Acts 8:29

What does Acts 8:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 8:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 8:29 means

The Holy Spirit directly instructed Philip to approach the chariot and join the Ethiopian eunuch. This divine guidance demonstrates the Spirit's active involvement in specific evangelistic encounters, directing believers to individuals prepared by God. It underscores that spreading the Gospel is not merely a human endeavor but a Spirit-led mission, ensuring that the right messenger reaches the right person at the right time with the right message.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the Spirit said to Philip, Go near, and get on his carriage.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the Spirit said to Philip, `Go near, and be joined to this chariot;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the Spirit said to Philip: Go near and join thyself to this chariot.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the Spirit said to Philip, Approach and join this chariot.

Context

This verse marks a second divine instruction to Philip, following the angelic command in verse 26, further emphasizing God's direct guidance in this mission. It builds directly on the eunuch's presence and activity outlined in verse 28. This spiritual directive leads immediately to Philip's physical interaction with the eunuch in verse 30, directly initiating the dialogue that will lead to the eunuch's conversion.

v.28and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.

v.29This passage

v.30And Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

Cross references

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

  • Acts 10:19

    And while Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

  • Acts 16:6

    And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden of the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;

  • Acts 20:22

    And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

  • 1 Timothy 4:1

    But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,

  • Acts 11:12

    And the Spirit bade me go with them, making no distinction. And these six brethren also accompanied me; and we entered into the man’s house:

  • Acts 13:2

    And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

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