Acts 8:25

KJV

And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they, when {G3303}{G3767} they had testified {G1263} and {G2532} preached {G2980} the word {G3056} of the Lord {G2962}, returned {G5290} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}, and {G5037} preached the gospel {G2097} in many {G4183} villages {G2968} of the Samaritans {G4541}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, after giving a thorough witness and speaking the Word of the Lord, Kefa and Yochanan started back to Yerushalayim, announcing the Good News to many villages in Shomron.

Berean Standard Bible

And after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many of the Samaritan villages.

American Standard Version

They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 8:25 encapsulates a pivotal moment in the early Christian mission, depicting the return journey of Peter and John from Samaria to Jerusalem. This verse highlights their continued commitment to evangelism, as they actively proclaimed the gospel message not only in the Samaritan capital but also in numerous surrounding villages, thereby extending the reach of the nascent church beyond established Jewish-Samaritan divides and demonstrating the unstoppable momentum of God's word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the significant events in Samaria, where Philip's evangelistic efforts had led to many Samaritans believing and being baptized. Recognizing the need for apostolic confirmation and the impartation of the Holy Spirit, the apostles in Jerusalem dispatched [Peter and John](/acts/8-14 "Acts 8:14 - Apostles Sent to Samaria") to Samaria. Their visit confirmed the authenticity of the Samaritan conversions, witnessed the outpouring of the Spirit through their laying on of hands, and included the dramatic confrontation with Simon the sorcerer, who attempted to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit. Having successfully completed their mission of consolidation and spiritual empowerment, Acts 8:25 marks their departure from Samaria, but not their cessation of ministry, as they continued to preach on their way back to the spiritual center of Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop of Jewish-Samaritan relations was one of deep-seated animosity, rooted in centuries of religious and ethnic separation. Samaritans were considered a mixed race, practicing a form of Judaism centered on Mount Gerizim rather than Jerusalem, and were often despised by orthodox Jews. For Jewish apostles like Peter and John to not only minister in Samaria but to actively engage in evangelism in its "many villages" was a radical departure from conventional practice and a profound testament to the inclusive nature of the gospel. This action directly challenged entrenched prejudices and foreshadowed the broader Gentile mission, illustrating the gospel's power to transcend traditional barriers and forge a new community in Christ.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 8:25 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts. Foremost is the **Expansion of the Gospel**, fulfilling Jesus' commission in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission to Witness"), which mandated witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This verse specifically details the "Samaria" phase of that mission, showing the gospel's deliberate spread into previously unreached or hostile territories. Another key theme is **Apostolic Authority and Confirmation**, as Peter and John's presence validated the Samaritan believers and ensured the unity of the church, bridging the gap between Jewish and Samaritan converts. Finally, the verse underscores the **Centrality of Proclamation and Witness**, highlighting that the spread of Christianity was fundamentally driven by the verbal declaration of "the word of the Lord" and "the gospel," emphasizing the active role of believers in sharing the good news.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **testified (Greek, _diamartýromai_):** From διά ("through," "thoroughly") and μαρτυρέω ("to bear witness"), this verb signifies an earnest, solemn, and thorough declaration. It implies not just reporting facts but bearing witness with conviction, often with a sense of urgency or even warning. In this context, it underscores the apostles' profound commitment and the weighty nature of their message, delivered with divine authority.
* **preached the gospel (Greek, _euangelízō_):** Derived from εὖ ("good") and ἄγγελος ("messenger"), this verb literally means "to announce good news" or "to evangelize." It specifically refers to the proclamation of the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Its use here emphasizes that the core content of their preaching was the saving message of the gospel, contrasting with general speaking or teaching.
* **word (Greek, _lógos_):** From λέγω ("to speak"), this term refers to something said, a message, or a discourse. In the phrase "the word of the Lord," it denotes the authoritative, divine message originating from God Himself. This highlights that the apostles were not speaking their own opinions but faithfully delivering God's revealed truth, which carried inherent power and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord":** This opening clause identifies Peter and John ("they") and summarizes their completed primary mission in Samaria. The dual verbs "testified" (_diamartýromai_) and "preached" (_laléō_) emphasize the comprehensive nature of their ministry – a solemn, authoritative witness combined with verbal proclamation of God's message. This signifies their faithful execution of their apostolic duties in Samaria.
* **"returned to Jerusalem":** This phrase indicates their intended destination, the central hub of the early church, from which they had been sent. Their return signifies accountability to the broader apostolic leadership and the ongoing unity of the church's mission, with Jerusalem serving as a key strategic base.
* **"and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans":** This final, crucial clause reveals that their return journey was not merely travel but a continuation of their evangelistic efforts. The mention of "many villages" underscores the extensive and intentional nature of their outreach, moving beyond the main city of Samaria into the surrounding rural areas. This demonstrates the gospel's pervasive spread and the apostles' commitment to reaching all people groups, further dismantling the historical animosity between Jews and Samaritans.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in Acts 8:25 to convey its significance. **Narrative Progression** is evident as the verse marks a transition from the specific, focused mission in Samaria (Acts 8:14-24) to a broader, ongoing evangelistic movement. It demonstrates that the work of the apostles was not confined to a single location but was dynamic and expansive. The **Repetition** of the concept of "preaching" ("preached the word of the Lord" and "preached the gospel") serves to emphasize the central and continuous nature of verbal proclamation in the spread of Christianity. This highlights that the core activity of the apostles was the declaration of God's message. Furthermore, **Geographical Expansion** is a key device, as the mention of "many villages of the Samaritans" illustrates the deliberate and strategic spread of the gospel beyond urban centers into the surrounding regions, fulfilling the missional mandate of [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Scope of the Great Commission").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 8:25 is a powerful testament to the unstoppable nature of God's redemptive plan and the Spirit-empowered mission of the early church. It demonstrates that the gospel is not confined by human prejudice, geographical boundaries, or cultural animosity. The apostles, having confirmed the work in Samaria, did not simply retreat but actively sought out new opportunities to share the good news, embodying the proactive and expansive heart of God for all humanity. This verse underscores the divine imperative for the gospel to permeate every segment of society, breaking down walls of division and inviting all into the family of God. It highlights the continuity of the apostolic ministry, where every journey became an opportunity for evangelism, reflecting a deep commitment to the Great Commission.

