Acts 8:28
What does Acts 8:28 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 8:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 8:28 means
As the Ethiopian eunuch was returning from Jerusalem, he was seated in his chariot, actively engaged in reading from the prophet Isaiah. This detail highlights his diligence in spiritual matters, continuing his worship and study even while traveling. The specific act of reading Isaiah sets up the providential opportunity for Philip to engage him in conversation about a foundational text pointing directly to Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He was going back, seated in his carriage, and was reading the book of the prophet Isaiah.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862he was also returning, and is sitting on his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he was returning, sitting in his chariot and reading Isaias the prophet.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890was returning and sitting in his chariot: and he was reading the prophet Esaias.
Context
This verse provides critical detail about the Ethiopian eunuch's activity as he travels, building upon his introduction in verse 27. His reading of Isaiah is not just a casual detail; it directly provides the entry point for Philip's evangelistic encounter, which the Spirit initiates in verse 29. This pre-arranged setup demonstrates God's sovereign orchestration, preparing the eunuch's heart and mind for the Gospel.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 6:6
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart;
- 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.
- Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.
- Psalms 1:2
But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And on his law doth he meditate day and night.
- Proverbs 8:33
Hear instruction, and be wise, And refuse it not.
- Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
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