返回Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Chapter Eight
Acts 8:1–4. And Saul approved of his killing. In those days a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and all, except the Apostles, were scattered throughout various places of Judea and Samaria. And devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, entering houses and dragging off men and women, he committed them to prison. Meanwhile, those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
The apostles themselves, Luke says, were not scattered, but remained in Jerusalem, because where the attack is strongest, there the best fighters must also be found, serving as an example of courage and boldness for others.
"And devout men buried Stephen." If they were "devout," then how did they "make great lamentation?" This is because they were not yet perfect. On the other hand, who would not have wept, being deprived of such teaching, such defense, and such miracles, and seeing this righteous man lying dead and stoned?
"And Saul was ravaging the church." Great was his madness, both to be alone and to break into houses. This was because he had devoted his soul to the law.
Acts 8:5–8. So Philip came to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. The people with one accord gave heed to what Philip said, hearing and seeing the miracles which he performed. For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed by them, crying with a loud voice, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.
This is not the apostle Philip who is counted among the twelve, but one of the seven chosen for the care of widows, who also baptized the eunuch and catechized Simon. Listen to what the evangelist Luke says: after the killing of Stephen, "a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles" (8:1). From this it is clear that the apostle Philip, along with the other apostles, was in Jerusalem. Luke made this remark in order to show that Philip baptized those who had been given Christian instruction in Samaria. But the apostles Peter and John, having come to them from Jerusalem, imparted to them the grace of the Spirit. And if he had been one of the twelve apostles, he would have had the authority to impart the gifts of the Spirit as well. He baptizes only as a disciple, while the completing grace is imparted by those apostles who were given the authority to impart such a gift. Others say that Philip did not bring down the Spirit upon those baptized because he was only a deacon, put forward by those who were with Stephen, and did not hold either the presbyteral or the episcopal rank, as did the chosen disciples of the Lord. And that he was a deacon is attested by Paul in the "Canons" — he attests this not only about him, but also about Ananias, who baptized Paul himself. And being a deacon, he baptized due to the lack of presbyters in Samaria, because in case of necessity, when there is no presbyter, deacons are also permitted to baptize, as the Spirit Himself taught, having inspired that same Philip with the thought to approach the eunuch. It should be noted that after baptism, the Holy Spirit descends upon those baptized through the laying on of hands by virtue of prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus. Therefore, to this day this rite is observed in the same form.
Acts 8:9–21. Now there was a certain man in the city, named Simon, who had previously practiced sorcery and amazed the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great. All gave heed to him, from the least to the greatest, saying: This man is the great power of God. And they gave heed to him because for a considerable time he had amazed them with his sorceries. But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news about the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Simon himself also believed and, having been baptized, did not depart from Philip; and seeing the great powers and signs being performed, he was amazed. Now when the Apostles who were in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For He had not yet descended upon any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the Apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he brought them money, saying: Give me also this power, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit. But Peter said to him: May your silver perish with you, because you thought to obtain the gift of God with money. You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.
Look also at another attempt made by Simon. Luke says that he was regarded as a great power. Thus, at that time there were also those deceived by sorceries, until Philip came and led them out of error, because Simon said to the Jews: "I am the Father," and to the Samaritans: "I am Christ." "Simon himself also believed." He believed not for the sake of faith, but so that he too might work miracles. How did he think to work miracles? He himself deceived, and also subdued the demon-possessed, and therefore thought that the apostles likewise made use of some art. That is why he also offered money. Again for the same reason, so as not to be deprived of this gift, he constantly stayed near Philip.
Acts 8:22–25. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray to God: perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are full of bitter gall and in the bond of iniquity. And Simon answered and said: Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things you have spoken may come upon me. And they, having testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem and preached the Gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
According to the fables of the heretics, it was superfluous to say to Simon: "repent," because he was created evil. They say that a man, being evil by nature, is incapable of changing by choice. But it was not said in vain: "therefore repent," because he too had free will, "and pray to God: perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you." Peter said this to Simon, as though forgiveness would not have been granted to him if he had wept and repented. But this manner of expression was common also among the prophets. And especially Peter foresaw that he would not turn to repentance. Therefore he says: "perhaps it will be forgiven you." Because the words "pray to the Lord for me" Simon said not because he repented and converted, but only for the sake of appearances. For otherwise, where is the weeping? Where is the remorse and confession of sins?
"For I see that you are full of bitter gall and in the bond of iniquity."
