to widows, as recorded in [Acts 6:1-6](/acts/6-1-6 "Acts 6:1-6 - The Choosing of the Seven"). This identification links Philip to the very earliest days of the church's organized life and demonstrates his transition from an administrative role to a prominent evangelistic ministry, showcasing the dynamic nature of spiritual gifts and callings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the next [day] we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea:"** This opening clause establishes the immediate continuation of Paul's journey from Ptolemais. The phrase "we that were of Paul's company" highlights Luke's continued presence with Paul (the "we" sections of Acts) and emphasizes the communal nature of their mission. Their arrival in Caesarea, a major Roman administrative and port city, signifies a significant stop on their route to Jerusalem, offering a strategic point for rest and preparation.
* **"and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist,"** This clause details their specific destination within Caesarea: the home of Philip. The act of "entering into the house" signifies an immediate act of hospitality and fellowship. The identification of Philip as "the evangelist" is crucial, underscoring his recognized spiritual gift and ministry role in the early church, distinct from other Philips mentioned in the New Testament.
* **"which was [one] of the seven;"** This appositional phrase provides further, vital identification for Philip. It connects him directly to the group of seven men chosen in [Acts 6](/acts/6 "Acts 6 - The Appointment of the Seven") to address the needs of the Hellenist widows in Jerusalem. This link establishes Philip's long-standing faithfulness and prominence within the Christian community, tracing his ministry back to the foundational moments of the church's expansion.
* **"and abode with him."** This final clause indicates that Paul and his companions stayed for a period in Philip's home, implying a time of rest, fellowship, and perhaps strategic discussion. The word "abode" (Greek, _menō_) suggests a settled stay, more than just a brief visit, highlighting the importance of this period of hospitality for the traveling missionaries.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 21:8 effectively employs **Narrative Progression**, seamlessly continuing the account of Paul's journey towards Jerusalem, building anticipation for the events to come. The verse also utilizes **Character Reintroduction and Apposition** by re-presenting Philip not merely by name, but with two significant descriptors: "the evangelist" and "one of the seven." This layering of identity serves to immediately establish Philip's spiritual authority, his recognized ministry, and his historical connection to the earliest days of the Jerusalem church. The specific mention of "Caesarea" provides crucial **Geographical and Historical Detail**, grounding the narrative in a real-world setting and highlighting the strategic importance of this Gentile-dominated city for the spread of the Gospel. Furthermore, the "we" pronoun throughout the passage signifies **Eyewitness Testimony**, characteristic of Luke's writing, lending credibility and immediacy to the account.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:8 beautifully illustrates the early church's commitment to mutual support and the organic spread of the Gospel. The hospitality extended by Philip to Paul and his company was not merely a social custom but a theological imperative, reflecting the communal nature of the body of Christ. It demonstrates the vital role of individual believers in facilitating the broader mission of God, providing safe havens and spiritual refreshment for those on the front lines of evangelism. Philip's continued active ministry as an evangelist, years after his initial appointment in Jerusalem, underscores the enduring nature of spiritual callings and the Holy Spirit's empowering of individuals for specific functions within the church. This encounter also foreshadows the prophetic warnings Paul would receive in Philip's home, highlighting God's providential care for His servants, even amidst impending trials.

* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Christian Hospitality")
* [Ephesians 4:11](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11 - Christ's Gifts to the Church, Including Evangelists")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Do Not Neglect Hospitality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 21:8 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the enduring importance of Christian fellowship, hospitality, and the faithful exercise of spiritual gifts. Just as Philip opened his home to traveling ministers, we are called to embody a spirit of welcoming and support for those who serve God, especially those engaged in missionary work, pastoral ministry, or church planting. This can involve opening our physical homes, but also providing emotional, spiritual, and financial support to those on mission. The example of Philip, who transitioned from an administrative role to a renowned evangelist, encourages us to remain faithful in our current calling while also being open to how God might expand our spheres of influence and utilize our spiritual gifts in new ways. Our faithfulness in seemingly smaller tasks can prepare us for greater impact. Ultimately, the verse challenges us to consider how our lives and resources can be used to further the Gospel, recognizing that every believer plays a vital role in the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I actively practice Christian hospitality in my own life, both within my local church and for those serving in ministry?**
* **In what ways am I currently using my spiritual gifts to serve God and others, and how might God be calling me to expand or refine that service?**
* **How does the example of Philip's faithful, lifelong ministry encourage me in my own walk with Christ, particularly through different seasons of life?**

