Acts 8 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Acts 8 meaning explained in AI Summary

Spread of the Gospel: Persecution scatters believers from Jerusalem, leading to the spread of the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria.
Philip's Ministry: Philip, another deacon, ministers in Samaria and converts many, including an Ethiopian eunuch.

Chapter 8 of the Book of Acts marks a significant turning point, focusing on the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish communities and into Samaria and beyond.

1. Persecution and Scattering: Following Stephen's martyrdom, a wave of persecution against Christians erupts in Jerusalem, led by Saul (later Paul). This persecution scatters believers throughout Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles who remain in Jerusalem.

2. Philip in Samaria: Philip, one of the seven chosen to serve in Acts 6, travels to Samaria and preaches the Gospel. He performs miracles, heals the sick, and casts out demons, drawing large crowds and leading many Samaritans to faith in Jesus.

3. Simon the Magician: A magician named Simon, who had held sway over the Samaritans with his sorcery, believes Philip's message and is baptized. However, when Simon sees the Holy Spirit given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he tries to buy this power from them. Peter rebukes him sharply, emphasizing that the gift of God cannot be purchased.

4. The Ethiopian Eunuch: An angel directs Philip to a desert road where he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official for the Queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch is returning from Jerusalem, where he had gone to worship, and is reading from the book of Isaiah. Philip explains the passage about the suffering servant, proclaiming Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophecy. The eunuch believes and is baptized.

5. Philip's Continued Ministry: The Spirit then takes Philip away, and he continues preaching the Gospel in other cities until he reaches Caesarea.

Significance of Chapter 8:

Expansion of the Church: The Gospel breaks beyond the Jewish community and reaches the Samaritans, considered heretics by many Jews. This signifies the universal nature of the Christian message.
The Holy Spirit's Power: The Holy Spirit plays a central role, empowering believers to perform miracles and spread the Gospel with boldness.
Salvation through Faith: The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, a Gentile and a foreigner, emphasizes that salvation is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ, regardless of their background.
Setting the Stage for Paul: The persecution that scatters the believers sets the stage for the conversion of Saul (Paul) in the next chapter, who will become a key figure in spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

Overall, Acts Chapter 8 highlights the unstoppable spread of the Gospel despite persecution and emphasizes the inclusive nature of the Christian faith.

Acts 8 bible study ai commentary

The gospel, powered by the Holy Spirit, breaks through long-standing ethnic, social, and geographic barriers. Acts 8 shows how persecution, intended to destroy the church, became the very catalyst for its expansion, fulfilling the commission of Acts 1:8. It moves the faith from its Jewish cradle in Jerusalem to the despised Samaritans and then to a distant Gentile official, demonstrating that the good news is for all people, validated by the apostles, and understood through the interpretation of Scripture.

Acts 8 Context

The chapter is set immediately after the martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. This event ignited a severe, organized persecution against the Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, led by Saul of Tarsus. Culturally, the central conflict revolves around the Samaritans, a people group despised by the Jews for centuries. They were considered religiously and ethnically impure, descended from intermarriage between Israelites and Assyrian colonists, and they possessed their own rival scriptures (only the Pentateuch) and temple (on Mount Gerizim). Preaching to them was a radical act. Similarly, the Ethiopian eunuch, though a devout "God-fearer," would have been restricted from full assembly in the Temple under the Mosaic Law, making his inclusion a powerful fulfillment of prophecy.

Acts 8:1-3

And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

In-depth-analysis

Saul's Approval: Saul isn't just a passive observer; he gives hearty "approval" (Gr. syneudokeō), showing his conviction that Stephen's death was righteous. This establishes his initial character as a fierce antagonist.
Great Persecution: This is the first widespread, organized persecution against the church. It targeted the Hellenistic believers (like Stephen) most fiercely, which explains why the Aramaic-speaking apostles could remain in Jerusalem with less risk.
Scattering Fulfills Prophecy: The persecution unintentionally forces the church to fulfill the second stage of the Great Commission given in Acts 1:8 ("...in all Judea and Samaria..."). God uses human evil to achieve His divine purpose.
Ravaging the Church: The Greek word for "ravaging" (lumainomai) is a violent term, often used to describe a wild beast tearing apart its prey. This depicts the intensity and brutality of Saul's actions.

