Bible Commentaries
Acts 8

Verses 1-40

The popular outburst against Christianity evidenced in the martyrdom of Stephen was general. Members of the Church at Jerusalem were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. How dark the day seemed to be for the infant Church. Nevertheless, the overruling hand of God is seen in the movement. As they were scattered, the members did not cease their work. They went through Judea and Samaria preaching the Word.

Philip, one of the recently chosen deacons, went to the city of Samaria. There a great company of the people believed, but there was something lacking in the work, for they did not receive the Holy Spirit. This gave Simon the sorcerer an opportunity. When Peter and John came the gift of the Spirit was bestowed, and Simon was summarily dealt with.

Then we have an account of the spreading of the movement. The apostles returned to Jerusalem, preaching on the way in many of the villages of the Samaritans. Philip, acting under a direct guidance, took a journey of at least thirty miles, and on the way declared the Word to an Ethiopian eunuch. Thus the truth was presented to the first of the dark-skinned sons of Africa. After his teaching of the eunuch, Philip went to Azotus; and, in turn, journeyed through Judea and Samaria, as far as Caesarea, preaching in all the cities.