Acts 8:12 - But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Acts 8:12" mean?
Acts 8:12 is a pivotal verse in the New Testament that describes the initial response to the Gospel in Samaria. Let's break down its meaning:
"But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom..." This indicates that Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, was spreading the Gospel in Samaria. The core message of his preaching was the "good news" (Greek: euangelion, often translated as "gospel") about God's Kingdom. God's Kingdom refers to God's reign and rule, not just in a future, heavenly sense, but as a present reality that transforms lives and communities. It speaks to the restoration of God's relationship with humanity and the establishment of his will on earth. They were not merely hearing information; they were "believing" it, meaning they were trusting in it, accepting it as true, and committing themselves to it.
"...and the name of Jesus Christ..." Philip's message also centered on Jesus Christ. The "name" of Jesus is more than just a label; it represents his identity, authority, and power. Preaching the name of Jesus meant proclaiming who he is (Messiah, Son of God, Lord), what he did (lived a perfect life, died for sins, resurrected), and what he offers (forgiveness, salvation, new life). Faith in Jesus Christ is central to entering God's Kingdom.
"...they were baptized..." Belief was followed by baptism. Baptism is a public declaration of faith and identification with Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the believer's death to their old life and resurrection to a new life in Christ. It's an act of obedience and a visible sign of an inward transformation.
"...both men and women." This is significant. It highlights that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of gender. In that cultural context, women were often marginalized, but here, they are explicitly included as recipients of salvation and full participants in the Christian faith.
In summary, Acts 8:12 conveys the following:
The Gospel message: Philip preached the good news about God's Kingdom and the name (identity and authority) of Jesus Christ.
The response of the Samaritans: They heard, believed, and trusted in this message.
The act of obedience: As a result of their belief, they were baptized, publicly identifying themselves with Christ.
The inclusiveness of the Gospel: Both men and women were welcomed into the Christian faith and community.
This verse is a classic example of the early church's understanding of conversion: hearing the Gospel, believing in Jesus Christ, and publicly declaring that faith through baptism.
Acts 8:12 - But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
What does "Acts 8:12" mean?
Acts 8:12 is a pivotal verse in the New Testament that describes the initial response to the Gospel in Samaria. Let's break down its meaning:
"But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom..." This indicates that Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, was spreading the Gospel in Samaria. The core message of his preaching was the "good news" (Greek: euangelion, often translated as "gospel") about God's Kingdom. God's Kingdom refers to God's reign and rule, not just in a future, heavenly sense, but as a present reality that transforms lives and communities. It speaks to the restoration of God's relationship with humanity and the establishment of his will on earth. They were not merely hearing information; they were "believing" it, meaning they were trusting in it, accepting it as true, and committing themselves to it.
"...and the name of Jesus Christ..." Philip's message also centered on Jesus Christ. The "name" of Jesus is more than just a label; it represents his identity, authority, and power. Preaching the name of Jesus meant proclaiming who he is (Messiah, Son of God, Lord), what he did (lived a perfect life, died for sins, resurrected), and what he offers (forgiveness, salvation, new life). Faith in Jesus Christ is central to entering God's Kingdom.
"...they were baptized..." Belief was followed by baptism. Baptism is a public declaration of faith and identification with Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the believer's death to their old life and resurrection to a new life in Christ. It's an act of obedience and a visible sign of an inward transformation.
"...both men and women." This is significant. It highlights that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of gender. In that cultural context, women were often marginalized, but here, they are explicitly included as recipients of salvation and full participants in the Christian faith.
In summary, Acts 8:12 conveys the following:
The Gospel message: Philip preached the good news about God's Kingdom and the name (identity and authority) of Jesus Christ.
The response of the Samaritans: They heard, believed, and trusted in this message.
The act of obedience: As a result of their belief, they were baptized, publicly identifying themselves with Christ.
The inclusiveness of the Gospel: Both men and women were welcomed into the Christian faith and community.
This verse is a classic example of the early church's understanding of conversion: hearing the Gospel, believing in Jesus Christ, and publicly declaring that faith through baptism.