Acts 8:8

And there was great joy in that city.

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

so that there was great joy in that city.

So there was great joy in that city.

And there was much joy in that city.

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Commentary

Acts 8:8 powerfully summarizes the immediate and transformative impact of Philip's ministry in Samaria: "And there was great joy in that city." This concise statement highlights the profound spiritual and emotional response of the people to the good news of Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse follows the scattering of believers from Jerusalem due to persecution (Acts 8:1), which inadvertently propelled the gospel beyond its initial Jewish confines. Philip, one of the seven deacons, went to Samaria, a region with a long history of ethnic and religious tension with the Jews. There, he boldly preached Christ, performing many signs and wonders, including casting out unclean spirits and healing those who were paralyzed or lame (Acts 8:6-7). The "great joy" was the natural and overwhelming response to this divine intervention and the message of salvation that brought healing and liberation to many.

Key Themes

  • The Unstoppable Power of the Gospel: The verse vividly demonstrates that the message of Jesus Christ, when proclaimed and accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit, brings profound transformation and joy, even in unexpected places like Samaria.
  • Divine Breakthrough and Inclusivity: The ministry in Samaria represents a crucial step in the early church's mission, fulfilling Christ's command to spread the gospel beyond Jerusalem and Judea (Acts 1:8). The joy signifies God's willingness to embrace all people, breaking down long-standing barriers between Jews and Samaritans.
  • Authentic Spiritual Gladness: The "great joy" described here is not superficial happiness but a deep, spiritual gladness that flows from experiencing God's saving power, deliverance from evil, and the hope of eternal life.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "joy" is chara (χαρά), a term frequently used in the New Testament to denote a profound spiritual gladness. It is often described as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is distinct from fleeting worldly happiness. This chara is a lasting inner delight that comes from a right relationship with God and the experience of His presence and salvation.

Practical Application

Acts 8:8 offers a timeless reminder of the gospel's enduring ability to bring hope and joy. Just as it transformed Samaria, the message of Christ continues to offer profound spiritual joy and liberation to individuals and communities today. This verse encourages believers to share the good news, knowing that its inherent power can bring about genuine gladness, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. It also highlights that true joy is found in experiencing God's presence and seeing His transformative work in the world, mirroring the joy evident in the early church.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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