New International VersionAfter they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.
New Living TranslationAfter testifying and preaching the word of the Lord in Samaria, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem. And they stopped in many Samaritan villages along the way to preach the Good News.
English Standard VersionNow when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
Berean Standard BibleAnd after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many of the Samaritan villages.
Berean Literal BibleTherefore they indeed, having earnestly testified and having spoken the word of the Lord, traveled back to Jerusalem, and they were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
King James BibleAnd they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
New King James VersionSo when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
New American Standard BibleSo, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
NASB 1995So, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
NASB 1977And so, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
Legacy Standard BibleSo, when they had solemnly bore witness and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were proclaiming the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
Amplified BibleSo, when Peter and John had given their testimony and preached the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, preaching the good news [about salvation] in many Samaritan villages [along the way].
Christian Standard BibleSo, after they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they traveled back to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen, after they had testified and spoken the message of the Lord, they traveled back to Jerusalem, evangelizing many villages of the Samaritans.
American Standard VersionThey therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
Contemporary English VersionAfter Peter and John had preached about the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem. On their way they told the good news in many villages of Samaria.
English Revised VersionThey therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAfter they had boldly spoken about the message of the Lord, they spread the Good News in many Samaritan villages on their way back to Jerusalem.
Good News TranslationAfter they had given their testimony and proclaimed the Lord's message, Peter and John went back to Jerusalem. On their way they preached the Good News in many villages of Samaria.
International Standard VersionAfter they had given their testimony and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, continuing to proclaim the good news in many Samaritan villages.
NET BibleSo after Peter and John had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, proclaiming the good news to many Samaritan villages as they went.
New Heart English BibleThey therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News to many villages of the Samaritans.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Weymouth New TestamentSo the Apostles, after giving a solemn charge and delivering the Lord's Message, travelled back to Jerusalem, making known the Good News also in many of the Samaritan villages. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many of the Samaritan villages.
World English BibleThey therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News to many villages of the Samaritans. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThey indeed, therefore, having testified fully, and spoken the word of the LORD, turned back to Jerusalem; they also proclaimed good news in many villages of the Samaritans.
Berean Literal BibleTherefore they indeed, having earnestly testified and having spoken the word of the Lord, traveled back to Jerusalem, and they were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
Young's Literal Translation They indeed, therefore, having testified fully, and spoken the word of the Lord, did turn back to Jerusalem; in many villages also of the Samaritans they did proclaim good news.
Smith's Literal TranslationTruly therefore, they having testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and announced good news to many towns of the Samaritans. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they indeed having testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel to many countries of the Samaritans.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd indeed, after testifying and speaking the Word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, and they evangelized the many regions of the Samaritans.
New American BibleSo when they had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem and preached the good news to many Samaritan villages.
New Revised Standard VersionNow after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, proclaiming the good news to many villages of the Samaritans. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow when Simon Peter and John had testified and taught them the word of God, they returned to Jerusalem after they had preached in many Samaritan villages.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut Shimeon and Yohannan, when they had testified and taught the word of God, returned to Jerusalem. And they preached The Gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThen, when they had given their testimony, and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Godbey New Testament
Then indeed, witnessing and speaking the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
Haweis New Testament
Then they, after bearing their testimony, and speaking the word of the Lord, returned towards Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Mace New Testament
after this the apostles having certified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel by the way in many villages of the Samaritans.
Weymouth New Testament
So the Apostles, after giving a solemn charge and delivering the Lord's Message, travelled back to Jerusalem, making known the Good News also in many of the Samaritan villages.
Worrell New Testament
They, therefore, having fully testified and spoken the word of the Lord, were returning to Jerusalem, and preaching the Gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
Worsley New Testament
And they having testified and declared the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Simon the Sorcerer… 24Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me, so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” 25And afterPeter and Johnhad testifiedandspokenthewordof theLord,they returnedtoJerusalem,preaching the gospelin manyof theSamaritanvillages.26Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go south to the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”…
Cross References Matthew 28:19-20Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Mark 16:15And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Luke 24:47and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.
John 4:39-42Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” / So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days. / And many more believed because of His message. ...
Acts 1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 2:41Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day.
Acts 4:31After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Acts 5:42Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts 10:42And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead.
Acts 13:48-49When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. / And the word of the Lord spread throughout that region.
Acts 14:7where they continued to preach the gospel.
Acts 19:10This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in the province of Asia, Jews and Greeks alike, heard the word of the Lord.