Bible references

Acts 7:58: ...the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. (Saul's first appearance)
Acts 22:4: I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women... (Saul's own testimony of his actions)
Acts 1:8: ...you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (The divine mission plan being fulfilled)

Cross references

Acts 26:9-11 (Saul's account), Gal 1:13 (Paul's past persecution), 1 Tim 1:13 (Paul's self-reflection), Phil 3:6 (zeal in persecution).

Acts 8:4-8

Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.

In-depth-analysis

Philip: This is Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven chosen in Acts 6 to serve tables, not Philip the Apostle. His Hellenistic background likely made him more open to ministering outside traditional Jewish circles.
The City of Samaria: This refers either to the region or a major city within it like Sebaste. Preaching "the Christ" (ton Christon) here was revolutionary due to the deep-seated hatred between Jews and Samaritans.
Signs and Wonders: Just as in the early Jerusalem church, miracles (sēmeia), including exorcisms and healings, authenticated Philip's message about Jesus. This demonstrated that the power of God was not confined to Jerusalem or the apostles.
Much Joy: The gospel's reception brought great joy, a recurring theme in Acts. This joy contrasts sharply with the lamentation for Stephen and the terror of persecution in Jerusalem.

Bible references

Jn 4:39-42: Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony... So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them... (Jesus sowed the seeds in Samaria, which Philip now harvests).
Mt 10:5: These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans..." (This shows a shift; Christ's earlier restriction during His earthly ministry is now lifted).
Acts 6:5: ...And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip... (Identifying this Philip as the deacon/evangelist).

Cross references

Rom 15:8-9 (Christ confirming promises), Lk 10:17-18 (joy at demons' submission), Acts 2:41-47 (initial joy of the church).

Acts 8:9-13

But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was someone great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

In-depth-analysis

Simon the Magician: He practiced magic (mageuō). In contrast to Philip's true power (dunamis) from God, Simon's acts were likely illusion and deception, common in the ancient world.
"Power of God that is called Great": Simon's followers elevated him to a divine or semi-divine status. He was likely a forerunner to Gnostic teachers who claimed to possess secret, powerful knowledge.
Simon's "Belief": Simon's belief appears superficial. He is attracted to the power he sees in Philip, not the person of Christ or the message of repentance. His amazement at "great miracles" suggests he saw Christianity as a more powerful form of magic. His baptism follows, but his heart remains unchanged.
Polemics: This is a polemic against magic and personality cults. Luke contrasts the authentic, humble power of the gospel that points to Christ with the self-aggrandizing deception of magic that points to a man.

Bible references

Acts 13:6-11: ...they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus... But Saul... filled with the Holy Spirit... said, ‘...you will be blind...’ (Paul confronts another magician, Elymas).
2 Tim 3:8: Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth... (Comparing false teachers to Pharaoh's magicians).
Ex 7:11: Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and the sorcerers, and they, the magicians of Egypt, also did the same by their secret arts. (Moses' power from God vs. the magicians' deceptive power).

Cross references

Deut 18:10-14 (condemnation of sorcery), Acts 19:19 (believers burning magic books), Mk 16:16 (belief and baptism linked).

Acts 8:14-17

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

In-depth-analysis

Apostolic Validation: The Jerusalem apostles send Peter and John to investigate and validate this unprecedented event. This act was crucial for maintaining the unity of the church, ensuring the new Samaritan believers were not seen as a separate, schismatic movement.
The "Samaritan Pentecost": The delay in receiving the Holy Spirit is unique in Acts. It is not a normative model for all believers (compare Acts 2:38, 10:44). The specific purpose here appears to be linking the Samaritan revival directly to the apostolic authority of the mother church in Jerusalem, preventing a "Samaritan Church" distinct from the "Jewish Church."
Laying on of Hands: This physical act visibly symbolized the transfer of a spiritual gift or authority and connected the Samaritans directly with the apostles, who were the original recipients of the Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost.

Bible references

Acts 2:38: And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you... and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (The typical pattern: Spirit received with faith/baptism).
Acts 10:44-46: While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word... for they were hearing them speaking in tongues... (In Cornelius's house, the Spirit came before baptism, without laying on of hands).
Acts 19:5-6: On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them... (A similar event in Ephesus, showing apostolic confirmation for a group outside the Jerusalem mainstream).

Cross references

Heb 6:2 (doctrine of laying on of hands), Jn 17:21 (Jesus' prayer for unity), Eph 4:3-6 (endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit).

