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NASB | Acts 8:14 ¶ Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 8:14 ¶ When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that [the people of] Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. |
Bible Question:
I have a question about Philip in Acts chapter 8. Verse one says that all believers were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria EXCEPT THE APOSTLES. Then it describes Philip preaching in Samaria. At first I assumed that this was Philip, the apostle. But, looking at the context that the apostles stayed in Jerusalem and then in verse 14-15 where it says that "when the apostles heard Samaria received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit." Looking at this context it appears that Philip might not have been an apostle or else he would have been in Jerusalem (vs 1) and they wouldn't have had to send for apostles, Peter and John (vs 14-15). I was wondering if it could have been the same Philip that is mentioned in chapter 6 in the list of men chosen for distribution of food. That is the same list that includes Stephen, who is the focus of chapter 7 -- all very close in context to each other. Does anyone else have any thoughts on this? Thanks, Shelley |
Bible Answer: Hello, A possible answer is given in chapter six. Among the first deacons was a man named Phillip. Given this, and the verse you pointed out, it is reasonable that the Phillip in chapter 8 is Phillip the deacon, not Phillip the apostle. However, it is also likely that after the death of Stephen, that some of the Apostles returned to Judea and Samaria, namely Phillip, and later John and Peter. Acts 8:5 seems to present the idea that Phillip didn't come from jerusalem, but from an area to the North of Samaria. While it is true that the common meaning of the phrase "went down to" is that the person left Jerusalem to go to another city, we must, however, remember that Dr. luke isn't writing to a jewish man who would understand that. He is writing to a gentile, and would use words and phrases that he would understand. Whenever we have jewish related references from Dr. Luke's writings, he often provides an explaination of some kind. So, I think that Phillip was at an area somewhere north of Samaria, and returned to the area of Judea and Samaria. So, you have two possible explainations. I personally believe that it is Phillip the Apostle returning to the area after hearing about the death of Stephen, especial taking into concideration the events of Chapter 8 and the amazing testimony Phillip gives to Simon and the Etheopian eunuch. Jesus Loves You! Jesusman |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Acts 8:14 | Author | ||
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Shelley H. | ||
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Jesusman | ||
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sweet |