* [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")
* [Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Repentance and Forgiveness Proclaimed")
* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 8:25 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, urging us to embrace a holistic and unceasing commitment to the gospel message. Just as Peter and John did not limit their ministry to a single location but seized every opportunity to proclaim the "word of the Lord" on their journey, so too are we called to integrate evangelism into the fabric of our daily lives. This verse challenges us to look beyond our comfort zones and cultural biases, actively seeking out "villages"—whether literal or metaphorical—where the gospel has not been fully heard or embraced. It reminds us that every interaction, every journey, every relationship can be a platform for bearing witness to the transformative power of Jesus Christ, demonstrating that the mission of God is not merely an event but a continuous lifestyle of proclamation and service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my daily life can I identify "villages" (people groups, communities, or individuals) that I have overlooked or avoided sharing the gospel with, perhaps due to personal biases or perceived barriers?**
* **How can I cultivate a mindset of continuous witness, integrating opportunities to "preach the gospel" into my everyday routines and interactions, rather than confining evangelism to specific events or programs?**
* **In what ways can my church or community of faith better emulate the apostles' willingness to transcend cultural and historical divides to effectively reach those outside our immediate comfort zone?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Peter and John going to "many villages of the Samaritans" instead of just returning directly to Jerusalem?**

Answer: The significance lies in the deliberate and expansive nature of their ministry. Instead of merely completing their primary mission in Samaria and heading straight back to Jerusalem, Peter and John intentionally continued to evangelize in the surrounding Samaritan villages. This demonstrates the early church's commitment to fulfilling Jesus' command to be witnesses in "[Samaria](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witness in Samaria")" in its fullest sense, not just the capital city. It highlights their proactive approach to spreading the gospel, breaking down centuries of Jewish-Samaritan animosity, and showing that the good news was for all people, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. This action underscores the pervasive and uncontainable nature of the Holy Spirit's work in expanding the church's reach.

**How does Acts 8:25 relate to the Great Commission?**

Answer: Acts 8:25 is a direct fulfillment and vivid illustration of the Great Commission given by Jesus in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Scope of the Great Commission"). Jesus commanded His disciples to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Philip's ministry initiated the gospel's spread into Samaria, and Peter and John's subsequent actions in Acts 8:25, where they "preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans," concretely demonstrate the church's obedience to this mandate. It shows the gospel moving beyond its Jewish origins into a historically hostile, yet divinely appointed, region, paving the way for its ultimate global expansion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 8:25, though focusing on the apostles' ministry, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate subject and power of their proclamation. The "word of the Lord" they testified and preached was ultimately the message concerning Jesus Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Their actions in Samaria, breaking down ethnic barriers and extending salvation to a traditionally despised people, perfectly embody the reconciling work of Christ, who "[broke down the dividing wall of hostility](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")" between Jew and Gentile. The "gospel" they preached in the Samaritan villages was the good news of salvation found exclusively in Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Their willingness to endure hardship and prejudice for the sake of the gospel mirrors Christ's own self-sacrificial mission, who "[came not to be served but to serve](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")" and to seek and save the lost. Thus, Acts 8:25 is not merely a historical account of apostolic zeal, but a vibrant testament to the ongoing, transformative power of Christ's finished work, manifested through His Spirit in His church, drawing all peoples 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 20:21

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 28:31

Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

John 15:27

And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

Luke 9:52

And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

Luke 9:56

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save [them]. And they went to another village.

Acts 26:22

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: