Acts 8:26
And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
Original Language Analysis
Ἄγγελος
the angel
G32
Ἄγγελος
the angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
1 of 24
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
3 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 24
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Φίλιππον
Philip
G5376
Φίλιππον
Philip
Strong's:
G5376
Word #:
6 of 24
fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἀνάστηθι
Arise
G450
Ἀνάστηθι
Arise
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
8 of 24
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πορεύου
go
G4198
πορεύου
go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
10 of 24
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
κατὰ
toward
G2596
κατὰ
toward
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
11 of 24
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἐπὶ
unto
G1909
ἐπὶ
unto
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
13 of 24
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδὸν
the way
G3598
ὁδὸν
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
15 of 24
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καταβαίνουσαν
that goeth down
G2597
καταβαίνουσαν
that goeth down
Strong's:
G2597
Word #:
17 of 24
to descend (literally or figuratively)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
18 of 24
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
19 of 24
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
20 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὕτη
which
G3778
αὕτη
which
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
22 of 24
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Cross References
Acts 5:19But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?Acts 27:23For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,2 Kings 1:3But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?Acts 12:23And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.Acts 10:7And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;Acts 10:22And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
Historical Context
The road from Jerusalem to Gaza was about 50-60 miles, passing through desert terrain. This ancient trade route connected Africa to the Mediterranean, used by merchants and travelers from Egypt, Ethiopia, and beyond.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sovereignly orchestrate circumstances to advance His gospel?
- What does Philip's immediate obedience teach about following the Spirit's leading?
- Why does God sometimes send us to unlikely or remote places for ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'angel of the Lord' spoke to Philip with specific instructions: go south toward Gaza on the desert road. This divine direction shows God's sovereignty in evangelism - orchestrating circumstances to bring gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip's immediate obedience (v.27) demonstrates Spirit-led responsiveness. Reformed theology sees God's providence directing both the witness (Philip) and the seeker (the eunuch) to the appointed meeting. The specificity ('this is desert') emphasizes the unlikely nature of this encounter apart from divine orchestration.