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ScriptureDepth's study of Acts 8

Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word.

Acts 8:4

Luke writes that those scattered by persecution went about preaching the word, which initiates the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem and into Judea and Samaria.

What Acts 8 is about

Saul consented to Stephen's death, prompting great persecution against the assembly in Jerusalem. As a result, the believers scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles (vv. 1-3). Philip preached in Samaria, and many listened to his message about Christ. He performed signs that included healing the paralyzed and casting out unclean spirits, causing great joy in the city (vv. 4-8). Simon the sorcerer, who had amazed the people, believed Philip’s message and was baptized (vv. 9-13). When the apostles in Jerusalem learned that Samaria received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to pray for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit, which occurred through the laying on of hands (vv. 14-25). An angel instructed Philip to meet an Ethiopian eunuch, who was reading Isaiah. Philip explained the passage and baptized him (vv. 26-39). Philip continued to preach in various cities as he traveled (v. 40).

The chapter leaves the reader with the command to proclaim the Good News, as exemplified by Philip's actions.

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Acts 8 at a glance

  1. Acts 8:1–3Persecution Begins in Jerusalem
  2. Acts 8:4–8Philip Preaches in Samaria
  3. Acts 8:9–13Simon the Sorcerer
  4. Acts 8:14–25Apostles Send Peter and John
  5. Acts 8:26–39Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
  6. Acts 8:40Philip's Continued Mission

Key verse: Acts 8:4

One thing to notice

Simon the Sorcerer amazes the people with sorcery (vv. 9-11). In contrast, Philip performs miracles that lead many to believe in Jesus (v. 12). Simon's response to Philip's miracles and preaching occurs within this context.

Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.

Chapter text

Read Acts 8 (WEB)

Persecution Begins in Jerusalem Acts 8:1–3

Verse 1. Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. Verse 2. Devout men buried Stephen, and lamented greatly over him. Verse 3. But Saul ravaged the assembly, entering into every house, and dragged both men and women off to prison.

Philip Preaches in Samaria Acts 8:4–8

Verse 4. Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word. Verse 5. Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed to them the Christ. Verse 6. The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard and saw the signs which he did. Verse 7. For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. Verse 8. There was great joy in that city.

Simon the Sorcerer Acts 8:9–13

Verse 9. But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one, Verse 10. to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that great power of God.” Verse 11. They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries. Verse 12. But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Verse 13. Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.

Apostles Send Peter and John Acts 8:14–25

Verse 14. Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, Verse 15. who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit; Verse 16. for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus. Verse 17. Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Verse 18. Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, Verse 19. saying, “Give me also this power, that whomever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Verse 20. But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! Verse 21. You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn’t right before God. Verse 22. Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. Verse 23. For I see that you are in the poison of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” Verse 24. Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things which you have spoken happen to me.” Verse 25. They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News to many villages of the Samaritans.

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch Acts 8:26–39

Verse 26. But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert.” Verse 27. He arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship. Verse 28. He was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. Verse 29. The Spirit said to Philip, “Go near, and join yourself to this chariot.” Verse 30. Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

Verse 31. He said, “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” He begged Philip to come up and sit with him. Verse 32. Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this, “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. As a lamb before his shearer is silent, so he doesn’t open his mouth. Verse 33. In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away. Who will declare His generation? For his life is taken from the earth.” Verse 34. The eunuch answered Philip, “Who is the prophet talking about? About himself, or about someone else?” Verse 35. Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached to him about Jesus.

Verse 36. As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?” Verse 37. Verse 38. He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. Verse 39. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch didn’t see him any more, for he went on his way rejoicing.

Philip's Continued Mission Acts 8:40

Verse 40. But Philip was found at Azotus. Passing through, he preached the Good News to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.

