Acts 8:7

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Acts 8:7 provides a vivid account of the powerful manifestations accompanying the ministry of Philip the Evangelist in Samaria. This verse highlights the immediate and undeniable evidence of God's power at work through Philip, confirming the truth and authority of his message.

Context

Following the severe persecution against the church in Jerusalem, believers were scattered, leading to the wider dissemination of the Gospel. Philip, one of the seven deacons appointed in Acts 6:5, went to the city of Samaria. This was a significant step, as Samaritans were often at odds with Jews, yet Philip boldly preached Christ to them (Acts 8:5). The miracles described in verse 7 served as a divine attestation to his ministry, paving the way for widespread acceptance of the Gospel in that region, leading to great joy throughout the city.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Power: The verse powerfully demonstrates God's active involvement in the early church. The expulsion of "unclean spirits" and the healing of the "palsies" and "lame" were not mere human feats but clear signs of divine power working through Philip, fulfilling the promise of power given in Acts 1:8.
  • Deliverance from Spiritual and Physical Bondage: The commentary highlights both spiritual liberation (from demonic oppression) and physical restoration. This holistic deliverance underscores the comprehensive nature of the salvation offered through Christ, addressing both the seen and unseen afflictions of humanity. Similar demonstrations of power were seen in Jesus' own ministry, such as casting out unclean spirits or healing the paralytic.
  • Authentication of the Gospel Message: In a culture where signs and wonders were often sought, these miracles served as irrefutable proof that Philip's message was from God. They validated the truth of the Gospel and the person of Jesus Christ to a new audience.
  • Expansion of the Kingdom: This passage vividly illustrates the expansion of the early church beyond Jerusalem's traditional Jewish boundaries, demonstrating God's desire for all people, including the Samaritans, to hear and respond to the good news.

Linguistic Insights

The term "unclean spirits" (Greek: pneumata akatharta) is a common New Testament phrase for demonic entities, emphasizing their defiling nature. The description "crying with loud voice" suggests a dramatic and undeniable expulsion, making the deliverance evident to all onlookers. "Palsies" refers to various forms of paralysis, while "lame" denotes those unable to walk, highlighting significant physical infirmities that were miraculously healed.

Practical Application

Acts 8:7 reminds believers today that God is still a God of power and deliverance. While the specific manifestations may vary, the core message remains: the Gospel brings freedom. It encourages us to trust in God's ability to work through His servants and to share the message of Christ, knowing that His power can break spiritual strongholds and bring healing and hope to those in need. The church is called to be a force for holistic transformation, addressing both spiritual and physical needs in the world, just as Philip did.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 10:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

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

  • Acts 5:16 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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?