Acts 8:6

KJV

And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G5037} the people {G3793} with one accord {G3661} gave heed {G4337} unto those things which Philip {G5376} spake {G3004}{G5259}, hearing {G1722}{G191}{G846} and {G2532} seeing {G991} the miracles {G4592} which {G3739} he did {G4160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the crowds were paying close attention to what Philip said, as they heard and saw the miraculous signs he was doing.

Berean Standard Bible

The crowds gave their undivided attention to Philip’s message and to the signs they saw him perform.

American Standard Version

And the multitudes gave heed with one accord unto the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard, and saw the signs which he did.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 8:6 vividly portrays the profound impact of Philip's ministry in Samaria, where the populace, united in purpose, eagerly received his message. Their receptivity was significantly bolstered by the undeniable evidence of the miracles Philip performed, which served as powerful divine authentication for the gospel he proclaimed, leading to widespread attention and belief among a people historically at odds with the Jews.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after a pivotal moment in the early church's history: the severe persecution that erupted in Jerusalem following the martyrdom of Stephen. Acts 8:1-4 describes how this persecution caused believers, with the notable exception of the apostles, to scatter throughout Judea and Samaria, inadvertently fulfilling the Great Commission's geographical expansion outlined in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Philip, one of the seven men chosen to serve the church (as detailed in [Acts 6:5](/acts/6-5 "Acts 6:5 - The Appointment of the Seven")), emerges as a key evangelist in this new phase. Verse 5 explicitly states his arrival in "the city of Samaria" to preach Christ, setting the stage for the collective, unified response described in verse 6, which then leads into the specific examples of miracles and the widespread joy in [Acts 8:7-8](/acts/8-7-8 "Acts 8:7-8 - Philip's Miracles and Samaria's Joy").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical animosity between Jews and Samaritans is crucial for understanding the significance of Philip's ministry. Originating from the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, the Samaritans were a mixed race, combining Israelite remnants with foreign settlers, and their religion blended elements of Judaism with pagan practices. They built their own temple on Mount Gerizim, rejecting the Jerusalem temple, leading to centuries of mutual disdain and avoidance (cf. [John 4:9](/john/4-9 "John 4:9 - Samaritan-Jewish Animosity")). For Philip, a Jew, to be welcomed and for his message to be embraced by Samaritans "with one accord" represents a radical breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers, a testament to the universal power of the gospel to reconcile diverse peoples. This event directly challenges the deeply ingrained prejudices of the time.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 8:6 contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the **expansion of the gospel beyond Jerusalem**, demonstrating the Spirit-empowered movement into new territories and among new peoples, fulfilling the mandate of [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Secondly, it underscores the **divine authentication of the message** through signs and wonders. Philip's miracles were not mere displays of power but served as undeniable proof that his message was from God, validating his divine commission and the truth of the gospel, much like Jesus' own ministry was attested by miracles (cf. [Acts 2:22](/acts/2-22 "Acts 2:22 - Jesus' Miracles")). Thirdly, the phrase "with one accord" emphasizes the **unity and receptivity of the audience**, showcasing how the Holy Spirit can prepare hearts and bring about a collective openness to the divine message, even in unexpected places. This collective response foreshadows the broader Gentile inclusion that will become a major theme later in Acts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **people (Greek, _óchlos'_):** This term, often translated as "multitude" or "crowd," refers to a large, often unorganized assembly of people. In this context, it emphasizes the widespread nature of the Samaritans' response to Philip, indicating that it was not just a few individuals but a significant portion of the populace that gathered and paid attention. It conveys the idea of a general populace rather than a select group.
* **with one accord (Greek, _homothymadón'_):** This powerful adverb signifies a remarkable unity of mind, purpose, or passion. It indicates that the people's attention was not fragmented or hesitant but a collective, harmonious, and eager response. This term is notably used multiple times in Acts to describe the unity of the early Christian community (e.g., [Acts 1:14](/acts/1-14 "Acts 1:14 - United in Prayer"), [Acts 2:46](/acts/2-46 "Acts 2:46 - Daily Devotion")), suggesting a divine work in bringing about such a unified and positive reception among the Samaritans.
* **gave heed (Greek, _proséchō'_):** This verb means "to hold the mind towards," implying to pay attention to, apply oneself to, or adhere to. It denotes an intentional and focused act of listening and considering. The Samaritans were not merely hearing sounds; they were actively engaging their minds with Philip's message, indicating a deep level of engagement and seriousness in their receptivity.
* **miracles (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** This noun refers to an indication, a sign, or a token, especially one that is ceremonially or supernaturally significant. In the New Testament, _sēmeîon_ often denotes a miracle that points beyond itself to a divine truth or the power of God. Here, Philip's miracles were not ends in themselves but served as divine "signs" validating his message and demonstrating the presence and power of God confirming the gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake":** This clause highlights the extraordinary collective unity and focus of the Samaritan populace. The phrase "with one accord" (Greek: _homothymadón_) underscores that their attention was not fragmented but a unified, harmonious, and eager response to Philip's preaching. They were not merely hearing, but actively "giving heed" (Greek: _proséchō_), indicating an intentional and focused engagement with the content of his message, demonstrating a remarkable openness to the gospel despite historical prejudices.
* **"hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.":** This second clause provides the crucial reason for the Samaritans' unified attention and receptivity. Their engagement was not based solely on Philip's words but was profoundly influenced by the tangible, observable evidence of divine power. The "miracles" (Greek: _sēmeîon_) served as powerful, undeniable signs that authenticated Philip's divine commission and confirmed the truth of the message he proclaimed. The combination of "hearing" the message and "seeing" the accompanying supernatural works created a compelling and convincing witness, leading to their collective conviction.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 8:6 effectively employs **Synecdoche** by using "hearing and seeing" to represent the full sensory and intellectual engagement of the people. While only two senses are explicitly named, they stand for the complete experience of witnessing and processing Philip's ministry. The phrase "with one accord" functions as **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extraordinary unity and unanimity of the crowd's response, suggesting a near-perfect collective receptivity that transcends typical crowd dynamics. This also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the unusual and powerful nature of the Samaritans' unified attention. The miracles themselves serve as powerful **Symbols** of God's active presence and validation of Philip's message, pointing to a reality beyond the physical acts themselves.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 8:6 profoundly illustrates the principle that God often confirms His spoken word with accompanying signs and wonders, thereby validating His messengers and drawing people to Himself. This divine authentication is not merely for spectacle but serves a theological purpose: to underscore the truth and power of the gospel message, especially when it is being proclaimed in new and challenging contexts. The collective, unified response of the Samaritans, a people historically estranged from the Jews, demonstrates the Holy Spirit's power to transcend deep-seated divisions and prepare hearts for the universal message of salvation. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the effectiveness of evangelism often lies not just in human eloquence but in the Spirit's accompanying power.