Romans 10:14-15How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? / And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
1 Corinthians 1:17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
Treasury of Scripture And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. when they had. Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jewsthat Jesuswas Christ. Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. villages. Luke 9:52-56 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him… Jump to Previous AnnouncedApostlesChargeClearDeliveringFullyGladGoodGospelIndeedJerusalemLord'sMakingMessageNewsPeterPreachedPreachingProclaimProclaimedSamariaSamaritanSamaritansSmallSolemnStartedTestifiedTidingsTownsTravelledTurnVillagesWayWitnessWordJump to Next AnnouncedApostlesChargeClearDeliveringFullyGladGoodGospelIndeedJerusalemLord'sMakingMessageNewsPeterPreachedPreachingProclaimProclaimedSamariaSamaritanSamaritansSmallSolemnStartedTestifiedTidingsTownsTravelledTurnVillagesWayWitnessWordActs 8 1.By occasion of the persecution in Jerusalem, the church being planted in Samaria,4.by Philip the deacon, who preached, did miracles, and baptized many;9.among the rest Simon the sorcerer, a great seducer of the people;14.Peter and John come to confirm and enlarge the church;15.where, by prayer and imposition of hands giving the Holy Spirit;18.when Simon would have bought the like power of them,20.Peter sharply reproving his hypocrisy and covetousness,22.and exhorting him to repentance,25.together with John preaching the word of the Lord, return to Jerusalem;26.but the angel sends Philip to teach and baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch.And after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the LordPeter and John, two of the leading apostles, were instrumental in the early church's expansion. Their testimony and preaching were crucial in affirming the work of the Holy Spirit among the Samaritans, a group traditionally despised by Jews. This act of testifying and speaking the word of the Lord highlights the fulfillment of Jesus' command in Acts 1:8 to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Their actions also reflect the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, emphasizing the importance of spreading the gospel and teaching all nations. they returned to Jerusalem
Jerusalem was the center of early Christian activity and the location of the first church. The apostles' return to Jerusalem signifies the importance of maintaining a connection with the church's leadership and the base of operations for the early Christian mission. This return also underscores the unity and accountability within the early church, as the apostles reported back to the other believers and leaders. preaching the gospel in many of the Samaritan villages
The act of preaching in Samaritan villages is significant due to the historical animosity between Jews and Samaritans. By spreading the gospel in these areas, Peter and John were breaking down long-standing barriers and fulfilling Jesus' example of reaching out to marginalized groups, as seen inJohn 4 with the Samaritan woman at the well. This outreach demonstrates the inclusive nature of the gospel and the breaking of ethnic and cultural boundaries, aligning with prophecies such asIsaiah 49:6, which speaks of being a light to the nations. The apostles' actions here prefigure the broader mission to the Gentiles, which becomes a major theme in the book of Acts. Persons / Places / Events 1. Peter and JohnTwo of Jesus' apostles who were instrumental in the early church. They were sent to Samaria to confirm the work that Philip had begun and to pray for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 2. Samaritan VillagesThe region of Samaria was historically significant due to its mixed population of Jews and Gentiles. The Samaritans were often looked down upon by the Jews, making the spread of the gospel to this area a significant event in the early church. 3. Testifying and PreachingPeter and John not only confirmed the work of the Holy Spirit among the Samaritans but also actively preached the gospel, showing the importance of both witnessing and teaching in the spread of Christianity. 4. Return to JerusalemThis marks the continuation of the apostles' mission, emphasizing the centrality of Jerusalem as the starting point for the spread of the gospel, as instructed by Jesus. 5. The Word of the LordRefers to the message of Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection, and the salvation available through Him. This was the core message that the apostles were spreading. Teaching Points The Universality of the GospelThe gospel is for all people, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. The inclusion of Samaritans demonstrates God's love and salvation for all humanity. The Role of Testimony and PreachingBoth personal testimony and the preaching of the Word are vital in spreading the gospel. Believers are called to share their experiences and the truth of Scripture. The Importance of Follow-Up and DiscipleshipPeter and John's return to Jerusalem after preaching in Samaria highlights the need for follow-up and continued discipleship in the Christian faith. The Power of the Holy SpiritThe apostles' ministry in Samaria was empowered by the Holy Spirit, reminding believers of the necessity of relying on the Spirit for effective ministry. Breaking Down BarriersThe gospel challenges social and cultural barriers, calling believers to reach out to those who may be different from themselves. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 8:25?
2.How can we "testify and speak the word" in our daily lives today?
3.What does Acts 8:25 teach about the importance of spreading the Gospel?
4.How does Acts 8:25 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?
5.Why is obedience to God's call essential, as demonstrated in Acts 8:25?
6.How can we ensure our evangelism is rooted in truth, as in Acts 8:25?
7.What does Acts 8:25 reveal about the apostles' commitment to spreading the Gospel message?
8.How does Acts 8:25 demonstrate the importance of preaching in early Christianity?
9.What historical context surrounds the events described in Acts 8:25?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 8?
11.What is the order of the Bible's books?
12.If 1 Corinthians 3:17 insists God will destroy those who destroy His temple, how does this square with passages elsewhere emphasizing mercy and forgiveness?
13.Why do believers in Acts 8:14-17 only receive the Holy Spirit through the apostles' laying on of hands, whereas other texts suggest immediate reception?
