Acts 8:5

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

Then {G1161} Philip {G5376} went down {G2718} to {G1519} the city {G4172} of Samaria {G4540}, and preached {G2784} Christ {G5547} unto them {G846}.

Now Philip went down to a city in Shomron and was proclaiming the Messiah to them;

Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them.

And Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed unto them the Christ.

Commentary

Acts 8:5 marks a significant turning point in the early spread of the Gospel, demonstrating the immediate impact of persecution and the faithfulness of believers in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Context

This verse follows a period of intense persecution against the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem, triggered by the martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 8:1). As believers were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, they did not retreat but actively proclaimed the message wherever they went. Philip, identified as one of the seven men chosen to serve the church in Jerusalem (Acts 6:5), emerges here as a powerful evangelist. His journey to Samaria is particularly notable because of the long-standing ethnic and religious animosity between Jews and Samaritans, a division Jesus Himself began to bridge in His earthly ministry (John 4:9).

Key Themes

  • The Spreading of the Gospel Beyond Jerusalem: This verse illustrates the immediate fulfillment of Jesus's command in Acts 1:8, which prophesied the Gospel reaching "Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Persecution, intended to suppress, instead served as a catalyst for expansion.
  • Philip's Bold Evangelism: Philip, though not one of the twelve apostles, demonstrates remarkable courage and zeal. He is a prime example of how God uses ordinary, Spirit-filled individuals to accomplish extraordinary work, acting as an early Christian evangelist.
  • Christ-Centered Preaching: The core of Philip's message was "Christ." This emphasizes that the central theme of the Christian message is the person and work of Jesus — His life, death, resurrection, and Lordship.
  • Breaking Down Barriers: Philip's ministry in Samaria signifies the Gospel's power to transcend deep-seated ethnic and religious divides, uniting diverse peoples under the banner of Christ.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "preached Christ" translates the Greek ekēryssen ton Christon (ἐκήρυσσεν τὸν Χριστόν). The verb ekēryssen (from kēryssō) means "to proclaim, to herald, to preach publicly." It implies a formal, authoritative declaration, not just casual conversation. Philip was not simply discussing Jesus; he was authoritatively proclaiming Him as the promised Messiah (Christos), the one through whom salvation is found.

Reflection and Application

Acts 8:5 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • Be Prepared to Share: Like Philip, we are called to be ready to share the Gospel message, even when circumstances are challenging or uncomfortable. This includes reaching out to those who may be marginalized or different from us.
  • Focus on Christ: The essence of our message must always be Jesus Christ. It is His life, death, and resurrection that offer hope and salvation, making our preaching Christ-centered.
  • Embrace God's Expansion: God often uses unexpected means, even adversity, to advance His kingdom. We should be open to His leading, even to places or people we might initially overlook or avoid.
  • The Gospel Unites: The story of Samaria reminds us that the Gospel has the power to overcome all divisions, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together in unity through faith in Christ. This echoes the broader vision of a new humanity in Christ (Ephesians 2:14).
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Cross-References

  • Acts 6:5 (6 votes)

    And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

  • Acts 21:8 (5 votes)

    ¶ And the next [day] we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was [one] of the seven; and abode with him.

  • Acts 8:35 (4 votes)

    Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

  • Acts 8:36 (4 votes)

    And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

  • Acts 8:40 (4 votes)

    But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:23 (3 votes)

    But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

  • 1 Corinthians 3:11 (3 votes)

    ¶ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.