Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Original Language Analysis
ἐπίστευσαν
they believed
G4100
ἐπίστευσαν
they believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
3 of 23
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φιλίππῳ
Philip
G5376
Φιλίππῳ
Philip
Strong's:
G5376
Word #:
5 of 23
fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites
εὐαγγελιζομένῳ
preaching
G2097
εὐαγγελιζομένῳ
preaching
Strong's:
G2097
Word #:
6 of 23
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
the things concerning
G4012
περὶ
the things concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
8 of 23
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείας
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείας
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
10 of 23
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματος
the name
G3686
ὀνόματος
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
15 of 23
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
17 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἐβαπτίζοντο
they were baptized
G907
ἐβαπτίζοντο
they were baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
19 of 23
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
Cross References
Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.Acts 1:3To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:Matthew 28:19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Acts 2:41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:Romans 10:10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Historical Context
This represents the first Samaritan conversions to Christianity, fulfilling Jesus' words to the Samaritan woman (John 4:42). The mixed Jewish-Gentile nature of Samaritans made them a bridge population between the Jewish and Gentile missions.
Questions for Reflection
- What does baptism signify about the nature of saving faith?
- How does the gospel of the kingdom differ from mere moral reform?
- Why is belief in Jesus' name essential to entering God's kingdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When Samaritans believed Philip's preaching about 'the kingdom of God' and 'the name of Jesus Christ,' they were baptized. This demonstrates saving faith's response: belief leads to baptism as a visible sign of invisible grace. The dual emphasis on God's kingdom and Jesus' name shows the gospel's comprehensive claim - Jesus as the Messiah-King establishing God's reign. Reformed theology sees effective calling here: the Spirit worked through Philip's preaching to grant faith and repentance. Both men and women believed, showing the gospel's universal appeal.