14.Why didn't Samaritans receive the Holy Spirit immediately?What Does Acts 8:25 Mean After Peter and John had testified• Luke records that Peter and John “testified,” a legal-sounding word that underscores their firsthand witness to the risen Christ (Acts 1:8; 4:20). • Their testimony wasn’t abstract; it confirmed that Jesus is the long-promised Messiah, fulfilling what they had seen and heard (1 John 1:1-3). • This moment links to earlier apostolic practice: “With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 4:33). • By testifying in Samaria, the apostles validate the Samaritan believers’ faith and show that salvation through Christ is not limited to Jerusalem or Judea.
and spoken the word of the Lord• Testifying moves naturally into proclaiming “the word of the Lord,” the authoritative gospel message (Acts 4:31; 6:7). • Their words carry divine authority, not personal opinion—“when you received the word of God…you accepted it not as the word of men, but as the very word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). • The sequence—testimony followed by teaching—models balanced ministry: witness backed up by Scripture, experience grounded in truth.
they returned to Jerusalem• Jerusalem remains the church’s launching pad (Luke 24:52-53;Acts 12:25). The apostles return to report, refuel, and maintain unity with the wider body. • Their going back does not signal retreat but completion of a circuit: the gospel goes out, bears fruit, and the carriers regroup for the next assignment. • This rhythm mirrors the sending-and-returning pattern Jesus set with the seventy-two (Luke 10:17).
preaching the gospel in many of the Samaritan villages• Peter and John seize the journey home as ministry opportunity, stopping in “many” Samaritan villages. The phrase shows intentional breadth—no village too small, no people group overlooked. • Their actions fulfill Jesus’ prophetic outline: “You will be My witnesses…in all Judea and Samaria” (Acts 1:8). • The groundwork laid by Philip (Acts 8:5-8) now gains apostolic confirmation, echoing Jesus’ earlier harvest among the Samaritans (John 4:39-42). • By preaching in Samaria, the apostles embody reconciliation between historically estranged Jews and Samaritans, demonstrating the unifying power of the gospel (Ephesians 2:14-18).
summaryActs 8:25 shows Peter and John finishing their Samaritan mission with two complementary priorities: bearing eyewitness testimony to Christ and teaching the authoritative word of the Lord. Their return to Jerusalem is not a mere withdrawal but part of a purposeful travel pattern that extends the gospel’s reach. By deliberately preaching in multiple Samaritan villages, they confirm God’s heart for all peoples and model a lifestyle that turns every journey into a kingdom opportunity. (25) And they, when they had testified . . .--The statement involves a stay of some duration, long enough to found and organise a community of disciples. And this was followed, not by an immediate return to Jerusalem, but, as the Greek tense shows, by one with many halts, at each of which the glad tidings of "the word of the Lord" were proclaimed, and a Church founded. Did the Apostles enter on this journey into the village on which one of them had sought to call down fire from heaven ( Luke 9:54)? Now, at least, he had learnt to know what manner of Spirit claimed him as his own. The curtain falls at the close of this drama on the Christians of Samaria, and we know but little of their after history. The one glimpse of them which we get is, however, of very special interest. When Paul and Barnabas after their first missionary journey went up to Jerusalem, they passed "through Phenico and Samaria" (Acts 15:3). St. Paul also had conquered the antagonism that divided the Jew, and, above all, the Pharisee, from the Samaritan. The Samaritans heard with joy of that conversion of the Gentiles which showed that old barriers and walls of partition were broken down. Many, we may believe, would elect to take their stand on the ground of the freedom of the gospel rather than on any claim to Jewish descent or the observance of the Jewish Law. Others, however, we know, adhered to that Law with a rigorous tenacity, and left their creed and ritual, their Gerizim worship and their sacred Books, as an inheritance to be handed down from century to century, even to the present day. The whole nation suffered severely in the wars with Rome under Vespasian, and Sychem was taken and destroyed, a new city being built by the emperor on the ruins--a Roman city with Temples dedicated to Roman gods--to which, as perpetuating the name of his house and lineage, he gave the name ofFlavia Neapolis (= New Town), which survives in the modernNablous. In the early history of the Church there attaches to that city the interest of having been the birthplace of the martyr Justin, and of the heretic Dositheus. In one of the Simon legends, as stated above, the latter appears as the instructor of the sorcerer, but this is probably a distortion of his real history. Verse 25.- They therefore for and they, A.V. ; spoken for preached, A.V.; to many for in many, A.V.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [After Peter and John]Οἱ(Hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.had testifiedδιαμαρτυράμενοι(diamartyramenoi)Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1263:To give solemn evidence, testify (declare) solemnly. From dia and martureo; to attest or protest earnestly, or hortatively.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.spokenλαλήσαντες(lalēsantes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.wordλόγον(logon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.of theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Lord,Κυρίου(Kyriou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.they returnedὑπέστρεφον(hypestrephon)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5290:To turn back, return. From hupo and strepho; to turn under, i.e. To return.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.Jerusalem,Ἱεροσόλυμα(Hierosolyma)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2414:The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolymapreaching the gospelεὐηγγελίζοντο(euēngelizonto)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2097:From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel.in manyπολλάς(pollas)Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.of theτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.SamaritanΣαμαριτῶν(Samaritōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4541:A Samaritan. From Samareia; a Samarite, i.e. Inhabitant of Samaria.villages.κώμας(kōmas)Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2968:A village, country town. From keimai; a hamlet.
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NT Apostles: Acts 8:25 They therefore when they had testified (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
