Acts 8:5-7 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Then Philip, &c. The sacred historian here proceeds to record one particular instance of the success of the preaching of the persons dispersed by the above-mentioned persecution. The Philip here spoken of was not the apostle of that name, for all the apostles continued at Jerusalem, (Acts 8:1,) and this Philip, as appears from Acts 8:14-17, had not the power of communicating the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, by laying on of hands. He was, therefore, Philip the deacon, mentioned Acts 6:5; no other of that name, besides the apostle, having been mentioned in this history. Went down to the city of Samaria Or, as some read it, to a city of Samaria; as it is not specified what city of that country it was. The mode of expression, however, seems to point out the capital of Samaria, which was Sychar, or Sichem, where Christ had preached in the beginning of his ministry: and preached Christ unto them It is certain that the Samaritans were better prepared to receive the gospel than most of the Gentile nations, as they worshipped the true God, and acknowledged the authority of the pentateuch. Nay, indeed, in some respects they were better prepared than the body of the Jewish nation, as we do not find that they had either such notions of the Messiah's temporal reign as the Jews had, or had received the Sadducean principles, which were both very strong prejudices against the Christian doctrine. And the people Who inhabited that city, notwithstanding their natural prejudices against the Jews; with one accord Ομοθυμαδον, unanimously; gave heed unto those things which Philip spake Of the truth and importance of which, upon their attending to them, they were soon persuaded; hearing The rational and convincing arguments which he used; and seeing the miracles Which he performed, in confirmation of his doctrine. For unclean spirits At Philip's command, came out of many persons that had been possessed by them, crying with a loud voice Which showed that they came out with great reluctance, and much against their wills, but were forced to acknowledge themselves overcome by a superior power. And there was great joy in that city Both on account of those benevolent miracles which were performed by Philip in it, and of that excellent doctrine which he preached among them, containing such welcome tidings of pardon and eternal salvation.