Saul Persecutes the Church

81 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Other Translations of Acts 8:1

New International Version

Saul Persecutes the Church

81 And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

English Standard Version

Saul Persecutes the Church

81 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

The Message

Saul Persecutes the Church

81 That set off a terrific persecution of the church in Jerusalem. The believers were all scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. All, that is, but the apostles.

New King James Version

Saul Persecutes the Church

81 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

New Living Translation

Saul Persecutes the Church

81 Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. Persecution Scatters the Believers A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 8:1

Commentary on Acts 8:1-4

(Read Acts 8:1-4)

Though persecution must not drive us from our work, yet it may send us to work elsewhere. Wherever the established believer is driven, he carries the knowledge of the gospel, and makes known the preciousness of Christ in every place. Where a simple desire of doing good influences the heart, it will be found impossible to shut a man out from all opportunities of usefulness.

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

Other Translations of Acts 8:5

New International Version

5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.

English Standard Version

5 Philip went down to the citySome manuscripts a city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.

The Message

5 Going down to a Samaritan city, Philip proclaimed the Message of the Messiah.

New King James Version

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.

New Living Translation

5 Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 8:5

Commentary on Acts 8:5-13

(Read Acts 8:5-13)

As far as the gospel prevails, evil spirits are dislodged, particularly unclean spirits. All inclinations to the lusts of the flesh which war against the soul are such. Distempers are here named, the most difficult to be cured by the course of nature, and most expressive of the disease of sin. Pride, ambition, and desire after grandeur have always caused abundance of mischief, both to the world and to the church. The people said of Simon, This man is the great power of God. See how ignorant and thoughtless people mistake. But how strong is the power of Divine grace, by which they were brought to Christ, who is Truth itself! The people not only gave heed to what Philip said, but were fully convinced that it was of God, and not of men, and gave up themselves to be directed thereby. Even bad men, and those whose hearts still go after covetousness, may come before God as his people come, and for a time continue with them. And many wonder at the proofs of Divine truths, who never experience their power. The gospel preached may have a common operation upon a soul, where it never produced inward holiness. All are not savingly converted who profess to believe the gospel.