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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 8:4-13

Samson's riddle is here again unriddled: Out of the eater comes forth meat, and out of the strong sweetness. The persecution that was designed to extirpate the church was by the overruling providence of God made an occasion of the enlargement of it. Christ had said, I am come to send fire on the earth; and they thought, by scattering those who were kindled with that fire, to have put it out, but instead of this they did but help to spread it. I. Here is a general account of what was done by... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 8:5-13

8:5-13 Those who were scattered abroad went throughout the country telling the message of the good news. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. The crowds listened attentively to what Philip had to say, as they heard his story and saw the signs which he performed. Many of them had unclean spirits, and the spirits, shouting loudly, came out of them; and many who were paralysed and lame were cured; and there was much rejoicing in that city. A man called... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 8:6

And the people with one accord ,.... The inhabitants of the city of Samaria, as one man, came to hear the word: and gave heed to those things which Philip spake ; they listened to them, took notice of them, gave their ascent to them, believed and embraced them; being induced thereunto, not only upon the evidence by which these things came, but by reason of the miracles which he wrought, for the confirmation of them: for it follows, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did ; and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 8:7

For unclean spirits ,.... Devils, so called because they were unclean themselves, defiled others, add delighted in impure persons and places; See Gill on Matthew 10:1 . crying with loud voice ; showing their unwillingness to remove, and the irresistibleness of divine power they could not withstand: came out of many that were possessed with them; who had for a long time dwelt in them, and had greatly afflicted them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed ;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 8:8

And there was great joy in that city. Both on a spiritual account, for the good of their souls, through the preaching of Christ and his Gospel to them; and on a temporal account; for the good of their bodies, or their friends, being dispossessed of devils, and healed of their diseases. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 8:6

The people with one accord gave heed - He had fixed their attention, not only with the gravity and importance of the matter of his preaching, but also by the miracles which he did. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 8:7

For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed - Hence it is evident that these unclean spirits were not a species of diseases; as they are here distinguished from the paralytic and the lame. There is nothing more certain than that the New Testament writers mean real diabolic possessions by the terms unclean spirits, devils, etc., which they use. It is absolute trifling to deny it. If we, in our superior sagacity can show that they were mistaken, that is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 8:8

There was great joy in that city - No wonder, when they heard such glorious truths, and were the subjects of such beneficent miracles. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 8:6

Verse 6 6.And the multitude gave ear. Luke declareth how the Samaritans did embrace Philip’s doctrine. For he saith that they heard, whereby they took some taste; there was also another prick whereby they were pricked forward, and that was miracles; at length there followed attentiveness. This is the right going forward unto faith; for those which refuse that doctrine which they have not heard, how is it possible that they should ever come unto faith, which cometh by hearing? (Romans 10:14.)... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 8:7

Verse 7 7.Unclean spirits. He toucheth certain kinds briefly, that we may know with what miracles they (501) were brought to attribute any authority to Philip. That crying wherewith the unclean spirits cried was a token of resistance. Wherefore this served not a little to set forth the power of Christ, that he did bind the devils with his commandment, though they resisted stubbornly. read more

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