Scattering and Samaria
Acts 8:1–8FocusThe word goes outward
Connection to the wholePersecution scatters the church, and Philip's preaching in Samaria shows the witness expanding beyond Jerusalem.
interpretation Acts 8:14
KJVNow when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Read it in context
Samaritan believers and Simon
Start reading at Acts 8:9 (Acts 8:9 to Acts 8:25).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The Samaritans' baptism and reception of the Holy Ghost are narrated alongside Simon's attempt to purchase authority, which Peter sharply rebukes.
- 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
- 8:10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
- 8:11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
- 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
- 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
- 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
- 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
- 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
- 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
- 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
- 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
- 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
- 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
- 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
- 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
- 8:24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
- 8:25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the traditional author of Acts and the Gospel of Luke. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3; Colossians 4:14. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Acts 8:1–8:40): Philip preaches among Samaritans; Peter and John come to the believers there. Philip later explains Isaiah to the Ethiopian official traveling from Jerusalem. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus, the same named recipient as Luke's Gospel, with the account also serving the wider Christian readership. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Samaritan believers and Simon. Read Acts 8:9 through Acts 8:25 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The Samaritans' baptism and reception of the Holy Ghost are narrated alongside Simon's attempt to purchase authority, which Peter sharply rebukes. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Acts begins after Jesus' resurrection and follows the witness through Pentecost, expansion among peoples, and Paul's arrival in Rome. It does not give a final publication date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The movement extends from Jerusalem through Judea and Samaria toward wider regions and Rome, as announced in Acts 1:8. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Samaritan believers and Simon (Acts 8:9 to Acts 8:25). Start reading at Acts 8:9. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The risen Jesus commissions the witnesses, and their preaching centers on Him. The accounts include repentance, baptism in Jesus' name, and reception of the Holy Ghost; keep the details and order stated for each event. See Acts 1:8, Acts 2:38, Acts 10:44, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:5, Acts 19:6. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Compare conversion accounts carefully, preserving what each one actually narrates. Do not invent an omitted detail or flatten every episode into an identical sequence. interpretation
Cited: Acts 8:9, Acts 8:25, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:38, Acts 10:44, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:5, Acts 19:6
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens by referring to the author's former treatise to Theophilus, tying it to Luke, and shifts into first-person plural in the travel accounts.
Acts 1:1Acts 16:10
Early traditionEarly testimony names Luke.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- when Acts 8:1 Acts 11:1,19-22 Acts 15:4 1 Thess 3:2
- received Acts 2:41 Acts 17:11 Matt 13:23 John 12:48 1 Thess 2:13 2 Thess 2:10
- Peter Acts 3:1-3 Gal 2:9
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Time covered by Acts
About 30 years
- AD 30 or 33Approximate beginning · Acts 1
The risen Jesus instructs His apostles
Acts begins after Jesus’ resurrection and describes His ascension. - About AD 62Approximate ending · Acts 28
Paul teaches while confined in Rome
The account closes with Paul receiving visitors and teaching during two full years in his rented lodging.
The narrative moves from Jerusalem to Rome over roughly three decades. Chapters do not represent equal amounts of time.
View historical notes and sources
Using a beginning in AD 30 or 33 and an ending around AD 62 gives approximately 29–32 years. These are reconstructed dates for the events, not a date for the writing of Acts. The book does not explicitly total its elapsed years.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Acts 8
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
FocusBaptism, the Spirit, and a rebuke
Connection to the wholeThe Samaritans' baptism and reception of the Holy Ghost are narrated alongside Simon's attempt to purchase authority, which Peter sharply rebukes.
interpretation Philip and the Ethiopian
Acts 8:26–40FocusScripture explained and baptism
Connection to the wholePhilip explains Isaiah in relation to Jesus, and the traveller's response leads to baptism before the two continue on different journeys.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Acts
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
The promised power and the Jerusalem church
Acts 1:1–2:47FocusWitness begins
Connection to the wholeJesus' promise, the coming of the Holy Ghost, Peter's preaching, and the hearers' response establish the beginning of the church's witness.
interpretation Witness and opposition in Jerusalem
Acts 3:1–7:60FocusBoldness, order, and rejection
Connection to the wholePublic testimony and growth are accompanied by internal needs and increasing opposition, culminating in Stephen's death.
interpretation FocusSamaria, Saul, and Gentile hearers
Connection to the wholePersecution scatters believers; new fields open, Saul is called, and the reception of Gentiles becomes a matter publicly explained to the church.
interpretation Mission and the Gentile question
Acts 13:1–15:35FocusChurches established and the council
Connection to the wholeThe first missionary journey and the Jerusalem deliberation address the place of Gentile believers without making circumcision the entrance requirement.
interpretation Further journeys and growing churches
Acts 15:36–21:16FocusStrengthening and expanding witness
Connection to the wholePaul and his companions travel through new regions and revisit churches, moving toward the journey to Jerusalem despite coming danger.
interpretation Arrest, hearings, and Rome
Acts 21:17–28:31FocusTestimony through imprisonment
Connection to the wholePaul's custody becomes a setting for witness before authorities and brings him to Rome, where the account closes with continued proclamation.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.