Acts 8:8

KJV

And there was great joy in that city.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there was {G1096} great {G3173} joy {G5479} in {G1722} that {G1565} city {G4172}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that there was great joy in that city.

Berean Standard Bible

So there was great joy in that city.

American Standard Version

And there was much joy in that city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 8:8 succinctly captures the profound spiritual and emotional transformation that swept through Samaria as a result of Philip's powerful ministry. Following the persecution in Jerusalem, Philip's arrival in this historically marginalized region brought not only the proclamation of the gospel but also tangible demonstrations of God's power through miracles and healings. The verse highlights that the immediate and overwhelming response to this divine intervention and the message of salvation was an unprecedented outpouring of collective joy, signifying a deep spiritual awakening and the breaking down of long-standing barriers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 8:8 serves as a climactic summary statement following the detailed account of Philip's ministry in Samaria. The preceding verses [Acts 8:1-3](/acts/8-1-3 "Acts 8:1-3 - The Persecution in Jerusalem and Scattering of Believers") describe the intense persecution that scattered the early believers from Jerusalem, inadvertently fulfilling Christ's commission to spread the gospel beyond Judea. Philip, one of the seven deacons, is specifically mentioned as going to Samaria [Acts 8:5](/acts/8-5 "Acts 8:5 - Philip Preaches in Samaria"), where he preached Christ and performed numerous signs and wonders, including casting out unclean spirits and healing the paralyzed and lame [Acts 8:6-7](/acts/8-6-7 "Acts 8:6-7 - Philip's Miracles in Samaria"). This verse, "And there was great joy in that city," acts as the culmination of this initial phase of Philip's successful evangelism, underscoring the immediate and widespread positive reception of the gospel before the narrative shifts to Simon the sorcerer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Samaria was a region with a complex and often hostile relationship with Judea. The Samaritans were descendants of Israelites who intermarried with foreign settlers after the Assyrian conquest, leading to a distinct religious and cultural identity that diverged from orthodox Judaism. They had their own temple on Mount Gerizim and accepted only the Pentateuch as scripture. This historical animosity meant that Jewish evangelists typically avoided Samaria. However, Jesus had already broken down some of these barriers through His own ministry, notably 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"). Philip's ministry in Samaria, therefore, represented a significant cultural and theological breakthrough, demonstrating the universal reach of the gospel and God's impartiality. The "great joy" reflects the profound relief and liberation felt by a people long considered outsiders, now embraced by the message of salvation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the **unstoppable advance of the gospel**, demonstrating that even persecution could not hinder its spread but rather became a catalyst for its expansion beyond traditional boundaries, fulfilling the mandate given in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine inclusivity**, as the gospel breaks down ethnic and religious barriers, welcoming Samaritans into the fold of believers, a crucial step toward the Gentile mission. The joy experienced by the Samaritans signifies their acceptance into God's family, mirroring the early church's communal gladness described in [Acts 2:46-47](/acts/2-46-47 "Acts 2:46-47 - The Fellowship of the Believers"). Lastly, the "great joy" points to the **transformative power of the Holy Spirit**, as the spiritual gladness is a direct result of the Spirit-empowered preaching and miraculous signs, indicating a genuine work of God in the hearts of the people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **was (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb signifies "to come into being," "to become," or "to happen." In this context, it emphasizes that the joy was not merely present but actively *came into existence* or *occurred* as a direct result of Philip's ministry. It implies a dynamic, emergent reality—a new state of being for the city.
* **great (Greek, _mégas'_):** This adjective denotes magnitude, intensity, or importance. Its use here indicates that the joy was not superficial or minor but profound, widespread, and deeply felt. It was an overwhelming, significant experience for the entire city, underscoring the powerful impact of the gospel.
* **joy (Greek, _chará'_):** This noun refers to a deep, inner gladness or cheerfulness, often associated with spiritual well-being. Unlike fleeting happiness, _chará_ in the New Testament frequently describes a lasting delight that stems from a right relationship with God, the experience of His salvation, or the presence of the Holy Spirit. Its presence here signifies a genuine spiritual transformation in Samaria.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was great joy":** This clause immediately conveys the overwhelming emotional and spiritual atmosphere that permeated Samaria. The use of "great" (Greek: _mégas_) emphasizes the intensity and widespread nature of this joy, indicating it was not limited to a few individuals but was a collective experience. This joy was a direct response to the powerful preaching of Philip, accompanied by miraculous healings and exorcisms, which brought liberation and hope.
* **"in that city":** This phrase specifies the location of this profound transformation. "That city" refers to the city in Samaria where Philip was ministering, highlighting that the impact was not confined to a private gathering but was a public, communal phenomenon affecting the entire urban center. It underscores the visible and undeniable change brought about by the gospel's reception among a people historically estranged from the Jewish faith.

