Acts 8:7

KJV

For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed [with them]: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} unclean {G169} spirits {G4151}, crying {G994} with loud {G3173} voice {G5456}, came out {G1831} of many {G4183} that were possessed {G2192} with them: and {G1161} many {G4183} taken with palsies {G3886}, and {G2532} that were lame {G5560}, were healed {G2323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For many people were having unclean spirits driven out of them, shrieking; also many paralytics and crippled persons were being healed;

Berean Standard Bible

With loud shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, and many of the paralyzed and lame were healed.

American Standard Version

For from many of those that had unclean spirits, they came out, crying with a loud voice: and many that were palsied, and that were lame, were healed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 8:7 vividly portrays the dramatic and undeniable manifestations of divine power accompanying Philip the Evangelist's ministry in Samaria. This verse serves as compelling evidence of God's active hand, demonstrating His immediate validation of Philip's message through the expulsion of demonic spirits and the miraculous healing of those afflicted with physical infirmities, thereby confirming the truth and authority of the burgeoning Gospel movement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 8:7 is situated within a pivotal narrative shift in the book of Acts, following the intense persecution that scattered the early church from Jerusalem after Stephen's martyrdom ([Acts 8:1-3](/acts/8-1-3 "Acts 8:1-3 - Persecution and Scattering")). Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen in [Acts 6:5](/acts/6-5 "Acts 6:5 - Election of the Seven Deacons"), becomes a central figure as he takes the Gospel beyond Jewish confines. The preceding verses establish Philip's arrival in Samaria and his proclamation of Christ ([Acts 8:5](/acts/8-5 "Acts 8:5 - Philip Preaches in Samaria")), with the miracles described in verse 7 serving as the divine attestation that captivated the crowds and led to widespread belief ([Acts 8:6](/acts/8-6 "Acts 8:6 - Crowds Listen to Philip")). The powerful demonstrations of healing and deliverance set the stage for the "great joy in that city" mentioned in [Acts 8:8](/acts/8-8 "Acts 8:8 - Great Joy in Samaria") and prepare for the subsequent encounter with Simon the Sorcerer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Samaritans, descendants of Israelites who intermarried with foreign settlers and developed their own religious practices centered on Mount Gerizim, were deeply despised by the Jews. This historical animosity made Philip's ministry in Samaria profoundly significant, challenging deeply ingrained prejudices and demonstrating the universal scope of the Gospel. In the Greco-Roman world, and particularly within Jewish tradition, signs and wonders were often expected as validation of a prophet's divine commission or a new message's authenticity. Therefore, the public and undeniable nature of the healings and exorcisms in Acts 8:7 would have been culturally understood as powerful evidence that God was indeed working through Philip, lending immense credibility to his proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah. The dramatic expulsion of "unclean spirits" would have been particularly impactful, as demonic oppression was a recognized reality, and deliverance from such forces was seen as a profound act of divine power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Authority and Power**, demonstrating God's active and miraculous intervention through His chosen servants, fulfilling the promise of power given to the apostles in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"). Secondly, it highlights **Holistic Deliverance**, showcasing the comprehensive nature of the salvation offered through Christ, which addresses both spiritual bondage (demonic oppression) and physical affliction (palsies, lameness). This mirrors the holistic ministry of Jesus himself, who both taught and performed miracles of healing and exorcism (e.g., [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Authority Over Unclean Spirits") and [Matthew 9:6](/matthew/9-6 "Matthew 9:6 - Jesus Heals the Paralytic")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Authentication of the Gospel Message** through supernatural signs, providing irrefutable proof to a skeptical audience that Philip's message was indeed from God. Finally, it vividly demonstrates the **Expansion of the Kingdom** beyond traditional Jewish boundaries, illustrating God's desire for all peoples, including the Samaritans, to hear and respond to the good news of Jesus Christ, marking a significant step in the global mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unclean (Greek, _akáthartos'_):** This term, derived from a negative particle and a root meaning "cleansed," signifies something impure. In the New Testament, it is frequently used to describe demonic entities, emphasizing their defiling and corrupting nature, which stands in opposition to God's holiness. The spirits are not merely "evil" but "unclean," highlighting their ability to pollute and enslave.
* **came out (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** This verb literally means "to issue forth" or "to go out." In the context of exorcism, it denotes a forceful and definitive expulsion. The use of this word emphasizes the active, powerful intervention of God through Philip, compelling the spirits to depart, rather than a gradual or voluntary withdrawal. It speaks to the authority exercised over these spiritual forces.
* **healed (Greek, _therapeúō'_):** This word carries the primary meaning "to wait upon menially" or "to relieve of disease." It implies a careful, restorative process that brings about a cure. In this verse, it indicates a complete and effective restoration of health to those suffering from paralysis ("palsies") and lameness, underscoring the compassionate and powerful nature of God's intervention in alleviating human suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed [with them]:"** This opening clause immediately presents the supernatural element of Philip's ministry. The "unclean spirits" are demonic entities, characterized by their impurity and malevolent nature. Their "crying with loud voice" indicates a dramatic, public, and undeniable expulsion, signifying their resistance to divine authority and their forced departure. The phrase "came out of many that were possessed" highlights the widespread nature of demonic oppression and the extensive scope of Philip's deliverance ministry, making the miracles widely observable and verifiable.
* **"and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed."** This second clause shifts to physical ailments, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of God's power. "Palsies" refers to various forms of paralysis or severe weakness, while "lame" describes those unable to walk or with impaired mobility. The repetition of "many" emphasizes the large number of individuals who experienced instantaneous and complete physical restoration. The passive voice "were healed" underscores that the healing was not a result of human skill but a direct act of divine intervention through Philip, confirming God's compassion and power over sickness and infirmity.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 8:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The use of **Hyperbole** or perhaps **Synecdoche** (where "many" represents a significant, though not necessarily exhaustive, number) emphasizes the widespread impact of Philip's ministry. The description of spirits "crying with loud voice" is an example of **Auditory Imagery**, making the scene vivid and dramatic, underscoring the forceful and undeniable nature of the exorcisms. This also functions as **Dramatic Irony**, as the demons, by their very outcry, unwillingly attest to the superior power of God at work through Philip. The verse also presents a clear **Contrast** between the states of bondage and affliction (possessed, palsies, lame) and the resulting freedom and restoration (spirits came out, healed), highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel. Furthermore, the miraculous events serve as **Divine Attestation**, acting as God's signature on Philip's message, validating its truth and authority to the Samaritans.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 8:7 profoundly illustrates the continued manifestation of God's power in the early church, echoing the ministry of Jesus himself and fulfilling the prophetic promises of the Old Testament. These miracles were not mere displays of power but served as tangible evidence of the inbreaking of God's kingdom, demonstrating His sovereignty over spiritual forces and physical ailments. The comprehensive nature of the deliverance—from both demonic oppression and physical disease—underscores the holistic salvation offered through Christ, addressing the full spectrum of human brokenness. This divine authentication of the Gospel message was crucial for its rapid spread beyond the traditional confines of Judaism, signaling God's universal redemptive plan for all humanity. The events in Samaria confirm that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to continue the work of Christ, bringing liberation and healing to a world in need, thereby establishing the credibility of the message and the messenger.

