Acts 8:12
What does Acts 8:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 8:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 8:12 means
In a dramatic shift, the people of Samaria, both men and women, turned from their belief in Simon and embraced the good news preached by Philip. They placed their faith in the "kingdom of God" and in the "name of Jesus Christ," signifying their acceptance of Jesus' divine authority and saving work. As a public declaration of their new faith, they were subsequently baptized, symbolizing their repentance and new life in Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But when they believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But when they believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But when they had faith in the good news given by Philip about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, a number of men and women had baptism.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And when they believed Philip, proclaiming good news, the things concerning the reign of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized both men and women;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But when they had believed Philip preaching of the kingdom of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But when they believed Philip announcing the glad tidings concerning the kingdom ofGod and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women.
Context
This verse marks the turning point for the Samaritans, contrasting their former allegiance to Simon (verses 9-11) with their new faith in Christ through Philip's preaching. It highlights the power of the Gospel to transform whole communities. This clear act of belief and baptism sets the stage for Simon's own surprising conversion in the following verse, further developing the narrative of spiritual transformation in Samaria.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.
- Luke 9:2
And he sent them forth to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
- Acts 5:14
and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women:
- Acts 18:8
And Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
- Acts 2:41
They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls.
- Romans 10:10
for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 8
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 8.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
What the Bible says about…