Acts 8:4
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
Acts 8:4 in other translations
| BSB | Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. |
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| WEB | Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word. |
| ASV | They therefore that were scattered abroad went about preaching the word. |
| YLT | they then indeed, having been scattered, went abroad proclaiming good news--the word. |
| DARBY | Those then that had been scattered went through the countries announcing the glad tidings of the word. |
| BBE | But those who had gone in flight went everywhere preaching the word. |
| Webster | Therefore they that were dispersed went every where preaching the word. |
What does Acts 8:4 mean?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain
Barnes' Notes
Preaching the word. Greek, Evangelizing, or announcing the good news of the message of mercy, or the word of God. It is not the usual word which is rendered preach, but means simply announcing the good news of salvation. There is no evidence, nor is there any probability, that all these persons were ordained to preach. They were manifestly common Christians who were scattered by the persecution; and the meaning is, that they communicated to their fellow-men in conversation, wherever they met them--and probably in the synagogues, where all Jews had a right to speak--the glad tidings that the Messiah had come. It is not said that they set themselves up for public teachers; or that they administered baptism; or that they founded churches; but they proclaimed everywhere the news that a Saviour had come. Their hearts were full of it. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks; and they made the truth known to all whom they met. We may learn from this,
(1.) that persecution tends to promote the very thing which it would destroy.
(2.) That one of the best means to make Christians active and zealous is to persecute them.
(3.) That it is right for all Christians to make known the Paths of the gospel. When the heart is full, the lips will speak; and there is no more impropriety in their speaking of redemption than of anything else.
(4.) It should be the great object of all Christians to make the Saviour known everywhere. By their lives, conversation, and pious exhortations and entreaties, they should beseech dying sinners to be reconciled to God. And especially should this be done when they are travelling. Christians, when away from home, seem almost to imagine that they lay aside the obligations of religion. But the example of Christ and his early disciples has taught us that this is the very time to attempt to do good.
Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Acts 8:1-4
Though persecution must not drive us from our work, yet it may send us to work elsewhere. Wherever the established believer is driven, he carries the knowledge of the gospel, and makes known the preciousness of Christ in every place. Where a simple desire of doing good influences the heart, it will be found impossible to shut a man out from all opportunities of usefulness.
Acts 8:4 in the original Greek
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Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).
Cross references for Acts 8:4
- Matthew 10:23
But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
- Acts 11:19
Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
- Acts 8:1
And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:2
But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
- Acts 15:35
Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
- Acts 14:2-7
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, …
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Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Context
- Acts 8:3
As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
- Acts 8:4
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
- Acts 8:5
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
Acts 8:4 in other languages
| Spanish Reina-Valera 1909 | Mas los que fueron esparcidos, iban por todas partes anunciando la palabra. |
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| French Bible J.N. Darby 1885 | Ceux donc qui avaient été dispersés allaient çà et là, annonçant la parole. |
| German Elberfelder 1871 | Die Zerstreuten nun gingen umher und verkündigten das Wort. |
| Latin Clementine Vulgate | Igitur qui dispersi erant pertransibant, evangelizantes verbum Dei. |