* [Mark 16:17-18](/mark/16-17-18 "Mark 16:17-18 - Signs Following Believers")
* [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")
* [Hebrews 2:4](/hebrews/2-4 "Hebrews 2:4 - God Bearing Witness with Signs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 8:7 serves as a powerful reminder of the dynamic and transformative nature of the Gospel. It calls us to recognize that the same God who worked through Philip in Samaria is still active and powerful today. While the specific manifestations of His power may vary across contexts and times, the core truth remains: the Gospel brings freedom, healing, and hope. This passage encourages us to cultivate a robust faith in God's ability to intervene in impossible situations, whether they be spiritual strongholds or physical infirmities. It challenges us to embrace a holistic understanding of ministry, recognizing that true compassion often involves addressing both the spiritual and tangible needs of those around us, just as Philip did. We are called not only to proclaim the message of Christ but also to demonstrate His love and power through acts of service, prayer for healing, and courageous confrontation of spiritual darkness. Our confidence in sharing the Gospel should be rooted in the knowledge that God Himself will authenticate His Word, often in ways that transcend human ability, bringing light and life to a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comprehensive nature of Philip's ministry (spiritual and physical deliverance) challenge my own understanding of what it means to share the Gospel today?**
* **In what ways might I be called to demonstrate God's power and compassion in my sphere of influence, even if not through dramatic miracles like those in Acts 8:7?**
* **What "unclean spirits" or forms of "palsy" (spiritual or physical paralysis) do I see in my community or in my own life that need God's healing touch, and how can I pray or act in response?**

