Chapter

Acts 8:6

ESV And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.
NIV When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.
NASB The crowds were paying attention with one mind to what was being said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing.
CSB The crowds were all paying attention to what Philip said, as they listened and saw the signs he was performing.
NLT Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did.
KJV And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
NKJV And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

What does Acts 8:6 mean?

Philip, the Jesus-following deacon, has fled persecution in Jerusalem and headed north to Samaria (Acts 6:1–6; 8:1–5). The Holy Spirit empowers him to perform miracles that specifically support his claims to be God's messenger (Acts 8:7). Signs such as healing and expelling demons had become common among the leaders of the new church (Acts 5:12–16). "One accord" is from the Greek root word homothumadon. We might picture this as many notes in harmony or several beings moving forward gracefully. The term emphasizes cooperation and coordination, more so than conformity.

Samaritans were descendants of the northern kingdom of Israel and foreigners that the Assyrians moved into the land (2 Kings 17:24). Traditionally, Jews did not associate with Samaritans. It's possible Philip has less of a problem because he is a Hellenistic Jew: he grew up outside of Judea in a strongly Greek culture.

Philip's arrival brings the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to the woman at the well that they would learn to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). The Samaritan woman and her fellow villagers had been convinced that Jesus was a prophet because He knew things about her that no traveling Jew should have (John 4:28, 39–42). Philip now comes in the name of Jesus who told the Samaritan woman He is the Christ. The Samaritans are ready, and Philip's miracles give them all the proof they need to believe that the promised time has come.
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