* [Mark 16:20](/mark/16-20 "Mark 16:20 - The Lord Working with Them")
* [Hebrews 2:4](/hebrews/2-4 "Hebrews 2:4 - God Bearing Witness with Signs")
* [Romans 15:19](/romans/15-19 "Romans 15:19 - Power of Signs and Wonders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 8:6 offers profound insights for contemporary believers regarding the nature of God's work and our role in it. It reminds us that while the specific manifestations of miracles may vary across different eras and cultures, the principle remains: God's truth, empowered by His Spirit, possesses an inherent, compelling power to capture hearts and minds. This verse encourages us to proclaim the gospel boldly, trusting that God will work to authenticate His message, whether through overt supernatural signs or through the subtle, yet powerful, transformation of lives. We are called to be faithful in sowing the seed of the Word, knowing that the harvest is ultimately God's work. Furthermore, the "one accord" of the Samaritans challenges us to pray for and cultivate a spirit of receptivity in those we seek to reach, recognizing that true spiritual awakening often involves a collective turning of hearts towards the Lord, breaking down barriers of prejudice and indifference.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "one accord" response of the Samaritans challenge my assumptions about who is receptive to the gospel?**
* **In what ways do I see God "confirming His word" in my own life or in the lives of those around me, even if not through overt miracles?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of unity and shared purpose in my efforts to share the gospel with others?**
* **What prejudices or historical barriers might exist in my own context that the gospel is uniquely able to overcome, as it did in Samaria?**

### FAQ

**Why was it significant that the Samaritans responded "with one accord" to Philip?**

Answer: The phrase "with one accord" (Greek: _homothymadón_) is highly significant because it emphasizes an extraordinary unity and collective enthusiasm among the Samaritan people. Historically, Samaritans and Jews had deep-seated animosity and religious division, making a unified, positive response to a Jewish evangelist like Philip highly unusual. This unanimity highlights the powerful, unifying effect of the Holy Spirit working through the gospel, breaking down centuries of prejudice and demonstrating the universal appeal and power of Christ's message to reconcile diverse groups. It shows that their attention was not fragmented but a shared, intentional focus on Philip's words and works.

**Did miracles always accompany the preaching of the gospel in the early church?**

Answer: While miracles, signs, and wonders were a prominent feature of the early apostolic ministry, as seen with Philip in [Acts 8:6-7](/acts/8-6-7 "Acts 8:6-7 - Philip's Ministry in Samaria"), and with Peter and John in [Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Acts 3:1-10 - Peter Heals a Lame Man"), they were not the *only* means by which the gospel spread. The Book of Acts also records instances where the Word spread solely through powerful preaching and teaching (e.g., [Acts 17:2-4](/acts/17-2-4 "Acts 17:2-4 - Paul in Thessalonica")). Miracles served as divine authentication, particularly in establishing the credibility of the message and messengers in new territories or among skeptical audiences. They were a powerful, but not exclusive, tool used by God to confirm His word and draw people to faith, as mentioned in [Hebrews 2:4](/hebrews/2-4 "Hebrews 2:4 - God Bearing Witness with Signs").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 8:6, though focusing on Philip's ministry, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate source and fulfillment of the power and message proclaimed. Philip preached "Christ" in Samaria ([Acts 8:5](/acts/8-5 "Acts 8:5 - Philip Preaches Christ")), and the miracles he performed were not for his own glory but were a continuation of the signs that authenticated Jesus' own ministry (cf. [Acts 2:22](/acts/2-22 "Acts 2:22 - Jesus' Miracles and Wonders")). The "miracles which he did" were a demonstration of the power of the resurrected Christ, who promised His followers that they would do "greater works" because He was going to the Father ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works")). The "one accord" response of the Samaritans, a people previously estranged from God's covenant people, foreshadows the universal reconciliation accomplished through Christ's atoning work on the cross, breaking down "the dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Ultimately, the scene in Samaria is a powerful illustration of the living Christ, through His Spirit, actively drawing all people to Himself, fulfilling His commission to be witnesses "to the end of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")).

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

John 4:41

And many more believed because of his own word;

John 4:42

And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard [him] ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

Acts 13:44

And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

Matthew 20:15

Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

Matthew 20:16

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

2 Chronicles 30:12

Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.