Words full of anger. But Peter does not punish him, so that afterwards his faith would not appear to be compelled by the force of necessity and fear, and so that this matter would not appear cruel.
"And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned back to Jerusalem." Perhaps they returned because of Simon, so as not to be deceived and so as to remain firm afterwards. Note that they do not go to Samaria from the very beginning, but when they are driven out of Judea, just as it was with Christ.
Acts 8:26–33. And the Angel of the Lord said to Philip: Arise and go toward the south, to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, the one which is desert. He arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning and, sitting in his chariot, was reading the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit said to Philip: Go near and join yourself to this chariot. Philip ran up and, hearing him reading the prophet Isaiah, said: Do you understand what you are reading? He said: How can I understand, unless someone guides me? And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this: "Like a sheep He was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so He does not open His mouth. In His humiliation His judgment was taken away. But who shall declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth" (Isa. 53:7–8).
It seems to me that this Philip was one of the seven, because otherwise from Jerusalem he would have gone not to the south, but to the north, whereas from Samaria, where Philip who belonged to the number of the seven was staying and teaching, the road goes to the south.
"To the road that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza, to the one which is desert." The Angel said this so that Philip would not fear an attack from the Jews.
"He rose and went." Notice the obedience. Philip did not ask or say, "Why?", but together with the command "he rose and went."
"A eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship." Women held power in this Ethiopia; one of them by right of succession was Candace; the eunuch served as her treasurer. Note that there was no feast, yet he was traveling to Jerusalem, and that he was traveling from a city given over to superstition, and on the way he was reading, and moreover reading Isaiah, the greatest of the prophets, and furthermore reading without understanding what he read, and was so diligently occupied with his reading.
"Do you understand what you are reading?" He asks in a wonderful manner, because he neither flatters, nor praises, nor reproaches him for ignorance. But he asks in such a way as to arouse greater desire and to show that in what is being read there lies a great treasure. And the eunuch confesses with complete frankness: "How can I understand, unless someone guides me?" Then he asks Philip to teach him.
"Like a sheep, He was led to the slaughter." The meaning of the words cited is very clear, because at a certain time sheep are led away for shearing and the shepherds lay upon them the instruments of shearing, yet the sheep endure this and do not attack those who do it. So also Christ, enduring reviling, did not repay reviling for reviling.
"In His humiliation His judgment was taken away." He indicates the unlawful judgment against Him, carried out at a time when the truth was hidden.
"But who shall declare His generation?" That is, His high dignity revealed after the resurrection, the proof of which is what He accomplished in the work of the divine economy. Who will be able to express in words, when one considers: "Who is this and what manner of Person, and moreover the Only-Begotten Son of God, endured all this?"
"His life is taken from the earth." Instead of the expression "His life is taken away and elevated above the earthly," that is, the course of activity and existence of the Only-Begotten, when He is contemplated apart from the flesh and no longer as being among us.
Acts 8:34–40. And the eunuch said to Philip: I ask you to tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself, or of some other? Philip opened his mouth and, beginning from this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. And as they continued along the way, they came to water; and the eunuch said: Behold, water; what hinders me from being baptized? And Philip said to him: If you believe with all your heart, you may. He answered and said: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit descended upon the eunuch, and an Angel of the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and continued on his way, rejoicing. And Philip was found at Azotus, and passing through, he preached the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
"I ask you to tell me, of whom...?" To know that the prophets sometimes speak about others as well, or about themselves in another person, because this is what his question shows — the quality of a very observant man.
"Behold, water; what hinders me from being baptized?" See how prudently he acts. First he reads and does not understand, then he reads the same prophecy; it contains the teaching about the suffering, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the bestowal of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Then he asks to be baptized; Philip explains to him in order, beginning from this prophecy. And having been uplifted by his readiness, he is gradually led to baptism. But he did not say "baptize me," but rather: "what hinders me?" By this question he showed a strong desire to receive baptism.
"An Angel of the Lord caught Philip away." An Angel takes him, thereby adding greater wonderousness to what had happened, and at the same time bringing joy to Philip as well, that he was deemed worthy of the same things as the prophets, such as Habakkuk. It was good that he was taken from the eunuch, because the eunuch would have asked Philip to go with him, and Philip would have grieved him if he had refused due to the demands of circumstances. Thus everything was arranged in a divine manner: Philip found himself in Azotus. It was here that he was then to preach.
