Acts 8:5
What does Acts 8:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 8:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 8:5 means
Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, traveled to the city of Samaria, carrying the message of Christ. This was a significant step, as Samaritans were ethnically and religiously distinct from Jews, and often viewed with disdain by them. By proclaiming Jesus as the Christ in Samaria, Philip was directly fulfilling Christ's Great Commission to spread the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries into Samaria, demonstrating the inclusive nature of God's saving grace.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed unto them the Christ.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed unto them the Christ.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Philip went down to Samaria and was teaching them about Christ.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Philip having gone down to a city of Samaria, was preaching to them the Christ,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Philip, going down to the city of Samaria, preached Christ unto them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Philip, going down to a city of Samaria, preached the Christ to them;
Context
This verse introduces Philip and his crucial ministry, which is a direct outcome of the believers being scattered from Jerusalem (verse 4). It signals the expansion of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem into Samaria, aligning with Jesus' command in Acts 1:8. Philip's arrival and proclamation set the stage for the Samaritan response and subsequent events in verses 6-13, particularly the spiritual encounter with Simon the sorcerer.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 5:42
And every day, in the temple and at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus as the Christ.
- Matthew 10:5
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and charged them, saying, Go not into any way of the Gentiles, and enter not into any city of the Samaritans:
- John 4:25
The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh (he that is called Christ): when he is come, he will declare unto us all things.
- Acts 9:20
And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God.
- Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
- 1 Corinthians 2:2
For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
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…