### FAQ
**Who was Philip the evangelist, and how is he distinguished from others named Philip in the Bible?**

Answer: Philip the evangelist, as mentioned in [Acts 21:8](/acts/21-8 "Acts 21:8 - Philip the Evangelist"), is distinct from Philip the Apostle (one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, mentioned in [Matthew 10:3](/matthew/10-3 "Matthew 10:3 - Philip the Apostle")). This Philip is identified as "one of the seven" men chosen by the early church in Jerusalem to oversee the daily distribution to widows, as described in [Acts 6:1-6](/acts/6-1-6 "Acts 6:1-6 - The Appointment of the Seven"). While initially appointed for administrative duties, Philip quickly became a powerful proclaimer of the Gospel, notably conducting a significant evangelistic ministry in Samaria and leading the Ethiopian eunuch to faith in Christ (see [Acts 8:4-40](/acts/8-4-40 "Acts 8:4-40 - Philip's Ministry in Samaria and with the Ethiopian Eunuch")). His title "the evangelist" explicitly defines his primary ministry function.

**What does it mean that Philip was "one of the seven"?**

Answer: The phrase "one of the seven" refers to a specific group of seven men chosen by the early church in Jerusalem to address a dispute regarding the daily distribution of food to widows, as detailed in [Acts 6:1-6](/acts/6-1-6 "Acts 6:1-6 - Selection of the Seven Deacons"). These men, including Stephen and Philip, were described as "men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom." While their initial role was administrative, this appointment freed the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. Many of these "seven" (often referred to as the first deacons, though the term isn't used in Acts 6) subsequently became powerful preachers and evangelists, demonstrating that administrative gifts can often be intertwined with or lead to broader spiritual ministries.

**Why was Caesarea an important city for Paul's journey and early Christian history?**

Answer: Caesarea Maritima was a strategically vital city during the Roman period. Built by Herod the Great, it served as the Roman administrative capital of Judea, housing the Roman procurator (like Pontius Pilate and Felix) and a significant Roman garrison. Its large harbor made it a crucial port for trade and travel, connecting Judea to the wider Roman Empire. For Paul, it was a natural point of entry and departure for his missionary journeys and a place where he could find Roman protection. In early Christian history, Caesarea was significant because it was the location where the Gospel first explicitly spread to Gentiles through Peter's ministry to Cornelius (see [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius")). It also served as a base for various Christian leaders, including Philip, and later became a center of Christian scholarship. Paul himself would be imprisoned there for two years (see [Acts 24:27](/acts/24-27 "Acts 24:27 - Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 21:8, though seemingly a simple travelogue entry, profoundly points to Christ through the ongoing mission of His body, the Church. Philip, the evangelist, embodies the very heart of Christ's commission to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). His life, dedicated to proclaiming the "good news" (the literal meaning of "evangelist"), reflects Christ Himself, who came as the ultimate proclaimer of the Kingdom of God ([Mark 1:14-15](/mark/1-14-15 "Mark 1:14-15 - Jesus Preaches the Gospel of God")). The hospitality extended by Philip to Paul's company is a tangible expression of Christ's own radical welcome and love for His followers, echoing His promise to be present when believers gather in His name ([Matthew 18:20](/matthew/18-20 "Matthew 18:20 - Where Two or Three Are Gathered")). Moreover, the continuity of ministry from the "seven" chosen in Jerusalem to Philip's evangelistic work in Caesarea highlights the Spirit-empowered expansion of Christ's kingdom, demonstrating that the resurrected Lord continues to build His church through faithful servants, just as He promised ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus' Promise to Build His Church")). Every act of evangelism, every welcoming home, every journey undertaken for the Gospel's sake, is a continuation of Christ's redemptive work in the world, drawing all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Will Draw All People to Himself")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 6:5

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

Acts 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 8:40

But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Ephesians 4:11

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Acts 8:5

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

Acts 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.

2 Timothy 4:5

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.