Acts 8:40 kjv
But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
Acts 8:40 nkjv
But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.
Acts 8:40 niv
Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.
Acts 8:40 esv
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 8:40 nlt
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.
Acts 8 40 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 8:39 | And when they were come up out of the water... | Acts 8:39 (Immediate context) |
| 1 Kings 18:12 | And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee... | 1 Kings 18:12 (Elijah transported) |
| 2 Kings 2:11, 16 | And there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire... | 2 Kings 2:11, 16 (Elisha transported) |
| Ezekiel 3:12 | Then the Spirit took me up, and I heard behind me the voice of the exceeding great praise... | Ezekiel 3:12 (Spirit lifting) |
| Ezekiel 37:1 | The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley... | Ezekiel 37:1 (Spirit carrying) |
| Matthew 4:1 | Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness... | Matthew 4:1 (Jesus led by Spirit) |
| Luke 4:1, 14 | And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. | Luke 4:1, 14 (Jesus led by Spirit) |
| John 3:8 | The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. | John 3:8 (Unpredictable action of Spirit) |
| Romans 8:14 | For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. | Romans 8:14 (Guidance by the Spirit) |
| Galatians 5:18 | But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. | Gal 5:18 (Guidance by the Spirit) |
| 1 Corinthians 12:7 | But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. | 1 Cor 12:7 (Manifestations of Spirit) |
| 1 Corinthians 12:11 | But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. | 1 Cor 12:11 (Spirit's will in gifts) |
| Ephesians 4:30 | And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. | Eph 4:30 (Presence and grieving of Spirit) |
| Ephesians 5:18 | And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; | Eph 5:18 (Filled with the Spirit) |
| Revelation 4:5 | And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne... | Rev 4:5 (Activity of the Spirit) |
| Acts 16:6-7 | Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. | Acts 16:6-7 (Spirit directing ministry) |
| Acts 20:22-23 | And now, behold, I go bound unto Jerusalem with cords, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. | Acts 20:22-23 (Spirit's foreknowledge) |
| John 16:13 | Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. | John 16:13 (Spirit as guide and revealer) |
| Romans 8:2 | For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. | Rom 8:2 (Freedom in the Spirit) |
| Psalm 139:7-10 | Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. | Ps 139:7-10 (Ubiquity of God's Spirit) |
Acts 8 verses
Acts 8 40 Meaning
This verse describes the powerful spiritual experience of Philip after his baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch. The Spirit of the Lord takes Philip away to another location, and he is subsequently found in Azotus. This demonstrates a direct, supernatural intervention by the Holy Spirit, transporting a believer to fulfill God's purposes.
Acts 8 40 Context
In Acts chapter 8, Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen in chapter 6, is actively evangelizing the city of Samaria. Following a powerful encounter with a sorcerer named Simon, Philip baptizes many Samaritans. He then encounters an Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official in Queen Candace's court, who is reading Isaiah's prophecy. Philip, directed by the Spirit, explains the passage, leading to the eunuch's conversion and baptism. This verse marks the conclusion of Philip's ministry to the Ethiopian, highlighting the supernatural transition of Philip to his next assignment. The broader context of Acts is the expansion of the Gospel from Jerusalem to the Gentile world, a significant theological development for the early church.
Acts 8 40 Word analysis
"And": Conjunction connecting this action to the previous event (the eunuch's baptism).
"the Spirit": Refers specifically to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, actively at work in believers.
"of the Lord": Emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the Spirit. It also echoes Old Testament references where "the Spirit of the Lord" denotes God's presence and power.
"caught away":
- Greek: "hērpase" (ἁρπάσῃ).
- Meaning: This verb suggests a rapid, powerful, and perhaps sudden seizing or snatching away. It implies divine intervention beyond ordinary human ability.
"Philip": The evangelist previously seen baptizing the Ethiopian.
"was not": Indicates his absence from the immediate location.
"found": Suggests his reappearance in a new place.
"in Azotus":
- Greek: " Eis Azōton" (εἰς Ἄζωτον).
- Meaning: Azotus (modern Ashdod) was a significant Philistine city on the coastal plain, north of Gaza and west of Jerusalem. It was part of the territory of Judah but had a distinct Philistine history. This geographical shift shows the expansive reach of Philip's ministry, moving him further north along the Mediterranean coast.
Phrase Group Analysis:
- "the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip": This phrase highlights the sovereign and direct action of the Holy Spirit in moving a minister of the Gospel. It’s not that Philip decided to go to Azotus; he was supernaturally transported there. This action parallels Old Testament accounts of prophets being divinely moved, such as Elijah. The term "caught away" implies a forceful and swift removal, emphasizing the Spirit's power.
Acts 8 40 Bonus section
This event highlights a form of spiritual transportation, akin to instances like Elijah's fiery chariot. It serves as a powerful example of the Spirit’s active, often dramatic, involvement in the lives and ministries of those who yield to His direction. It reinforces the biblical narrative that God can and does supernaturally intervene in the affairs of humanity to accomplish His purposes. Philip’s subsequent ministry in Azotus, though not detailed in this verse, continues the spread of the Gospel, fulfilling Jesus' commission in Acts 1:8. This also demonstrates a principle of succession and geographical expansion in early Christian missions.
Acts 8 40 Commentary
The Holy Spirit, a tangible force in the ministry of the early church, actively directs and moves His servants. Philip’s swift removal by the Spirit from his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch to Azotus is a profound illustration of divine sovereignty in missionary work. It is not human planning or effort alone that advances the Gospel, but the empowerment and direction of the Holy Spirit. This supernatural intervention demonstrates that the Spirit equips and positions believers according to God's will, often in ways that transcend normal human logistics. Philip's immediate reappearance in Azotus indicates he was prepared for a new assignment or a new stage in the Gospel’s expansion. This event underscores the Spirit's role not just in conviction and empowerment, but also in strategic placement for the advancement of the Kingdom. It's a reminder that the Spirit works to fulfill God's redemptive purposes by moving His people to where they are needed most.