Acts 8:14

What does Acts 8:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 8:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 8:14 means

When the apostles in Jerusalem received news that Samaria had embraced the word of God, they dispatched Peter and John to the new believers. This action demonstrates the apostles' oversight and concern for the burgeoning church beyond Jerusalem, ensuring proper spiritual care and connection. Their decision to send two prominent apostles underscores the significance of this outreach to the Samaritans and the need for apostolic confirmation and blessing.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now when the Apostles at Jerusalem had news that the people of Samaria had taken the word of God into their hearts, they sent to them Peter and John;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the apostles in Jerusalem having heard that Samaria hath received the word of God, did send unto them Peter and John,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now, when the apostles, who were in Jerusalem, had heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the apostles who were in Jerusalem, having heard that Samaria had received the word ofGod, sent to them Peter and John;

Context

This verse marks a shift from Philip's initial evangelistic success in Samaria to the involvement of the wider apostolic leadership in Jerusalem. It immediately follows Simon's baptism and prefigures the crucial next step in the Samaritans' spiritual development. The arrival of Peter and John, detailed in verse 15, is essential to understand the unique experience of the Samaritans receiving the Holy Spirit and Simon's subsequent spiritual error.

v.13And Simon also himself believed: and being baptized, he continued with Philip; and beholding signs and great miracles wrought, he was amazed.

v.14This passage

v.15who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:2

    and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;

  • Luke 22:8

    And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and make ready for us the passover, that we may eat.

  • Acts 17:11

    Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures daily, whether these things were so.

  • Acts 11:19

    They therefore that were scattered abroad upon the tribulation that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none save only to Jews.

  • John 12:48

    He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day.

  • Acts 2:41

    They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls.

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