Acts 8:25

And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

And they, when {G3303}{G3767} they had testified {G1263} and {G2532} preached {G2980} the word {G3056} of the Lord {G2962}, returned {G5290} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}, and {G5037} preached the gospel {G2097} in many {G4183} villages {G2968} of the Samaritans {G4541}.

Then, after giving a thorough witness and speaking the Word of the Lord, Kefa and Yochanan started back to Yerushalayim, announcing the Good News to many villages in Shomron.

And after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many of the Samaritan villages.

They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Commentary

Acts 8:25 marks a significant moment in the early expansion of the Christian message, highlighting the apostolic ministry and the continued spread of the gospel.

Context

This verse follows the crucial events in Samaria where Philip the evangelist had successfully preached the gospel, leading many Samaritans to believe and be baptized. However, they had not yet received the Holy Spirit in the same demonstrative way as the Jewish believers. To address this, the apostles in Jerusalem sent Peter and John to Samaria. Their mission was to confirm the work, pray for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit, and confront Simon the sorcerer. Having completed their mission, which included witnessing the outpouring of the Spirit and rebuking Simon, Peter and John began their journey back to Jerusalem.

Historically, there was deep-seated animosity and religious division between Jews and Samaritans, stemming from centuries of cultural and theological differences. The fact that the apostles not only ministered in Samaria but also actively preached in "many villages of the Samaritans" on their return journey underscores the radical nature of the gospel, which transcends traditional barriers and prejudices.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Expansion of the Gospel: This verse vividly illustrates the fulfillment of Jesus' commission to preach the gospel not only in Jerusalem and Judea but also in Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Peter and John's active evangelism in Samaritan villages demonstrates the early church's commitment to reaching all people groups.
  • Apostolic Authority and Confirmation: Peter and John, as leading apostles, validated the Samaritan believers and ensured the unity of the nascent church. Their preaching on the return journey further solidified the apostolic message in the region.
  • The Power of Preaching and Witnessing: The phrase "testified and preached the word of the Lord" emphasizes the central role of verbal proclamation in the spread of Christianity. The apostles were not merely observers but active participants in sharing the good news.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "testified" is diamartyromai (διαμαρτύρομαι), which implies a solemn and earnest declaration, often with a sense of urgency or warning. It signifies bearing witness with conviction. "Preached the word of the Lord" uses euangelizō (εὐαγγελίζω) for "preached the gospel" later in the verse, and logos tou Kyriou (λόγος τοῦ κυρίου) for "word of the Lord," highlighting that their message was not their own but the authoritative message originating from God.

Practical Application

Acts 8:25 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  1. Cross-Cultural Evangelism: The willingness of Peter and John to preach in Samaritan villages, despite historical animosity, challenges us to overcome our own prejudices and cultural barriers to share the gospel with those who are different from us.
  2. Ongoing Witness: The apostles didn't just complete their primary task and leave; they continued to spread the message along their journey. This encourages believers to seek opportunities for everyday evangelism and witness in their daily lives.
  3. The Centrality of God's Word: The emphasis on "preaching the word of the Lord" underscores that the content of our message must always be grounded in God's revealed truth, the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 20:21 (3 votes)

    Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Acts 28:31 (2 votes)

    Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

  • Acts 1:8 (2 votes)

    But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

  • John 15:27 (2 votes)

    And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

  • Luke 9:52 (2 votes)

    And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

  • Luke 9:56 (2 votes)

    For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save [them]. And they went to another village.

  • Acts 26:22 (2 votes)

    Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: