Acts 8:12

KJV

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when {G3753} they believed {G4100} Philip {G5376} preaching {G2097} the things concerning {G4012} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} the name {G3686} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, they were baptized {G907}, both {G5037} men {G435} and {G2532} women {G1135}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when they came to believe Philip, as he announced the Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Yeshua the Messiah, they were immersed, both men and women.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

But when they believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 8:12 marks a pivotal moment in the early church's expansion, illustrating the transformative power of the Gospel as preached by Philip in Samaria. This verse succinctly captures the essential elements of early Christian conversion: the proclamation of God's sovereign reign and the saving authority of Jesus Christ, the genuine response of faith, and the public declaration of that faith through baptism, notably embracing both men and women, underscoring the universal reach of the Good News.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 8:12 is situated immediately after the intense persecution that scattered believers from Jerusalem following Stephen's martyrdom ([Acts 8:1](/acts/8-1 "Acts 8:1 - Persecution and Scattering")). Philip, one of the seven deacons appointed in [Acts 6:5](/acts/6-5 "Acts 6:5 - Appointment of the Seven"), emerges as a key evangelist. The preceding verses ([Acts 8:4-8](/acts/8-4-8 "Acts 8:4-8 - Philip's Ministry in Samaria")) describe Philip's arrival in Samaria, his powerful preaching, and the miraculous signs he performed, which garnered significant attention and led to widespread joy. Verse 12 thus details the spiritual fruit of this initial outreach, specifically the Samaritans' acceptance of the message and their subsequent baptism, setting the stage for Peter and John's later visit to impart the Holy Spirit ([Acts 8:14-17](/acts/8-14-17 "Acts 8:14-17 - Peter and John in Samaria")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Samaria, located between Judea and Galilee, had a long-standing history of animosity with the Jews, stemming from ethnic and religious differences (e.g., the Samaritan worship at Mount Gerizim versus Jewish worship in Jerusalem). Jews typically avoided Samaria, making Philip's ministry there, and the Samaritans' positive response, a significant breakthrough. This outreach defied deeply ingrained cultural prejudices and marked a crucial step in the Gospel's expansion beyond its Jewish origins, foreshadowing its global reach. The inclusion of "both men and women" in baptism was also culturally significant, as women in ancient societies often held a secondary status. Their explicit mention highlights the radical inclusivity of the early Christian community, where social distinctions were transcended by faith in Christ.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. It exemplifies the theme of **Gospel Expansion**, demonstrating how the message of Christ transcends geographical and ethnic barriers, moving from Jerusalem to "Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). It underscores the **Centrality of the Gospel Message**, emphasizing the dual focus on "the kingdom of God" and "the name of Jesus Christ," which were foundational to Jesus' own ministry ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Preaches the Kingdom")). The immediate response of **Faith and Obedience** through baptism highlights the early church's understanding of conversion as a public declaration of commitment, in line with the command given in the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). Finally, the mention of "both men and women" powerfully illustrates the **Inclusivity of the Church**, demonstrating that the new community in Christ breaks down social and gender distinctions, offering salvation and belonging to all who believe.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **believed (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, this word signifies more than mere intellectual assent; it means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." The Samaritans' belief was a transformative trust, leading to action and commitment.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** From G932, this term denotes "royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)." When Philip preached "the kingdom of God," he was proclaiming God's sovereign reign, which had decisively broken into human history through the person and work of Jesus Christ, establishing a new spiritual reality and community.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** From G3686, this word refers to a "name" literally or figuratively, encompassing "authority, character." "The name of Jesus Christ" is far more than a label; it embodies His entire person, authority, power, and saving efficacy. To believe in His name is to trust in who He is and what He has accomplished.
* **baptized (Greek, _baptízō'_):** From G907, meaning "to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism." This act was a public, outward symbol of an inward spiritual reality—repentance, identification with Christ's death and resurrection, and new life in Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when they believed Philip preaching":** This clause highlights the immediate and direct response of the Samaritans to Philip's evangelistic message. Their belief was not a casual acceptance but a genuine, active faith that arose from hearing the proclamation of the Gospel. The "but" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a contrast or continuation from previous events, specifically the widespread joy and miracles in Samaria, leading to this deeper spiritual commitment.
* **"the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ":** This specifies the dual content of Philip's preaching, which was central to the early apostolic message. "The kingdom of God" refers to God's active reign and sovereign rule, inaugurated by Christ. "The name of Jesus Christ" encapsulates His person, authority, and saving work, emphasizing that salvation is uniquely found in Him. These two elements together form the core of the Gospel message.
* **"they were baptized":** This describes the immediate and public act that followed their belief. Baptism was the outward sign of their inward conversion, symbolizing their repentance, identification with Christ, and initiation into the Christian community. It was not merely a ritual but a profound declaration of their new allegiance.
* **"both men and women":** This crucial phrase emphasizes the radical inclusivity of the Gospel. In a society often marked by gender hierarchies, the fact that both genders were equally welcomed into the community through baptism underscores that salvation and membership in the body of Christ transcend social and gender distinctions, affirming the universal accessibility of the Good News.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Narrative Progression**, moving from Philip's initial preaching and miracles to the Samaritans' belief and baptism, illustrating the logical sequence of conversion in the early church. The phrase "both men and women" serves as a powerful instance of **Inclusivity**, highlighting the universal scope of the Gospel and challenging prevailing social norms. There is also a strong element of **Thematic Emphasis** on the core content of the Gospel: "the kingdom of God" and "the name of Jesus Christ," which are presented as the essential truths that compel belief and lead to baptism. This concise summary of the preached message underscores its foundational importance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 8:12 provides a foundational example of conversion in the early church, demonstrating that genuine faith in the Gospel message—comprising God's kingdom and the person of Jesus Christ—leads to immediate and public identification with Him through baptism. This pattern underscores the inseparable link between belief and obedience, where the internal transformation of faith is outwardly expressed. The inclusion of both men and women highlights the radical equality and universal accessibility of salvation offered through Christ, breaking down social and cultural barriers that might otherwise impede the spread of the Gospel. This verse serves as a template for understanding the essential components of Christian initiation: hearing the Word, believing in Christ, and being baptized into His community.

