Acts 8:35

What does Acts 8:35 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 8:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 8:35 means

Philip, seizing the divinely prepared moment, began his explanation of the Gospel starting precisely from the Isaiah passage the eunuch was reading. He then clearly and directly preached "Jesus" to him, revealing how the suffering servant prophesied by Isaiah was none other than Christ Himself. This demonstration of evangelism shows how the Old Testament points forward to Jesus and is fulfilled in Him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this scripture, preached unto him Jesus.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this scripture, preached unto him Jesus.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So Philip, starting from this writing, gave him the good news about Jesus.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Philip having opened his mouth, and having begun from this Writing, proclaimed good news to him--Jesus.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then Philip, opening his mouth and beginning at this scripture, preached unto him Jesus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Philip, opening his mouth and beginning from that scripture, announced the glad tidings of Jesus to him.

Context

This verse describes Philip's ultimate response to the eunuch's earnest question (verse 34). It shows the power of using the Old Testament to bear witness to Christ. This crucial explanation by Philip provides the eunuch with the understanding he sought, directly leading to the eunuch's conversion and desire for baptism as they continue their journey in verse 36.

v.34And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other?

v.35This passage

v.36And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch saith, Behold, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

Cross references

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

  • Luke 24:27

    And beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

  • Acts 5:42

    And every day, in the temple and at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus as the Christ.

  • Acts 26:22

    Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand unto this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses did say should come;

  • Acts 19:13

    But certain also of the strolling Jews, exorcists, took upon them to name over them that had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

  • Luke 24:44

    And he said unto them, These are my words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me.

  • Acts 10:34

    And Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

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