#### Literary Devices
The verse "And there was great joy in that city" employs several effective literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "great joy," which, while likely reflecting a genuine and widespread emotional response, also serves to emphasize the extraordinary nature and intensity of the gladness. It suggests a joy that was almost beyond measure, permeating the entire community. This hyperbole contributes to the sense of **triumphalism**, celebrating the successful expansion of the gospel into new, previously resistant territory. The verse also functions as a powerful **summary statement**, condensing the cumulative effect of Philip's ministry and the accompanying signs and wonders into a single, impactful declaration. This conciseness creates a strong sense of **resolution** for the initial phase of the Samaritan mission, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the positive outcome before the narrative moves on.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The "great joy in that city" in Acts 8:8 is a powerful theological statement about the inherent nature of the gospel and its transformative power. This joy is not merely emotional euphoria but a deep, spiritual gladness that arises from experiencing God's saving grace, deliverance from evil, and the hope of eternal life. It signifies the breaking of spiritual bondage and the establishment of God's kingdom in a new territory. This profound gladness is a hallmark of genuine spiritual revival and a testament to the Holy Spirit's work, validating the message preached and the miracles performed. It foreshadows the universal reach of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that His grace extends beyond traditional boundaries to embrace all who believe.

* [Luke 2:10](/luke/2-10 "Luke 2:10 - Good News of Great Joy")
* [Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - God of Hope, Joy, and Peace")
* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 8:8 provides a timeless reminder of the gospel's enduring capacity to bring profound hope and joy to individuals and communities. Just as it transformed the long-estranged Samaritans, the message of Jesus Christ continues to offer liberation from spiritual darkness, healing for brokenness, and the promise of eternal life, leading to a deep, abiding gladness. This verse challenges believers today to actively participate in sharing the good news, understanding that its inherent power can bring about genuine, transformative joy, even in the most unexpected or resistant places. It encourages us to cultivate a life marked by this spiritual joy, not as a fleeting emotion, but as a deep-seated confidence in God's sovereignty and redemptive work in the world. Furthermore, it reminds us that true joy is often found in witnessing God's transformative power at work in others, mirroring the communal gladness of the early church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary sources of joy in your life, and how does spiritual joy differ from worldly happiness?**
* **In what "cities" or communities today do you believe the gospel is most needed to bring about "great joy"?**
* **How can you, personally, be an instrument of God's joy in your sphere of influence?**
* **What barriers (personal, cultural, or theological) might be preventing the spread of this "great joy" in your context, and how might they be overcome?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of "great joy" in Samaria, given the historical context?**

Answer: The "great joy" in Samaria was profoundly significant because it represented a radical departure from centuries of animosity between Jews and Samaritans. Historically, Samaritans were considered outcasts by orthodox Jews due to their mixed heritage and divergent religious practices. For the gospel to be received with such overwhelming gladness in Samaria, a place traditionally avoided by Jewish evangelists, underscored the universal and inclusive nature of God's salvation. It demonstrated that the message of Christ transcended deep-seated ethnic and religious divides, fulfilling the prophecy of a Messiah for all peoples and marking a crucial step in the church's mission to the world beyond Jerusalem and Judea, as outlined in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "great joy in that city" in Acts 8:8 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who is the source and embodiment of all true joy. Philip's preaching in Samaria was not merely about miracles but about "preaching Christ" [Acts 8:5](/acts/8-5 "Acts 8:5 - Philip Preaches Christ in Samaria"), and it was this message of the crucified and risen Savior that brought such profound gladness. Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, broke down the dividing wall of hostility [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"), not only between God and humanity but also between estranged peoples like Jews and Samaritans. The joy experienced in Samaria was a foretaste of the kingdom of God, where all who believe, regardless of background, find reconciliation and peace in Christ. This joy echoes the "good news of great joy for all the people" announced at Jesus' birth [Luke 2:10](/luke/2-10 "Luke 2:10 - Good News of Great Joy"), and it anticipates the eschatological joy of the redeemed in God's eternal presence, where there will be fullness of joy [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence") and no more sorrow or pain [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain"). Thus, the joy in Samaria is a powerful testimony to the universal, liberating, and unifying power of the gospel, centered entirely on the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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 13:52

And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:9

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for [his] mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

Romans 15:12

And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

Psalms 96:10

¶ Say among the heathen [that] the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.

Psalms 96:12

Let the field be joyful, and all that [is] therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice

Luke 2:10

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Luke 2:11

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.