Acts 8 25

Acts 8:25 kjv

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.

Acts 8:25 nkjv

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.

Acts 8:25 niv

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.

Acts 8:25 esv

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.

Acts 8:25 nlt

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.

Acts 8 verses

Acts 8 25 Meaning

This verse describes the apostles Peter and John concluding their specific ministry in Samaria, after having authenticated the Samaritan believers and overseen the impartation of the Holy Spirit. On their return journey to Jerusalem, they continued their evangelistic work by proclaiming the good news of Christ in numerous Samaritan villages along the way. It signifies the fulfillment of their apostolic mission in that region and their ongoing commitment to spreading the Christian message beyond the initial urban centers.

Acts 8 25 Context

Acts chapter 8 details a pivotal period for the early Church's expansion. Following the intense persecution ignited by Stephen's martyrdom in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1-3), believers were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Philip, one of the seven chosen to serve, became a significant evangelist, notably bringing the gospel to the city of Samaria (Acts 8:5-8), where many were converted and healed. Hearing of this significant spiritual awakening among the Samaritans, the apostles in Jerusalem, Peter and John, were sent to confirm this new work and facilitate the believers' reception of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). Their presence not only validated Philip's ministry but also resolved the complex issue of Samaritans entering the Christian community, bridging long-standing ethnic and religious divides. While there, Peter also confronted Simon Magus (Acts 8:18-24). Acts 8:25 marks the successful completion of Peter and John's specific mission of confirmation in Samaria. Their return journey was not merely travel but continued engagement, expanding the reach of the gospel beyond major centers into smaller, more remote communities, directly fulfilling the geographical progression of Jesus' Great Commission in Acts 1:8 ("in...Samaria").

Acts 8 25 Word analysis

• "So when they had testified" (διαμαρτυρόμενοι - diamartyromenoi): This present participle, related to martys (witness), signifies a thorough, solemn, and public bearing of witness. It indicates that Peter and John had delivered a full and conclusive testimony regarding the truth of the gospel and the reality of the Holy Spirit's coming upon the Samaritans, thereby confirming the genuine work of God among them.

• "and preached" (καταγγείλαντες - kataggelantes): An aorist participle meaning "to announce thoroughly," "proclaim widely," or "declare definitively." It indicates the completion of an authoritative and clear proclamation of the message, working in conjunction with their testimony. This emphasizes the comprehensiveness of their mission, not merely witnessing but proclaiming.

• "the word of the Lord" (τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου - ton logon tou Kyriou): "Word" (logos) here refers to the divine message, teaching, or revelation, while "Lord" (Kyrios) refers to Jesus Christ. This phrase highlights the authoritative and divine origin of the message they proclaimed, distinguishing it from human doctrines or magical practices like Simon Magus's.

• "they returned to Jerusalem" (ὑπέστρεφον εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα - hypestrephon eis Hierosolyma): This indicates a strategic and purposeful return to the recognized administrative and spiritual center of the early Church. Their return likely involved reporting on the progress of the gospel and seeking further guidance, reinforcing the unity and accountability within the apostolic leadership.

• "preaching the gospel" (εὐαγγελιζόμενοι - euangelizomenoi): A present participle indicating continuous action—they evangelized as they traveled. "Gospel" (euangelion) means "good news," referring specifically to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. This demonstrates that their ministry was not confined to their main mission, but an ongoing lifestyle of evangelism.

• "in many villages of the Samaritans" (κώμας πολλὰς τῶν Σαμαρειτῶν - komas pollas ton Samareiton): This detail shows the expansive and thorough nature of their ministry. They did not just visit major cities but took the message into smaller, more numerous settlements, extending the reach of the gospel to overlooked communities and affirming God's saving purpose for all Samaritans.

• Words-group Analysis

  • "So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord": This phrase encapsulates the dual aspect of their apostolic task in Samaria: authenticating the divine work through witnessing based on evidence, and authoritatively proclaiming the full, unadulterated message of Christ. It confirms their success in establishing the church in Samaria on a firm doctrinal foundation.
  • "they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel": This portrays a return that was active and ministry-focused, not passive. Their journey back to the apostolic base was interwoven with continuous evangelism, showing their dedication to the Great Commission by seizing every opportunity to share the good news.
  • "preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans": This illustrates the breadth of their commitment to evangelism. By reaching beyond central cities to smaller villages, they demonstrate the early Church's initiative in expanding its missionary scope, inclusively embracing the diverse Samaritan population and breaking down ancient ethnic barriers for the sake of the gospel.

Acts 8 25 Bonus section

• The distinction between "the word of the Lord" and "the gospel" in this verse, while overlapping in meaning, suggests different facets of their proclamation: the divine authoritative revelation (word of the Lord) and the specific good news of salvation (gospel). This rich language highlights the depth and breadth of their message.
• The meticulous detailing of "many villages" rather than just stating their return, underlines the apostles' comprehensive approach to evangelism and mission, indicating a commitment to reaching all levels of society and geography within their defined sphere.
• This verse signifies a crucial milestone in overcoming the deep-seated ethnic and religious animosity between Jews and Samaritans, embodying the reconciliation power of the Gospel to create one body in Christ, as reflected in various New Testament teachings.

Acts 8 25 Commentary

Acts 8:25 functions as a concluding summary of Peter and John's critical assignment in Samaria, marking the successful completion of the "Samaria" phase within the Acts 1:8 outline of gospel expansion. Having verified the authenticity of the Samaritan conversions and facilitated the reception of the Holy Spirit, they upheld the legitimacy and unity of the nascent Christian movement. Their return to Jerusalem signifies not a retreat, but an accountability to the apostolic center, essential for the nascent church's organized growth. Crucially, their journey was productive, transforming mere travel into further evangelistic outreach by consistently "preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans." This demonstrates the apostles' unwavering dedication to the mandate of spreading God's Word broadly, reaching often-neglected communities, and truly integrating Samaritans into the fellowship of Christ, thus dismantling long-standing hostilities and embodying the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God. This consistent, pervasive evangelism underlines the core mission of the early Church.