### FAQ

**Why did the unclean spirits cry out with a loud voice when they came out?**

Answer: The "loud voice" of the unclean spirits serves several purposes. Firstly, it indicates their forceful and unwilling expulsion, demonstrating the superior power and authority of God working through Philip. They were not leaving voluntarily but were being commanded out. Secondly, the loud cries made the exorcisms public and undeniable, serving as irrefutable evidence to the onlookers that a genuine supernatural event was occurring. This public display authenticated Philip's ministry and the message he proclaimed, confirming that he was indeed operating under divine power, much as demons cried out in the presence of Jesus (e.g., [Mark 1:24](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - Unclean Spirit Cries Out")). Their cries were an involuntary testimony to Christ's authority, even from the forces of darkness.

**What exactly were "palsies" and "lame" in this context?**

Answer: "Palsies" (Greek: _paralýō_) refers to various forms of paralysis or severe muscular weakness, rendering individuals unable to move certain parts of their body or even their entire body. This would include conditions like stroke-induced paralysis or other debilitating neurological disorders. "Lame" (Greek: _chōlós_) describes individuals who are unable to walk properly, if at all, due to a physical disability, such as congenital deformities or injuries that affect their legs or feet. Both conditions represent significant physical infirmities that severely limited a person's mobility and quality of life, making their instantaneous healing a profound and undeniable miracle, similar to the healing of the paralytic in [Matthew 9:6](/matthew/9-6 "Matthew 9:6 - Jesus Heals the Paralytic") or the lame man at the Beautiful Gate in [Acts 3:1-8](/acts/3-1-8 "Acts 3:1-8 - Peter Heals the Lame Man")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 8:7, with its vivid portrayal of deliverance from demonic oppression and physical infirmity, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Philip's ministry in Samaria is a powerful continuation of the very ministry that Jesus inaugurated during His earthly life. Jesus consistently demonstrated His absolute authority over all forms of evil, casting out demons with a mere word (e.g., [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Authority Over Unclean Spirits")) and healing every kind of disease and sickness (e.g., [Matthew 8:16-17](/matthew/8-16-17 "Matthew 8:16-17 - Jesus Heals Many")). These acts were not merely compassionate gestures but tangible signs of the inbreaking of God's kingdom, signaling His victory over the forces of darkness and the curse of sin that brought sickness and death into the world. Philip, empowered by the Holy Spirit, was extending Christ's dominion, demonstrating that the power of the resurrected Lord was still at work. Ultimately, Christ's death on the cross and His resurrection secured the definitive triumph over Satan, sin, and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The healings in Acts 8:7 are therefore foretastes of the complete restoration that will be realized in the new heavens and new earth, where there will be no more sickness, pain, or crying ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Sickness or Death")), all made possible through the comprehensive victory of the Lamb of God.

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

Matthew 10:1

¶ And when he had called unto [him] his twelve disciples, he gave them power [against] unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Acts 14:8

¶ And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

Acts 14:10

Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

Acts 5:16

There came also a multitude [out] of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Mark 16:17

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Mark 16:18

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Hebrews 2:4

God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?