Acts 8:18-24

Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this your wickedness, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

In-depth-analysis

Simony: Simon's offer to buy spiritual authority gives us the word "simony." He viewed the Holy Spirit as a commodity and apostolic power as a technique to be purchased.
Peter's Rebuke: Peter's response is one of the harshest in the New Testament. It reveals that Simon's "belief" was false. The core issue was his "heart" (kardia), which was not right with God.
Gall of Bitterness, Bond of Iniquity: This powerful imagery, drawing from the Old Testament (Deut 29:18), describes a state of deep spiritual poisoning and slavery to sin. Despite his baptism, Simon was still spiritually lost.
Shallow Repentance: Simon’s response—"Pray for me..."—is telling. He does not repent himself but asks Peter to intercede. He is more afraid of the consequences (the curse) than he is sorrowful for his sin.

Bible references

2 Ki 5:15-27: ...Naaman said, ‘...let a gift be taken.’ But he said, ‘...I will receive none.’ ...Gehazi... ran after him... took... silver and garments... the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you... (Gehazi's attempt to profit from God's work, a clear parallel).
Dt 29:18: Beware lest there be among you... a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit. (The source of Peter's "gall of bitterness" language).
Heb 12:15: See to it... that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble... (The danger of a corrupted heart within the community).

Cross references

Mt 6:24 (cannot serve God and money), Jas 1:14-15 (lust conceiving sin), Ps 78:36-37 (false repentance), Mic 3:11 (leaders who teach for a price).

Acts 8:25-29

Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”

In-depth-analysis

An Angel and the Spirit: The narrative highlights direct, supernatural guidance. An angel gives the general direction, and the Holy Spirit gives the specific command. This underscores that this encounter is divinely orchestrated.
Desert Road to Gaza: Emphasizing that this road is a "desert place" highlights the unlikelihood of a random, meaningful encounter. God is sending His evangelist to one specific person.
Ethiopian Eunuch: This man holds three marginalized statuses in one: he is a Gentile (from Cush/Nubia, not modern Ethiopia), a eunuch (excluded from full worship in Deut 23:1), and a representative of a foreign power. His high rank ("in charge of all her treasure") makes his conversion influential.
Candace (Kandakē): This was not a name, but a dynastic title for the queen mother of Meroë (ancient Ethiopia/Nubia), who held great power.
Polemics: This entire encounter serves as a polemic against the exclusivity of the gospel. The salvation of a ritually "unclean" but spiritually hungry foreigner is a powerful statement.

Bible references

Isa 56:3-5: "Let not the foreigner... say, ‘The LORD will surely separate me from his people’; and let not the eunuch say, ‘Behold, I am a dry tree.’” ...to the eunuchs... I will give in my house... a name better than sons and daughters... (Direct prophecy of inclusion for eunuchs and foreigners, which is now being fulfilled).
Ps 68:31: Envoys will come out of Egypt; Cush (Ethiopia) will stretch out her hands to God. (Prophecy of Africa turning to God).
Dt 23:1: "No one whose testicles are crushed or whose male organ is cut off shall enter the assembly of the LORD." (The law that made the eunuch an outsider, now superseded by grace).

Cross references

1 Ki 18:46 (Spirit's power on Elijah), Rom 10:1 (Paul's desire for Israel's salvation).

Acts 8:30-35

So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter... In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” ... And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

In-depth-analysis

"Do you understand...?": Philip's question is direct and pivotal. It opens the door for evangelism by addressing the man's felt need.
The Need for a Guide: The eunuch's humble response, "How can I...?", expresses the need for interpretation. The Holy Spirit has prepared his heart to be taught.
Isaiah 53: The eunuch is reading from the Septuagint (the Greek OT) version of Isaiah 53, the "Suffering Servant" passage. This is the most explicit prophecy of Jesus' substitutionary death and resurrection in the Old Testament, making it the perfect text from which to preach the gospel.
Beginning with this Scripture: Philip’s method is a model for biblical evangelism: start where the person is, use the Scriptures, and show how it all points to Jesus.

Bible references

Isa 53:7-8: (The direct quotation being read).
Lk 24:27: And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Jesus doing the same thing on the road to Emmaus).
Rom 10:14: How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? (The necessity of a preacher/guide).

Cross references

Ps 119:18 (open my eyes to Your word), 2 Tim 3:15-17 (Scripture making one wise for salvation).

