Acts 8 4

Acts 8:4 kjv

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Acts 8:4 nkjv

Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.

Acts 8:4 niv

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

Acts 8:4 esv

Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.

Acts 8:4 nlt

But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.

Acts 8 verses

Acts 8 4 Meaning

Acts 8:4 states that the believers, scattered from Jerusalem due to intense persecution, did not cease their Christian activity but instead traveled throughout the regions proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. This verse highlights a pivotal moment where adversity became a catalyst for the geographical expansion of the Gospel, extending its reach beyond Jerusalem. It underscores the active role of ordinary believers in evangelism, turning their involuntary dispersion into a purposeful mission of sharing the divine message.

Acts 8 4 Context

Acts chapter 8 opens in the immediate aftermath of Stephen's martyrdom, detailed at the close of chapter 7. Saul, later Apostle Paul, is introduced as actively approving Stephen's death and initiating a fierce persecution against the fledgling Christian community in Jerusalem. This systematic oppression caused the disciples, excluding the apostles, to flee their homes and scatter throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. The preceding verses (Acts 8:1-3) graphically describe the intensity of this persecution. Verse 4 serves as a pivotal transition, demonstrating that this intended suppression of the Christian movement actually propelled its expansion, turning forced dispersion into an intentional diffusion of the Gospel. Historically, this event aligns with the early Roman provincial rule in Judea, where local religious authorities had significant power, often resulting in conflict with new, non-conformist groups like the followers of Christ.

Acts 8 4 Word analysis

• Therefore (οὖν, oun): A strong logical connective indicating a consequence. It links the scattering of believers (Acts 8:1) directly to their subsequent action of preaching, signifying cause and effect. This highlights divine providence, as what seemed like a disaster led to advancement.
• those who had been scattered (οἱ μὲν οὖν διασπαρέντες, hoi men oun diasparentes): The Greek participle diasparentes (from diaspeirō) means "having been scattered," indicating a passive action that happened to them, not something they initiated. This term carries an agricultural connotation, like seeds scattered for sowing, implying that dispersion was for future growth and fruit-bearing. It suggests a divine hand in their circumstances. This group refers to the ordinary believers, as the apostles remained in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1).
• went everywhere (διῆλθον, dielthon): From dierchomai, meaning "to pass through," "to go about," or "to travel through various places." This active verb shows purposeful movement, not mere aimless wandering. They weren't simply relocating; they were actively traveling with a mission.
• preaching (εὐαγγελιζόμενοι, euangelizomenoi): The participle of euangelizō, meaning "to bring good news," "to proclaim the gospel." This is the core activity of the scattered believers. It emphasizes their intentionality in sharing the message. It's not just talking, but declaring the message of salvation through Christ.
• the word (τὸν λόγον, ton logon): Referring to ho logos, specifically the divine message, the good news, or the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In this context, it is the message of God's plan of salvation through Christ's life, death, and resurrection. This "word" is powerful, living, and effective. It contrasts with general speech, denoting a specific, sacred, and transformative message.

Words-group analysis

• "those who had been scattered went everywhere": This phrase powerfully conveys the paradox that what started as a forced dispersal turned into a voluntary expansion. The passive "had been scattered" is immediately followed by the active "went everywhere," demonstrating the believers' resilience and obedience. Their physical scattering by persecution enabled a wider geographical reach for the Gospel, as foretold by Jesus (Acts 1:8).
• "went everywhere preaching the word": This group of words clarifies the purpose behind their movement. Their going was not solely for self-preservation, but fundamentally for proclamation. They were evangelists by circumstance and by conviction. This shows that the identity of a believer in the early church was inextricably linked with being a witness to the "word."
• "scattered... preaching the word": This succinct contrast reveals a foundational principle: God often uses adverse circumstances—persecution, dispersion, suffering—as instruments for the advancement of His kingdom and the propagation of His message. The negative action of scattering initiated a positive action of widespread evangelism, fulfilling the Great Commission through the experiences of ordinary, dedicated disciples.

Acts 8 4 Bonus section

The metaphor of "scattering" can be deeply understood through an agricultural lens. When seeds are scattered, they are spread across the ground to take root and bear fruit. In the same way, the persecution dispersed believers (the "seeds" of the Gospel) to new locations, where they could take root, preach the Word, and see new churches (fruit) established. This idea aligns with Jesus' parable of the sower (Mt 13), where the seed is the word of the kingdom. The faithfulness of these "scattered" individuals underscores the idea that every believer, irrespective of official title or position, is an ambassador for Christ. This decentralized, organic spread of the Gospel was profoundly impactful and distinct from any highly organized missionary strategy. The absence of the apostles in this initial wave of scattering suggests a resilient, self-propagating faith ingrained in the broader community of believers, not just its leaders.

Acts 8 4 Commentary

Acts 8:4 serves as a profound testament to the sovereign power of God and the unwavering commitment of early believers. The church, having suffered intense persecution and the loss of Stephen, did not retreat or dissolve in fear. Instead, those driven out became unexpected messengers of the Gospel. What human authority intended for suppression, God masterfully orchestrated for exponential growth. The scattering, initially a strategy to eradicate Christianity, ironically became its primary vehicle for global expansion, breaking the geographical confinement of the Jerusalem church and pushing the message into Judea and Samaria, in direct fulfillment of Jesus' command in Acts 1:8. This verse highlights that the call to preach the Word is not exclusively for apostles or specific leaders, but for all believers, who, even amidst severe hardship, carried the message of hope wherever they went. It shows the resilient and inherent missional nature of the early church.