Acts 8:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} Philip {G5376} went down {G2718} to {G1519} the city {G4172} of Samaria {G4540}, and preached {G2784} Christ {G5547} unto them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now Philip went down to a city in Shomron and was proclaiming the Messiah to them;

Berean Standard Bible

Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them.

American Standard Version

And Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed unto them the Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 8:5 marks a pivotal moment in the early church's expansion, detailing Philip's journey to Samaria to proclaim the Gospel. This verse illustrates how persecution, rather than hindering the spread of Christianity, served as a catalyst, propelling believers beyond Jerusalem to fulfill the Great Commission and break down long-standing ethnic and religious barriers through the powerful message of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 8:5 follows directly from the intense persecution that erupted in Jerusalem after the martyrdom of Stephen, as described in [Acts 8:1-3](/acts/8-1-3 "Acts 8:1-3 - Persecution and Scattering"). This persecution caused believers, with the exception of the apostles, to scatter throughout Judea and Samaria. The preceding verse, [Acts 8:4](/acts/8-4 "Acts 8:4 - Scattered Believers Preach the Word"), explicitly states that "they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word." Philip, introduced earlier as one of the seven chosen to serve the church in Jerusalem ([Acts 6:5](/acts/6-5 "Acts 6:5 - Selection of the Seven")), is presented here as the first individual evangelist to take the Gospel beyond the immediate Jewish sphere into Samaria, setting the stage for the broader Gentile mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Samaria, located between Judea and Galilee, was historically inhabited by a people of mixed Israelite and Gentile descent, whose religious practices diverged significantly from orthodox Judaism. This led to deep-seated animosity and mutual disdain between Jews and Samaritans, often manifesting in avoidance of direct contact ([John 4:9](/john/4-9 "John 4:9 - Jewish-Samaritan Animosity")). For a Jew like Philip to intentionally go to Samaria and preach was a significant act, challenging centuries of prejudice. The city of Samaria itself was the ancient capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, holding historical and symbolic weight. Philip's ministry there represents a crucial step in the Gospel's journey from a predominantly Jewish movement to a universal faith, foreshadowing the later mission to the Gentiles.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God in Adversity**, demonstrating how persecution, intended to suppress the church, paradoxically became the means by which the Gospel spread, fulfilling Jesus's mandate in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Secondly, it underscores the **Empowerment of Ordinary Believers for Evangelism**, as Philip, not one of the twelve apostles, emerges as a dynamic and effective preacher. His example emphasizes that the Spirit equips all believers for witness. Thirdly, the narrative showcases the **Breaking Down of Barriers**, as the Gospel transcends the profound ethnic and religious divide between Jews and Samaritans, demonstrating its unifying power. Finally, it emphasizes **Christ-Centered Proclamation**, as Philip's message is singularly focused on "Christ," signifying that the person and work of Jesus are the core of the Christian message.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **went down (Greek, _katérchomai'_):** This verb signifies a movement from a higher elevation to a lower one, which accurately describes the geographical descent from Jerusalem (situated on a hill) to Samaria. Beyond the literal, it can metaphorically suggest a humbling or an intentional movement into a new, perhaps less familiar or less esteemed, territory for the purpose of mission.
* **preached (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** This term means "to herald" or "to proclaim as a public crier." It implies an authoritative, public, and formal declaration, not merely a casual discussion. Philip was not just sharing his opinion; he was officially announcing the divine truth of the Gospel, acting as an authorized messenger of God. This highlights the public and authoritative nature of early Christian evangelism.
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós'_):** Derived from the verb "to anoint," this word translates to "Anointed One" or "Messiah." It is not merely a name but a title denoting Jesus's unique identity as the promised deliverer and King. Philip's preaching of "Christ" meant he was proclaiming Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the long-awaited Messiah, and the one through whom salvation is offered.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria":** This clause establishes the immediate action and geographical setting. "Then" (G1161 _dé_) indicates a continuation of the narrative, linking Philip's action directly to the scattering of believers in [Acts 8:4](/acts/8-4 "Acts 8:4 - The Scattered Preach"). Philip's deliberate journey "down" to Samaria signifies a purposeful mission, moving from the Jewish heartland to a region historically hostile to Jews, demonstrating obedience to the Spirit's leading and Jesus's commission to reach "Samaria" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Scope of the Commission")).
* **"and preached Christ unto them":** This clause reveals the content and object of Philip's mission. The verb "preached" (G2784 _kērýssō_) emphasizes a public, authoritative proclamation, not merely a private conversation. The object of his preaching was "Christ" (G5547 _Christós_), meaning he declared Jesus as the Messiah, the Anointed One, the fulfillment of God's promises. This highlights the essential, Christ-centered nature of the early apostolic message, focusing on Jesus's person, work, death, and resurrection as the core of the Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Narrative Progression** by swiftly moving the action from Jerusalem to Samaria, illustrating the dynamic expansion of the early church. The phrase "went down" serves as both a literal geographical description and subtle **Symbolism**, representing the Gospel's descent from its Jewish origins to embrace a broader, non-Jewish audience. The concise declaration "preached Christ" is an example of **Conciseness** and **Focus**, immediately highlighting the singular, central message of the early evangelists, emphasizing that the person and work of Jesus were the absolute core of their proclamation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 8:5 is a foundational text demonstrating the unstoppable nature of God's kingdom and the Spirit-empowered mission of the church. It illustrates that God often uses adverse circumstances, such as persecution, to propel His purposes forward, expanding the reach of the Gospel beyond expected boundaries. Philip's ministry in Samaria is a powerful precursor to the full Gentile mission, showing that the message of Christ transcends ethnic, cultural, and historical animosities, uniting diverse peoples into one body through faith. It underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, which embraces all who believe, regardless of their background.

* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Scope of the Commission"): This verse directly fulfills Jesus's command to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ"): Philip's ministry in Samaria beautifully foreshadows the New Testament teaching that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female; all are one.
* [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"): Philip exemplifies the church's ongoing mandate to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 8:5 calls contemporary believers to a radical commitment to evangelism and a willingness to transcend personal biases for the sake of the Gospel. Like Philip, we are commissioned to carry the message of Christ to those around us, even to places or people groups that might seem challenging or unfamiliar. This requires a Spirit-led boldness to step out of our comfort zones and engage with individuals from different backgrounds, recognizing that the Gospel's power is not limited by human divisions. Our message must remain Christ-centered, focusing on His redemptive work as the sole source of hope and salvation. Furthermore, this passage reminds us that God can use even our difficulties and trials to expand His kingdom, transforming what appears to be a setback into an opportunity for spiritual growth and outreach. We are to be attentive to the Spirit's leading, ready to go "down" to new territories, both geographically and relationally, to proclaim the good news.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "Samarias" (places, people groups, or social circles) might God be calling me to share the Gospel, even if it feels uncomfortable or challenging?**
* **How does my daily life reflect a Christ-centered message, and am I prepared to articulate who Christ is and what He has done?**
* **Am I willing to allow perceived setbacks or "scatterings" in my life to become opportunities for God's kingdom to advance through me?**
* **What prejudices or cultural barriers might I need to overcome to effectively share the unifying message of Christ with others?**

### FAQ
**Why was Philip, and not one of the twelve apostles, the one to go to Samaria?**

Answer: Philip, though not one of the original twelve apostles, was one of the seven men chosen by the Jerusalem church to serve in practical matters ([Acts 6:5](/acts/6-5 "Acts 6:5 - Selection of the Seven")), described as "full of the Spirit and wisdom." The apostles initially remained in Jerusalem ([Acts 8:1](/acts/8-1 "Acts 8:1 - Persecution and Scattering")), likely to provide leadership and stability during the persecution. Philip's mission to Samaria demonstrates that the Great Commission ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")) was not solely for the apostles, but for all Spirit-filled believers. It highlights the Spirit's sovereign leading, empowering different individuals for different aspects of the mission, and decentralizing the Gospel's spread beyond the immediate apostolic circle. This also paved the way for Peter and John to later confirm the work in Samaria ([Acts 8:14-17](/acts/8-14-17 "Acts 8:14-17 - Peter and John in Samaria")), showing both individual initiative and apostolic oversight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 8:5, with Philip's bold proclamation of "Christ" in Samaria, profoundly foreshadows the universal scope of Jesus's redemptive work. The very act of preaching Christ to Samaritans, a people despised by orthodox Jews, embodies the breaking down of the "dividing wall of hostility" that Christ accomplished through His cross ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down Walls")). Jesus Himself initiated this bridge-building in His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well ([John 4:1-42](/john/4-1-42 "John 4:1-42 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")), revealing Himself as the Messiah to her and, through her, to many Samaritans. Philip's ministry is a direct fulfillment of Jesus's own mission to gather all people to Himself, demonstrating that the "Christ" he preached is the one who came not just for the lost sheep of Israel, but for the "other sheep" who are not of this fold, whom He must also bring ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus's Other Sheep")). The Samaritans' reception of the Gospel underscores that Christ's salvation is for "whosoever believes in Him" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), ultimately culminating in the vision of a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language worshipping the Lamb ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation")).

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 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.

Acts 8:35

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

Acts 8:36

And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

Acts 8:40

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

1 Corinthians 1:23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

1 Corinthians 3:11

¶ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.