World English Bible (public domain)

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Main themes in Acts 8

persecution and growth

Persecution begins in Jerusalem as Saul consents to Stephen's death, leading to the scattering of believers throughout Judea and Samaria (vv. 1-3). In this context of hardship, those who are scattered actively preach the word, leading to growth in the faith as they spread the message of Christ. Philip's ministry in Samaria results in many believing and being baptized, showing that persecution can catalyze the expansion of the early church.

evangelism and mission

Philip's journey to Samaria marks a significant moment for evangelism as he proclaims the Christ, and many respond positively to his message (vv. 5-8). In this setting, Philip's preaching leads to great joy in the city, indicating a fruitful ministry. The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch further illustrates the mission of spreading the gospel, as Philip explains the Scriptures and baptizes him (vv. 26-39). The chapter shows how the early church actively spreads the message of Christ beyond Jerusalem.

the Holy Spirit's work

The work of the Holy Spirit is evident when Philip preaches in Samaria and the believers receive the Holy Spirit after the apostles lay hands on them (vv. 14-17). Simon's desire to buy the ability to give the Holy Spirit highlights the distinctiveness of this divine gift, which cannot be purchased (vv. 18-20). The Spirit also directs Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch, confirming the active role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the mission of the church (vv. 26-29).

divine guidance

Divine guidance is a central theme in this chapter as Philip is directed by an angel of the Lord to go toward Gaza (v. 26). The Spirit further instructs him to join the chariot of the Ethiopian eunuch, leading to a pivotal moment of evangelism (vv. 29-30). This consistent guidance illustrates how God orchestrates the spread of the gospel through specific individuals and events.

Chapter outline

How Acts 8 unfolds

  1. Acts 8:1–3 Persecution Begins in Jerusalem

    Saul consents to Stephen's death, leading to widespread persecution of the assembly in Jerusalem, causing believers to scatter throughout Judea and Samaria, while the apostles remain (vv. 1-3).

  2. Acts 8:4–8 Philip Preaches in Samaria

    Those scattered preach the word, with Philip proclaiming Christ in Samaria, where many listen and experience healings and deliverance from unclean spirits, resulting in joy in the city (vv. 4-8).

  3. Acts 8:9–13 Simon the Sorcerer

    Simon, a sorcerer, astonishes the Samaritans with his magic until they believe Philip’s message and are baptized; even Simon himself believes, drawn by the signs and miracles (vv. 9-13).

  4. Acts 8:14–25 Apostles Send Peter and John

    The apostles in Jerusalem send Peter and John to Samaria upon hearing of the new believers; they pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit, which they do through the apostles' laying on of hands (vv. 14-17).

  5. Acts 8:26–39 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

    Philip is directed by an angel to approach an Ethiopian eunuch, who is reading Isaiah; Philip explains the Scripture and baptizes him upon the eunuch’s request, leading to the eunuch's rejoicing (vv. 26-39).

  6. Acts 8:40 Philip's Continued Mission

    After baptizing the eunuch, Philip is miraculously taken away by the Spirit and continues preaching in various cities until he reaches Caesarea (v. 40).

Key verses

  • Acts 8:4Luke writes that those scattered by persecution went about preaching the word, which initiates the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem and into Judea and Samaria.

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Study questions

Questions for studying Acts 8

Uses your daily Ask questions.

  1. observeIn v7, what happens to those who had unclean spirits?
  2. observeIn v13, what did Simon do after believing and being baptized?
  3. interpretPeter's response to Simon in vv. 20-23: what does it suggest about the nature of God's gifts?
  4. interpretThe eunuch's question in v34: what does it imply about his understanding of the Scripture?
  5. applyWhen have you felt like Simon, wanting something that cannot be bought?

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Acts 8: frequently asked questions

What is Acts 8 about?+
Saul consented to Stephen's death, prompting great persecution against the assembly in Jerusalem. As a result, the believers scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles (vv.
What is the key verse in Acts 8?+
Acts 8:4: “Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word.”
What are the main themes of Acts 8?+
The main themes of Acts 8 are persecution and growth, evangelism and mission, the Holy Spirit's work, divine guidance.

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