Acts 8:6

The crowds gave their undivided attention to Philip's message and to the signs they saw him perform.

Study Bible

The crowds
The term "crowds" refers to a large gathering of people, indicating the widespread interest and curiosity among the populace. In the context of Acts, this reflects the growing impact of the early Christian movement. Historically, crowds in ancient cities like Samaria, where Philip was preaching, were often drawn to public speakers and events. The Greek word used here, "ὄχλοι" (ochloi), suggests a diverse group of people, possibly including Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles, highlighting the inclusive nature of the Gospel message.

gave their undivided attention
This phrase indicates a focused and intense interest from the people. The Greek word "προσέχω" (prosechō) means to hold the mind towards, to pay attention, or to be cautious. It suggests that the message Philip was delivering was compelling and authoritative, capturing the full attention of the audience. In a spiritual sense, this reflects the work of the Holy Spirit in opening hearts and minds to the truth of the Gospel.

to Philip’s message
Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, is now seen as an evangelist. His message was centered on the good news of Jesus Christ. The Greek term for "message" here is "λόγος" (logos), which can mean word, speech, or doctrine. Philip's message was not just words but the living Word of God, which has the power to transform lives. This highlights the importance of faithful preaching and teaching in the spread of Christianity.

and the signs
The "signs" refer to miraculous acts that accompanied Philip's preaching. In the New Testament, signs often serve as divine authentication of the message being proclaimed. The Greek word "σημεῖα" (sēmeia) implies miracles that point to a greater reality, in this case, the truth of the Gospel and the power of God. These signs were crucial in validating Philip's message to a skeptical audience.

they saw him perform
The phrase emphasizes the visible and tangible nature of the miracles. The Greek word "ποιέω" (poieō) means to make or do, indicating that these were deliberate acts of divine intervention. The fact that the crowds "saw" these signs underscores the eyewitness nature of the events, which would have been compelling evidence for the truth of Philip's message. This visibility of God's power in action served to draw people to the faith and confirm the presence of the Holy Spirit in the early church.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Philip
One of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, Philip is now an evangelist spreading the Gospel in Samaria. His ministry is marked by powerful preaching and miraculous signs.

2. The Crowds
The people of Samaria who are witnessing Philip's ministry. They are attentive and responsive to the message and miracles.

3. Samaria
A region with historical tensions between Jews and Samaritans. Philip's ministry here signifies the breaking of cultural barriers with the Gospel.

4. Signs and Miracles
These are the supernatural acts performed by Philip, which validate his message and draw the attention of the people.

5. The Message
The Gospel of Jesus Christ, which Philip is proclaiming with authority and power.

Teaching Points

The Power of the Gospel
The Gospel transcends cultural and ethnic barriers, as seen in Philip's ministry in Samaria. We are called to share the Gospel with all people, regardless of background.

The Role of Miracles
Miracles serve to confirm the truth of the Gospel. While we may not always see miraculous signs, our lives should reflect the transformative power of the Gospel.

Undivided Attention
The crowds gave their undivided attention to Philip. In our busy lives, we must prioritize giving our full attention to God's Word and His work.

Effective Evangelism
Philip's success in Samaria was due to both his message and the accompanying signs. Our evangelism should be both in word and deed, demonstrating the love and power of Christ.

Breaking Barriers
Just as Philip crossed cultural barriers, we are called to reach out to those who are different from us, showing the inclusive nature of the Gospel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Philip's ministry in Samaria reflect the fulfillment of Jesus' command in Acts 1:8?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we give our undivided attention to God's message in our daily lives?

3. How do the miracles performed by Philip serve to validate the Gospel message, and how can we apply this principle in our own witness?

4. What cultural or personal barriers might we need to overcome to effectively share the Gospel with others?

5. How can we balance the proclamation of the Gospel with living out its transformative power in our actions and relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 1:8
Jesus' command to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth is being fulfilled as Philip preaches in Samaria.

John 4:39-42
The previous encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman sets a precedent for the Gospel reaching Samaria, showing the groundwork laid for Philip's ministry.

Hebrews 2:3-4
This passage speaks of God testifying to the message of salvation through signs, wonders, and various miracles, similar to what is happening in Acts 8:6.