Acts 8:36-38

And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

In-depth-analysis

"What prevents me?": The eunuch's question demonstrates genuine, heartfelt faith. He understands the gospel and immediately desires to publicly identify with Christ through baptism. There are no barriers in Christ's kingdom—not ethnicity, not physical condition, not social status.
Verse 37: Many ancient manuscripts omit verse 37: "And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”" While likely not original, it was added early on by scribes to reflect the universal church practice of requiring a confession of faith before baptism.
Went Down Into the Water: The language suggests baptism by immersion, which was the common practice and vividly pictures death to the old self and resurrection to new life in Christ.

Bible references

Rom 10:9: ...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (The content of the eunuch's belief).
Mk 16:16: "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..." (The link between belief and baptism).
Rom 6:4: We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too might walk in newness of life. (The symbolism of baptism).

Cross references

Gal 3:27-28 (baptized into Christ, no Jew/Greek), 1 Pet 3:21 (baptism as an appeal to God).

Acts 8:39-40

And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

In-depth-analysis

Carried Philip Away: The Spirit's miraculous transport (harpazō, a word implying being "snatched" or "caught up") serves as a final, divine exclamation point on this encounter. It confirms God's sovereign direction over the entire event.
Went on His Way Rejoicing: This is the immediate fruit of salvation. His joy is not based on Philip's continued presence but on his new relationship with God through Christ. Tradition holds that he brought the gospel back to Ethiopia, founding the church there.
Philip's Ongoing Ministry: Philip doesn't stop. He is "found" at Azotus (ancient Ashdod) and continues his evangelistic tour up the coast, ultimately settling in Caesarea (his home in Acts 21:8).

Bible references

1 Ki 18:12: "As soon as I have gone from you, the Spirit of the LORD will carry you I know not where..." (Obadiah's fear regarding Elijah's miraculous transport).
2 Ki 2:16: "...perhaps the Spirit of the LORD has caught him up and cast him on some mountain..." (The sons of the prophets searching for Elijah after he was taken).
Acts 21:8-9: On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. (Philip's later location).

Cross references

Neh 8:10 (the joy of the Lord is your strength), Lk 15:10 (joy in heaven over one sinner), Phil 4:4 (rejoice in the Lord always).

Acts chapter 8 analysis

Fulfillment of Acts 1:8: The chapter is a direct and literal fulfillment of the command to be witnesses in "Judea and Samaria."
Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency: God sovereignly uses persecution (v. 1), directs His messengers through angels and the Spirit (v. 26, 29), and even transports them miraculously (v. 39). Yet, humans must still "go" (v. 5, 27), "preach" (v. 4, 35), and "believe" (v. 12, 37).
The Gospel's Power Over Barriers: Acts 8 demonstrates the gospel's ability to tear down three major walls:
1. Ethnic/Religious Wall: Between Jews and Samaritans.
2. Moral/Intellectual Wall: The contrast between Simon's deceptive magic and the true power of Christ.
3. Social/Physical Wall: The inclusion of a Gentile eunuch, an outsider by multiple standards.
Types of "Faith": The chapter masterfully contrasts the superficial, power-seeking "faith" of Simon Magus with the genuine, repentant, and joyful faith of the Ethiopian eunuch. One leads to a curse, the other to rejoicing.
The Centrality of Scripture: The climax of the chapter is not a miracle but an explanation of Scripture. Philip's evangelism is biblically-centered, showing that understanding the Old Testament is key to understanding Jesus.

Acts 8 summary

The persecution in Jerusalem, led by Saul, forces believers to scatter, leading Philip to take the gospel to the despised Samaritans. After the apostles Peter and John validate this new community of believers and rebuke the magician Simon for trying to buy God's power, Philip is divinely led to a desert road. There he explains Isaiah 53 to an Ethiopian eunuch, who believes in Jesus, is baptized, and carries his newfound joy back to his homeland, demonstrating the gospel's unstoppable expansion across all boundaries.

