Acts 8 7

Acts 8:7 kjv

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.

Acts 8:7 nkjv

For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.

Acts 8:7 niv

For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.

Acts 8:7 esv

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.

Acts 8:7 nlt

Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed.

Acts 8 verses

Acts 8 7 Meaning

Acts 8:7 describes the powerful and undeniable manifestations accompanying Philip's preaching in Samaria. It highlights two distinct categories of miracles: the forceful expulsion of malevolent "unclean spirits" from many possessed individuals, evidenced by their loud cries, and the comprehensive physical healing of numerous people afflicted with paralysis ("palsies") and lameness. These signs and wonders served as concrete validation of Philip's message and the divine authority behind his ministry, establishing the truth of the Gospel.

Acts 8 7 Context

Acts chapter 8 opens with the intense persecution that arose against the church in Jerusalem after Stephen's martyrdom. This persecution caused many believers, including all except the apostles, to be scattered throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1). Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, emerged as a prominent figure in this scattering. He went to the city of Samaria, a region traditionally antagonistic towards Jews, and began to preach the Messiah (Acts 8:5). The Samaritans, often viewed by Jews as heretical half-breeds, were a key part of Jesus' commission for the disciples to be witnesses "in Samaria" (Acts 1:8). Verse 7, therefore, details the specific and dramatic miracles Philip performed in Samaria, which served as powerful authentication of his message and provided tangible evidence of God's power. These public displays of divine power led to the whole city paying attention (v.6) and subsequently experiencing "great joy" (v.8), contrasting sharply with their prior immersion in Simon the sorcerer's deceptions. This marks a pivotal moment, extending the Gospel's reach beyond Jerusalem to a previously unreached and often despised people group.

Acts 8 7 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): This conjunction serves as an explanation or reason, connecting back to the previous verse (Acts 8:6), which states that the multitudes "gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did." Verse 7 elaborates on the specific nature of those miracles.

• unclean spirits (πνεύματα ἀκάθαρτα - pneumata akatharta): "Unclean" (akatharta) in biblical context signifies more than physical dirt; it denotes a state contrary to God's holiness, often associated with moral, ritual, or spiritual impurity that defiles. These spirits are intrinsically opposed to divine righteousness and truth, often manifesting through demonic possession that binds, afflicts, and speaks through individuals, acting as agents of spiritual darkness.

• crying (βοῶντα - boōnta): The participle from boáō, meaning to cry out, shout, or roar, often with urgency, distress, or a loud protest. In the context of exorcism, it signifies the forceful, often violent, and public expulsion of the demons, indicating their discomfort, resistance, and the overwhelming power driving them out.

• with a loud voice (φωνῇ μεγάλῃ - phōnē megalē): This phrase amplifies the impact of "crying," emphasizing that the demonic expulsions were not subtle but dramatic, audible, and undeniable public events. It ensures that the surrounding crowds would clearly perceive the reality and power of the spiritual warfare taking place.

• came out (ἐξήρχοντο - exērchonto): An imperfect tense verb, meaning "they were coming out" or "they began to come out" repeatedly. This indicates a continuous or iterative action, implying that these expulsions were not isolated incidents but a regular, ongoing phenomenon in Philip's ministry, happening to many individuals over a period of time.

• of many that were possessed with them (πολλοὶ ἔχοντες αὐτά - polloi echontes auta): This describes individuals who were literally "having" or "holding" the unclean spirits, signifying a state of profound influence or control by these spirits. The phrase emphasizes the sheer number of people experiencing deliverance, further validating Philip's ministry.

• and many taken with palsies (καὶ πολλοὶ παραλελυμένοι - kai polloi paralelymenoi): "Palsies" refers to paralysis. These individuals suffered from conditions that rendered their limbs immobile or greatly impaired their movement. In that era, such conditions were largely incurable, making their restoration a profound miracle.

• and that were lame (καὶ χωλοὶ - kai chōloi): Refers to those who were crippled, unable to walk properly, or completely unable to walk. Like paralysis, lameness was a severe physical disability.

• were healed (ἐθεραπεύοντο - etherapeuonto): Again, an imperfect tense verb ("they were being healed" or "they continued to be healed"). Similar to the exorcisms, this highlights the ongoing, continuous nature of the physical healings Philip performed, demonstrating consistent divine power and widespread restoration among the sick in Samaria.

• Words-group analysis:

  • For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: This phrase vividly portrays the spiritual struggle and triumph. The demons, identified as "unclean spirits," are depicted as sentient beings who actively vocalize their departure with a "loud voice," implying both resistance and a public confession of their defeat. The "many" points to the widespread spiritual bondage broken by Philip's ministry. The use of the imperfect tense for "came out" suggests a continuous stream of such exorcisms, affirming sustained spiritual victory. This group of words emphasizes the demonstration of divine authority over evil spiritual forces.
  • and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed: This part details the physical restoration, showcasing God's compassion and power over debilitating illnesses. The mention of "many" with specific, severe conditions ("palsies" and "lame") indicates a widespread impact of divine healing, addressing physical suffering directly. The imperfect tense for "were healed" again underscores a continuous, numerous occurrence of these physical miracles, providing ample, visible proof of God's active presence through Philip. This phrase underscores the compassionate application of divine power to human suffering.

Acts 8 7 Bonus section

The public nature of these miracles was critical. In ancient societies, the spiritual realm was very real and often associated with the causes of sickness and misfortune. The dramatic expulsion of "unclean spirits" was understood by people of that time as a powerful display of superior spiritual authority. Furthermore, the fact that Philip, a deacon and not one of the twelve apostles, was performing such profound signs indicates the pervasive and democratic nature of the Holy Spirit's empowerment in the early church. The Spirit was not limited to a select few, but manifested through those committed to proclaiming Christ. This chapter and verse exemplify how God uses ordinary, Spirit-filled believers to extend His Kingdom, transforming individuals and entire cities by demonstrating the supremacy of the Gospel over all rival powers and sufferings.

Acts 8 7 Commentary

Acts 8:7 concisely articulates the visible, powerful manifestations of God's presence validating Philip's ministry in Samaria. The immediate, dramatic departure of "unclean spirits" with audible cries was a profound public testimony to the defeat of evil and the sovereignty of God through His servant. This was not a subtle spiritual activity but a tangible, undeniable display of authority over the spiritual realm. Simultaneously, the extensive healing of those with "palsies" and "lame" conditions addressed prevalent human suffering, demonstrating God's power over physical infirmity and His compassion for the afflicted. The consistent use of the imperfect tense for "came out" and "were healed" signifies an ongoing, abundant flow of miracles, not just isolated incidents. These signs not only confirmed Philip's preaching about Christ but also heralded the inbreaking of the Kingdom of God, making it evident that the power that accompanied Jesus' ministry was now extended through His Spirit-filled followers, even in unexpected places like Samaria. This verse profoundly underscores that genuine spiritual ministry is often authenticated by God's manifest power, compelling attention and belief among those who witness it.