* [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief")
* [Galatians 3:27-28](/galatians/3-27-28 "Galatians 3:27-28 - Unity in Christ Through Baptism")
* [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 8:12 offers profound insights for contemporary believers and the church. It reminds us that the core of our message must remain centered on "the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ"—God's sovereign rule and the saving power found in His Son. Our evangelism should be clear, compelling, and accompanied by a call to genuine belief, which is not merely intellectual assent but a life-transforming trust. The immediate and public nature of baptism in this account challenges us to consider whether we are adequately emphasizing this crucial step of obedience and identification with Christ in our discipleship processes. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "both men and women" serves as a timeless reminder of the Gospel's radical inclusivity, urging us to actively dismantle any barriers—social, cultural, or personal—that might hinder anyone from hearing, believing, and responding to Christ. Our churches should be places where all are welcomed into the family of God, reflecting the boundless love and grace of our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How effectively does my personal witness, or my church's ministry, focus on proclaiming "the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ"?**
* **What does "belief" truly mean in my life, and how is it outwardly expressed through obedience and identification with Christ?**
* **In what ways can I, or my community, better embody the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, welcoming all people regardless of background or perceived status?**
* **How does the immediate response of baptism in Acts 8:12 inform our understanding of discipleship and commitment today?**

### FAQ
**Why is "the kingdom of God" mentioned alongside "the name of Jesus Christ" as the content of Philip's preaching?**

Answer: Philip's preaching of "the kingdom of God" and "the name of Jesus Christ" represents the two inseparable pillars of the early Christian message. "The kingdom of God" refers to God's active, sovereign rule, which Jesus inaugurated through His life, death, and resurrection. It signifies the new spiritual reality and reign of God breaking into human history. "The name of Jesus Christ" embodies His person, authority, and saving work. To preach both means to declare that God's promised reign has arrived in and through Jesus, and that salvation, entrance into this kingdom, and new life are found uniquely in His identity and sacrifice. This dual focus was consistent with Jesus' own ministry, as seen in [Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Preaches the Kingdom"), where He proclaimed, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." The kingdom is realized through faith in the King, Jesus Christ.

**What is the significance of "both men and women" being baptized in this verse?**

Answer: The explicit mention of "both men and women" being baptized is highly significant, particularly in the cultural context of the ancient world where women often held a subordinate status and were not always counted or given equal standing in public religious rites. This phrase underscores the radical inclusivity of the Gospel and the early Christian community. It demonstrates that in Christ, traditional social, ethnic, and gender distinctions are transcended, and all who believe are equally welcomed into the body of Christ through baptism. This aligns with the New Testament's broader teaching on unity in Christ, as articulated in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Distinction in Christ"), which declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." It signifies that salvation and church membership are open to all, regardless of their societal standing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 8:12, though describing an early apostolic outreach, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Philip's preaching of "the kingdom of God" finds its complete realization in Jesus, who is not merely the herald of the kingdom but its very embodiment and King. He inaugurated God's reign through His life, miracles, teachings, and ultimately, His atoning death and victorious resurrection, establishing a spiritual kingdom that transcends earthly boundaries ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). Furthermore, believing in "the name of Jesus Christ" is the essential response to this kingdom message. The "name" of Jesus encompasses His divine authority, His saving power, and His unique identity as the Messiah, the Anointed One. It is through His name that salvation is found ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")), sins are forgiven ([Acts 10:43](/acts/10-43 "Acts 10:43 - Forgiveness Through His Name")), and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The baptism of both men and women into this name signifies their new identity in Christ, becoming part of His body, the church, where all are one in Him ([Galatians 3:27-28](/galatians/3-27-28 "Galatians 3:27-28 - Unity in Christ Through Baptism")). Thus, Acts 8:12 beautifully illustrates the Christ-centered nature of the Gospel: Jesus is the content of the message, the means of salvation, and the head of the new, inclusive community.

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 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 1:3

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Matthew 28:19

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

1 Peter 3:21

¶ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Acts 2:41

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Romans 10:10

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.