So there was great joy
The phrase "great joy" reflects the profound impact of the Gospel message and the work of the Holy Spirit. Joy is a recurring theme in the New Testament, often associated with the presence and work of God (Galatians 5:22). This joy is not merely an emotional response but a deep-seated sense of fulfillment and peace that comes from salvation and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The joy experienced here is reminiscent of the joy at the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:10) and the joy of the disciples after the resurrection (John 20:20).

in that city
The city referred to is Samaria, specifically the city of Samaria, which was a significant location in the New Testament. Samaria was historically a region of tension between Jews and Samaritans, stemming from differences in religious practices and historical conflicts (John 4:9). The fact that there was great joy in Samaria signifies the breaking down of these barriers through the Gospel. This event fulfills Jesus' command in Acts 1:8 to be witnesses in "Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The joy in Samaria also prefigures the inclusion of the Gentiles into the early Christian community, highlighting the universal nature of the Gospel message.

1. Philip
One of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, Philip is now an evangelist spreading the Gospel in Samaria.

2. Samaria
A region historically at odds with the Jews, yet now experiencing a spiritual revival through Philip's ministry.

3. The City
Although not named in this verse, the city in question is part of Samaria, where Philip's preaching and miracles are taking place.

4. The People of Samaria
They are experiencing joy as a result of the Gospel message and the miracles performed by Philip.

5. The Miracles
Acts 8:6-7 describes the signs and wonders performed by Philip, which include healing and exorcisms, leading to the joy mentioned in verse 8.The Power of the Gospel
The Gospel brings transformation and joy wherever it is received. The joy in Samaria is a testament to the life-changing power of the message of Christ.

Breaking Down Barriers
Philip's ministry in Samaria shows that the Gospel transcends cultural and historical barriers, uniting people in the joy of salvation.

The Role of Miracles
Miracles can serve as a catalyst for faith, drawing attention to the message of the Gospel and confirming the truth of God's word.

Joy as a Fruit of the Spirit
The joy experienced by the Samaritans is a reflection of the Holy Spirit's work in their lives, as joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

Evangelism and Joy
Sharing the Gospel is not only a command but also a source of joy for both the evangelist and the recipients, as seen in Philip's ministry.(8) There was great joy in that city.--This and the whole narrative may well have been learnt by St. Luke from the lips of Philip himself, when St. Paul and his companions visited the Evangelist at Caesarea on his way to Jerusalem (Acts 21:8), or during the Apostle's two years' imprisonment in that city (Acts 24:27), or, we may add, from St. Paul's report of what he had heard when he travelled through Samaria (Acts 15:3).

Verse 8. - Much for great, A.V. and T.R. Much joy. The joy was caused partly by the healing of their sick, and partly by the glad tidings of the gospel of peace (comp. Matthew 13:20; 1 Peter 1:8).

Parallel Commentaries ...


So
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

there was
ἐγένετο (egeneto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

great
πολλὴ (pollē)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

joy
χαρὰ (chara)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5479: Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

that
ἐκείνῃ (ekeinē)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

city.
πόλει (polei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.


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NT Apostles: Acts 8:8 There was great joy in that city (Acts of the Apostles Ac)