Acts 8:14

¶ Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

Now {G1161} when the apostles {G652} which {G3588} were at {G1722} Jerusalem {G2414} heard {G191} that {G3754} Samaria {G4540} had received {G1209} the word {G3056} of God {G2316}, they sent {G649} unto {G4314} them {G846} Peter {G4074} and {G2532} John {G2491}:

When the emissaries in Yerushalayim heard that Shomron had received the Word of God, they sent them Kefa and Yochanan,

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.

Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

Commentary

Acts 8:14 marks a crucial moment in the early expansion of the Christian church, illustrating the apostolic oversight and the geographical spread of the Gospel beyond its initial Jewish confines. This verse comes after the persecution in Jerusalem scattered believers, leading Philip to preach successfully in Samaria, where many had believed and been baptized.

Context

Following the intense persecution that arose after the martyrdom of Stephen (see Acts 8:1), many believers, including Philip, were dispersed from Jerusalem. Philip went to Samaria, a region historically at odds with Judea due to deep-seated ethnic and religious differences (as highlighted in John 4:9). Despite this animosity, Philip's ministry was met with great success, as many Samaritans "received the word of God" and were baptized. This verse describes the reaction of the apostles still based in Jerusalem upon hearing this remarkable news.

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Oversight and Unity: The sending of Peter and John from Jerusalem demonstrates the central leadership and authority of the apostles. It shows their concern for the spiritual well-being of new converts and their desire to maintain unity within the nascent church, ensuring that the Samaritan believers were fully integrated into the broader body of Christ.
  • Expansion of the Gospel: The acceptance of the Gospel in Samaria was a significant milestone. It represented a vital step in the fulfillment of Christ's commission to spread the Gospel "in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." This outreach challenged ethnic and cultural barriers.
  • Validation and Confirmation: The apostles' decision to send Peter and John implies a need to validate the work done in Samaria and to impart spiritual gifts, particularly the Holy Spirit, which the Samaritans had not yet received through Philip's ministry alone (as seen in Acts 8:17).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "received the word of God" (Greek: edexanto ton logon tou Theou) indicates that the Samaritans had heard, believed, and accepted the Gospel message preached by Philip. This refers to their initial conversion and faith, leading to their baptism. The subsequent sending of Peter and John was not to validate their belief, but to facilitate their reception of the Holy Spirit, which in this unique early church context, sometimes followed initial belief and baptism through the laying on of apostolic hands.

Practical Application

This verse highlights the importance of unity and oversight in the church, even as it expands into new territories and among diverse peoples. It reminds us that the Gospel transcends social, ethnic, and historical divisions, bringing together all who believe under the lordship of Christ. For the modern church, it underscores the value of spiritual leadership in nurturing new believers and ensuring the sound doctrinal and spiritual development of all parts of the body of Christ.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:2 (4 votes)

    And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (4 votes)

    ¶ For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

  • Acts 8:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

  • Galatians 2:9 (3 votes)

    And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:10 (2 votes)

    And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

  • Acts 2:41 (2 votes)

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

  • Acts 11:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.