Acts 8:1–4. And Saul approved of his killing. In those days a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and all, except the Apostles, were scattered throughout various places of Judea and Samaria. And devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, entering houses and dragging off men and women, he committed them to prison. Meanwhile, those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
The apostles themselves, Luke says, were not scattered, but remained in Jerusalem, because where the attack is strongest, there the best fighters must also be found, serving as an example of courage and boldness for others.
"And devout men buried Stephen." If they were "devout," then how did they "make great lamentation?" This is because they were not yet perfect. On the other hand, who would not have wept, being deprived of such teaching, such defense, and such miracles, and seeing this righteous man lying dead and stoned?
"And Saul was ravaging the church." Great was his madness, both to be alone and to break into houses. This was because he had devoted his soul to the law.
Acts 8:5–8. So Philip came to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. The people with one accord gave heed to what Philip said, hearing and seeing the miracles which he performed. For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed by them, crying with a loud voice, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.
This is not the apostle Philip who is counted among the twelve, but one of the seven chosen for the care of widows, who also baptized the eunuch and catechized Simon. Listen to what the evangelist Luke says: after the killing of Stephen, "a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles" (8:1). From this it is clear that the apostle Philip, along with the other apostles, was in Jerusalem. Luke made this remark in order to show that Philip baptized those who had been given Christian instruction in Samaria. But the apostles Peter and John, having come to them from Jerusalem, imparted to them the grace of the Spirit. And if he had been one of the twelve apostles, he would have had the authority to impart the gifts of the Spirit as well. He baptizes only as a disciple, while the completing grace is imparted by those apostles who were given the authority to impart such a gift. Others say that Philip did not bring down the Spirit upon those baptized because he was only a deacon, put forward by those who were with Stephen, and did not hold either the presbyteral or the episcopal rank, as did the chosen disciples of the Lord. And that he was a deacon is attested by Paul in the "Canons" — he attests this not only about him, but also about Ananias, who baptized Paul himself. And being a deacon, he baptized due to the lack of presbyters in Samaria, because in case of necessity, when there is no presbyter, deacons are also permitted to baptize, as the Spirit Himself taught, having inspired that same Philip with the thought to approach the eunuch. It should be noted that after baptism, the Holy Spirit descends upon those baptized through the laying on of hands by virtue of prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus. Therefore, to this day this rite is observed in the same form.
Acts 8:9–21. Now there was a certain man in the city, named Simon, who had previously practiced sorcery and amazed the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great. All gave heed to him, from the least to the greatest, saying: This man is the great power of God. And they gave heed to him because for a considerable time he had amazed them with his sorceries. But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news about the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Simon himself also believed and, having been baptized, did not depart from Philip; and seeing the great powers and signs being performed, he was amazed. Now when the Apostles who were in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For He had not yet descended upon any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the Apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he brought them money, saying: Give me also this power, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit. But Peter said to him: May your silver perish with you, because you thought to obtain the gift of God with money. You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.
Look also at another attempt made by Simon. Luke says that he was regarded as a great power. Thus, at that time there were also those deceived by sorceries, until Philip came and led them out of error, because Simon said to the Jews: "I am the Father," and to the Samaritans: "I am Christ." "Simon himself also believed." He believed not for the sake of faith, but so that he too might work miracles. How did he think to work miracles? He himself deceived, and also subdued the demon-possessed, and therefore thought that the apostles likewise made use of some art. That is why he also offered money. Again for the same reason, so as not to be deprived of this gift, he constantly stayed near Philip.
Acts 8:22–25. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray to God: perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are full of bitter gall and in the bond of iniquity. And Simon answered and said: Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things you have spoken may come upon me. And they, having testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem and preached the Gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
According to the fables of the heretics, it was superfluous to say to Simon: "repent," because he was created evil. They say that a man, being evil by nature, is incapable of changing by choice. But it was not said in vain: "therefore repent," because he too had free will, "and pray to God: perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you." Peter said this to Simon, as though forgiveness would not have been granted to him if he had wept and repented. But this manner of expression was common also among the prophets. And especially Peter foresaw that he would not turn to repentance. Therefore he says: "perhaps it will be forgiven you." Because the words "pray to the Lord for me" Simon said not because he repented and converted, but only for the sake of appearances. For otherwise, where is the weeping? Where is the remorse and confession of sins?
"For I see that you are full of bitter gall and in the bond of iniquity."
