Acts 8:39
And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
Original Language Analysis
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 24
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 24
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φίλιππον
Philip
G5376
Φίλιππον
Philip
Strong's:
G5376
Word #:
11 of 24
fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐκ
G3756
εἶδεν
saw
G1492
εἶδεν
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
14 of 24
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 24
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εὐνοῦχος
that the eunuch
G2135
εὐνοῦχος
that the eunuch
Strong's:
G2135
Word #:
18 of 24
a castrated person (such being employed in middle eastern bed-chambers); by extension an impotent or unmarried man; by implication, a chamberlain (sta
ἐπορεύετο
he went
G4198
ἐπορεύετο
he went
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
19 of 24
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
γὰρ
and
G1063
γὰρ
and
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
20 of 24
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδὸν
way
G3598
ὁδὸν
way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
22 of 24
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
Cross References
1 Kings 18:12And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.2 Kings 2:16And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send.Ezekiel 11:24Afterwards the spirit took me up, and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to them of the captivity. So the vision that I had seen went up from me.Ezekiel 8:3And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.Ezekiel 43:5So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house.Ezekiel 11:1Moreover the spirit lifted me up, and brought me unto the east gate of the LORD'S house, which looketh eastward: and behold at the door of the gate five and twenty men; among whom I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people.Mark 1:10And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
Historical Context
Philip's supernatural transportation demonstrates Spirit's direct intervention in apostolic era, authenticating the gospel and directing mission strategy. The phrase caught away (Greek: hērpasen) indicates forcible, sudden removal—similar to Paul's third heaven experience (2 Corinthians 12:2) and rapture language (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
The eunuch's return to Ethiopia carrying Christian faith initiated Christianity's early African expansion. Ethiopian Orthodox tradition claims he evangelized his homeland, though historical verification remains limited. This conversion around 35-37 CE fulfilled biblical prophecies about Ethiopia/Cush worshiping true God (Psalm 68:31, Isaiah 56:3-5). The episode concludes one of Acts' most dramatic conversion accounts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does genuine conversion produce joy independent of favorable circumstances?
- What does Philip's sudden removal teach about God's sovereignty in mission and ministry assignments?
- In what ways should new believers prepare for continuing in faith without constant human guidance?
- How does the eunuch's joy demonstrate salvation's transforming emotional impact?
- What role might this Ethiopian official have played in Christianity's early African expansion?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. The miraculous separation and the eunuch's joyful response demonstrate Spirit's sovereignty and salvation's transforming power.
Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip represents dramatic divine intervention—supernatural transportation recalling Elijah (1 Kings 18:12, 2 Kings 2:16). This miracle authenticated Philip's ministry while removing him abruptly once his task completed. God controls His workers' assignments, directing them according to sovereign purposes.
The eunuch saw him no more could discourage, yet reaction is opposite—he went on his way rejoicing. True joy doesn't depend on human teachers' continued presence but on relationship with Christ. The gospel produces joy independent of circumstances. Reformed theology emphasizes salvation's assurance doesn't rest on feelings or human teachers but on God's promises.
Went on his way rejoicing indicates continuing journey physically and spiritually. The eunuch would carry gospel to Ethiopia, becoming missionary to his people. Joy characterizes genuine conversion—not temporary excitement but deep gladness grounded in reconciliation with God. This joy persists despite Philip's absence, proving its source is Christ, not human intermediary.