Acts 21:8

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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

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.

Acts 21:8 describes a significant stop during the Apostle Paul's final journey to Jerusalem. After departing from Ptolemais, Paul and his companions arrive at Caesarea, a major Roman port city, and find lodging with Philip, who is identified as "the evangelist" and "one of the seven." This verse highlights important figures and locations in early Christian history, showcasing the network of believers and the ongoing work of the Gospel.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative detailing Paul's determined journey towards Jerusalem, despite warnings of impending suffering, as he felt compelled by the Spirit (see Acts 20:22-24). Caesarea Maritima was a crucial administrative center and port city in Judea, established by Herod the Great. It served as the Roman capital of the province and was a hub for trade and travel. For Paul's company, arriving in Caesarea marked a temporary respite and a place of fellowship before the expected challenges in Jerusalem.

Philip the Evangelist

The host mentioned here is Philip, known as 'the evangelist'. This title emphasizes his primary role in spreading the Gospel and distinguishes him from Philip the Apostle. The text further identifies him as "one of the seven," referring to the group chosen by the early church in Jerusalem to administer daily distribution to widows, as described in Acts 6:1-6. While initially appointed for administrative duties, Philip quickly became a powerful preacher, notably in Samaria and with the Ethiopian eunuch (see Acts 8:26-40). His presence in Caesarea, a Gentile-friendly city, underscores his continuing mission to spread the word beyond traditional Jewish boundaries.

Key Themes

  • Christian Hospitality: The willingness of Philip to host Paul and his company demonstrates the vital role of hospitality within the early Christian community. Believers opened their homes to fellow workers in the Gospel, providing a crucial network of support, rest, and fellowship for those on mission.
  • Continuity of Ministry: Philip, a key figure from the church's earliest days, is still actively engaged in ministry, now specifically as an evangelist. This highlights the enduring commitment of early leaders to their calling and the sustained spread of the Gospel.
  • Divine Connections: The providence of God is evident in Paul's company finding lodging with a respected and Spirit-filled leader like Philip, who likely shared valuable insights and perhaps even prophetic warnings through his daughters, as seen in subsequent verses (Acts 21:9-11).

Linguistic Insight

The term "evangelist" (Greek: euangelistes) literally means "a proclaimer of good news." This title, applied to Philip, signifies his primary function as one who boldly shares the Gospel message. It highlights a specific spiritual gift and recognized role within the early church, emphasizing the importance of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.

Practical Application

Acts 21:8 reminds believers today of the enduring importance of Christian fellowship and hospitality. Just as Philip opened his home to traveling ministers, we are called to welcome and support those who serve God, especially those dedicated to missionary work or church planting. It also encourages us to recognize and utilize our spiritual gifts, whether in direct evangelism or in supporting roles, to further the Gospel. Philip's faithful transition from a 'deacon' to a renowned 'evangelist' illustrates how God can expand our spheres of influence as we remain faithful to our calling and available for His service.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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