Words full of anger. But Peter does not punish him, so that afterwards his faith would not appear to be compelled by the force of necessity and fear, and so that this matter would not appear cruel.
"And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned back to Jerusalem." Perhaps they returned because of Simon, so as not to be deceived and so as to remain firm afterwards. Note that they do not go to Samaria from the very beginning, but when they are driven out of Judea, just as it was with Christ.
Acts 8:26–33. And the Angel of the Lord said to Philip: Arise and go toward the south, to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, the one which is desert. He arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning and, sitting in his chariot, was reading the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit said to Philip: Go near and join yourself to this chariot. Philip ran up and, hearing him reading the prophet Isaiah, said: Do you understand what you are reading? He said: How can I understand, unless someone guides me? And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this: "Like a sheep He was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so He does not open His mouth. In His humiliation His judgment was taken away. But who shall declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth" (Isa. 53:7–8).
It seems to me that this Philip was one of the seven, because otherwise from Jerusalem he would have gone not to the south, but to the north, whereas from Samaria, where Philip who belonged to the number of the seven was staying and teaching, the road goes to the south.
"To the road that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza, to the one which is desert." The Angel said this so that Philip would not fear an attack from the Jews.
"He rose and went." Notice the obedience. Philip did not ask or say, "Why?", but together with the command "he rose and went."
"A eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship." Women held power in this Ethiopia; one of them by right of succession was Candace; the eunuch served as her treasurer. Note that there was no feast, yet he was traveling to Jerusalem, and that he was traveling from a city given over to superstition, and on the way he was reading, and moreover reading Isaiah, the greatest of the prophets, and furthermore reading without understanding what he read, and was so diligently occupied with his reading.
"Do you understand what you are reading?" He asks in a wonderful manner, because he neither flatters, nor praises, nor reproaches him for ignorance. But he asks in such a way as to arouse greater desire and to show that in what is being read there lies a great treasure. And the eunuch confesses with complete frankness: "How can I understand, unless someone guides me?" Then he asks Philip to teach him.
"Like a sheep, He was led to the slaughter." The meaning of the words cited is very clear, because at a certain time sheep are led away for shearing and the shepherds lay upon them the instruments of shearing, yet the sheep endure this and do not attack those who do it. So also Christ, enduring reviling, did not repay reviling for reviling.
"In His humiliation His judgment was taken away." He indicates the unlawful judgment against Him, carried out at a time when the truth was hidden.
"But who shall declare His generation?" That is, His high dignity revealed after the resurrection, the proof of which is what He accomplished in the work of the divine economy. Who will be able to express in words, when one considers: "Who is this and what manner of Person, and moreover the Only-Begotten Son of God, endured all this?"
"His life is taken from the earth." Instead of the expression "His life is taken away and elevated above the earthly," that is, the course of activity and existence of the Only-Begotten, when He is contemplated apart from the flesh and no longer as being among us.
Acts 8:34–40. And the eunuch said to Philip: I ask you to tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself, or of some other? Philip opened his mouth and, beginning from this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. And as they continued along the way, they came to water; and the eunuch said: Behold, water; what hinders me from being baptized? And Philip said to him: If you believe with all your heart, you may. He answered and said: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit descended upon the eunuch, and an Angel of the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and continued on his way, rejoicing. And Philip was found at Azotus, and passing through, he preached the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
"I ask you to tell me, of whom...?" To know that the prophets sometimes speak about others as well, or about themselves in another person, because this is what his question shows — the quality of a very observant man.
"Behold, water; what hinders me from being baptized?" See how prudently he acts. First he reads and does not understand, then he reads the same prophecy; it contains the teaching about the suffering, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the bestowal of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Then he asks to be baptized; Philip explains to him in order, beginning from this prophecy. And having been uplifted by his readiness, he is gradually led to baptism. But he did not say "baptize me," but rather: "what hinders me?" By this question he showed a strong desire to receive baptism.
"An Angel of the Lord caught Philip away." An Angel takes him, thereby adding greater wonderousness to what had happened, and at the same time bringing joy to Philip as well, that he was deemed worthy of the same things as the prophets, such as Habakkuk. It was good that he was taken from the eunuch, because the eunuch would have asked Philip to go with him, and Philip would have grieved him if he had refused due to the demands of circumstances. Thus everything was arranged in a divine manner: Philip found himself in Azotus. It was here that he was then to preach.