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Acts chapter 8 kjv

¹ And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
² And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
³ As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
⁴ Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
⁵ Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
⁶ And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
⁷ For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
⁸ And there was great joy in that city.
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:
¹⁰ To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
¹¹ And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
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.
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.
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:
¹⁵ Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
¹⁶ (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
¹⁷ Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
¹⁸ And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
¹⁹ Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
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.
²¹ Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
²² Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
²³ For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
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.
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.
²⁶ And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
²⁷ And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
²⁸ Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
²⁹ Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
³⁰ And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
³¹ And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
³² The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
³³ In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
³⁴ And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
³⁵ Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
³⁶ And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
³⁷ And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
³⁸ And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
³⁹ And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
⁴⁰ But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Acts chapter 8 nkjv

¹ Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
² And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
³ As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.
⁴ Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
⁵ Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
⁶ And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
⁷ For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.
⁸ And there was great joy in that city.
⁹ But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great,
¹⁰ to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God."
¹¹ And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.
¹² But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
¹³ Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.
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,
¹⁵ who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
¹⁶ For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
¹⁷ Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
¹⁸ And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
¹⁹ saying, "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
²⁰ But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!
²¹ You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
²² Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
²³ For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity."
²⁴ Then Simon answered and said, "Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me."
²⁵ So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
²⁶ Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert.
²⁷ So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship,
²⁸ was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet.
²⁹ Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot."
³⁰ So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
³¹ And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.
³² The place in the Scripture which he read was this: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth.
³³ In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth."
³⁴ So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?"
³⁵ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.
³⁶ Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"
³⁷ Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
³⁸ So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
³⁹ Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.
⁴⁰ But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

Acts chapter 8 niv

¹ And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
² Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him.
³ But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.
⁴ Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
⁵ Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.
⁶ When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.
⁷ For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.
⁸ So there was great joy in that city.
⁹ Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great,
¹⁰ and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is rightly called the Great Power of God."
¹¹ They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery.
¹² But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
¹³ Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
¹⁴ When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria.
¹⁵ When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
¹⁶ because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
¹⁷ Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
¹⁸ When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money
¹⁹ and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
²⁰ Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!
²¹ You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.
²² Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.
²³ For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."
²⁴ Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me."
²⁵ After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.
²⁶ Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road?the desert road?that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza."
²⁷ So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means "queen of the Ethiopians"). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship,
²⁸ and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet.
²⁹ The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."
³⁰ Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
³¹ "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
³² This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
³³ In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth."
³⁴ The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?"
³⁵ Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
³⁶ As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?"
³⁸ And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
³⁹ When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
⁴⁰ Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

Acts chapter 8 esv

¹ And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
² Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him.
³ But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.
⁴ Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
⁵ Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.
⁶ And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.
⁷ For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.
⁸ So there was much joy in that city.
⁹ But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great.
¹⁰ They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called Great."
¹¹ And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.
¹² But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
¹³ Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.
¹⁴ Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John,
¹⁵ who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
¹⁶ for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
¹⁷ Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
¹⁸ Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money,
¹⁹ saying, "Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
²⁰ But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
²¹ You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.
²² Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.
²³ For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity."
²⁴ And Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."
²⁵ Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
²⁶ Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is a desert place.
²⁷ And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship
²⁸ and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah.
²⁹ And the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and join this chariot."
³⁰ So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
³¹ And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
³² Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth.
³³ In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth."
³⁴ And the eunuch said to Philip, "About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?"
³⁵ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.
³⁶ And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?"
³⁸ And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
³⁹ And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.
⁴⁰ But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

Acts chapter 8 nlt

¹ Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. Persecution Scatters the Believers A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria.
² (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.)
³ But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.
⁴ But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.
⁵ Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah.
⁶ Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did.
⁷ Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed.
⁸ So there was great joy in that city.
⁹ A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great.
¹⁰ Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as "the Great One ? the Power of God."
¹¹ They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic.
¹² But now the people believed Philip's message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized.
¹³ Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed.
¹⁴ When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God's message, they sent Peter and John there.
¹⁵ As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit.
¹⁶ The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
¹⁷ Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.
¹⁸ When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power.
¹⁹ "Let me have this power, too," he exclaimed, "so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!"
²⁰ But Peter replied, "May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God's gift can be bought!
²¹ You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God.
²² Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts,
²³ for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin."
²⁴ "Pray to the Lord for me," Simon exclaimed, "that these terrible things you've said won't happen to me!"
²⁵ After testifying and preaching the word of the Lord in Samaria, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem. And they stopped in many Samaritan villages along the way to preach the Good News.
²⁶ As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, "Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza."
²⁷ So he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship,
²⁸ and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
²⁹ The Holy Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and walk along beside the carriage."
³⁰ Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
³¹ The man replied, "How can I, unless someone instructs me?" And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.
³² The passage of Scripture he had been reading was this: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter.
And as a lamb is silent before the shearers,
he did not open his mouth.
³³ He was humiliated and received no justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth."
³⁴ The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?"
³⁵ So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus.
³⁶ As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Look! There's some water! Why can't I be baptized?"
³⁸ He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.
³⁹ When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing.
⁴⁰ Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea.