But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that belief wasn't just about intellectual assent, but about embracing both the "kingdom of God" and the significance of "the name of Jesus Christ." This wasn't merely about accepting facts, but about a transformative submission that led immediately to baptism, signifying a public commitment.
But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the scattering of the early church after Stephen's death, Philip the evangelist travels to Samaria, a place largely estranged from Jerusalem's religious center. There, he confronts the widespread sorcery of Simon the magician, proclaiming the true "kingdom of God" and the authority found in Jesus's name. This leads to a powerful move of God in the city, where many, both men and women, embrace Philip's message and publicly declare their new faith through baptism.
When the Bible talks about 'belief,' what does it really mean? It’s more than just agreeing with facts; it’s a profound shift that leads to action.
In Acts 8:12, the Samaritans 'believed Philip.' This wasn't just a passive acceptance of information. It was a deep conviction that led them to embrace the message about God's kingdom and Jesus Christ.
This belief had immediate, tangible results:
Why was baptism so central to the early church's response to the gospel? It was the doorway to a new community and a new life.
The baptism of both men and women in Samaria wasn't just a ritual; it was a powerful symbol and a formal act of belonging.
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Understand the original words
episteusan · Greek Verb
To place one’s trust, confidence, or reliance in something or someone. In a gospel context, it is the act of placing saving faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
euangelizomenō · Greek Verb
The "good news" regarding the life, death, resurrection, and lordship of Jesus Christ. It is the announcement of salvation and the reconciliation of humanity to God.
basileian tou theou · Greek Noun phrase
The sovereign rule and reign of God over all creation, fully inaugurated in the person of Jesus Christ. It represents the sphere of God's redemptive authority and the future restoration of all things.
onoma Iēsou Christou · Greek Noun phrase
In Scripture, the name represents the person, character, authority, and presence of the one named. To act in the name of Jesus is to act by His authority and in alignment with His redemptive purpose.
ebaptizonto · Greek Verb
An outward ordinance of initiation for believers, symbolizing identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, as well as cleansing from sin and inclusion in the covenant community.
The mission to Samaria, a historically tense relationship with Jerusalem, highlights the early church's expansion beyond its Jewish roots, demonstrating God's inclusive kingdom breaking down social and ethnic barriers.
c. 33 AD
Stoning of Stephen
The martyrdom of Stephen, a Hellenistic Jewish deacon, leads to a severe persecution of the early church in Jerusalem.
c. 33-35 AD
Scattering of Believers
Following Stephen's death, believers are forced to flee Jerusalem and disperse throughout Judea and Samaria, carrying the gospel with them.
c. 35 AD— this verse
Philip Preaches in Samaria
The deacon Philip, one of the scattered believers, travels to Samaria and proclaims Jesus Christ to its inhabitants, leading many to believe and be baptized.
c. 35 AD
Apostles Confirm Samaritans
News of the Samaritans' conversion reaches the apostles in Jerusalem, who send Peter and John to Samaria to pray for and lay hands on the new believers, enabling them to receive the Holy Spirit.
This passage is Jesus' Great Commission, commanding his followers to 'go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them.' It highlights baptism as a direct response to believing the gospel message, just as seen with Philip's ministry in Samaria.
Acts 2:41Here, on the day of Pentecost, after Peter's sermon, 3,000 people believed and were baptized. This shows a pattern in the early church where belief in Jesus' name immediately led to baptism, mirroring the Samaritans' experience.
John 1:12This verse states that to those who believed in Jesus' name, He gave the right to become children of God. It connects belief in Christ's name with a new identity, which baptism publicly signifies.
Galatians 3:27Paul writes that 'all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.' This emphasizes baptism as a public declaration and identification with Christ upon belief, underscoring the significance of the Samaritans' baptism.
ellicottActs 8:12: "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."
(12) But when they believed Philip . . . . —The word for preaching is, as in Acts 8:4 , “preaching the glad tidings of the kingdom of God.” The sequel shows that this included baptism as the outward condition of admission to the kingdom. We may infer from the other narrative of Philip’s mission-work ( Acts 8:31-35 ) that it also inc…
bensonActs 8:12: "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."
Acts 8:12-13 . But when they believed Philip, &c. When they became spectators of Philip’s miracles, and were convinced that they were real, and those of Simon a mere sham; or, when they believed the doctrine that Philip preached, concerning the kingdom of God, they then saw and felt the real power of God, and submitted thereto; and…
The verse highlights that belief wasn't just about intellectual assent, but about embracing both the "kingdom of God" and the significance of "the name of Jesus Christ." This wasn't merely about accepting facts, but about a transformative submission that led immediately to baptism, signifying a public commitment.
Following the scattering of the early church after Stephen's death, Philip the evangelist travels to Samaria, a place largely estranged from Jerusalem's religious center. There, he confronts the widespread sorcery of Simon the magician, proclaiming the true "kingdom of God" and the authority found in Jesus's name. This leads to a powerful move of God in the city, where many, both men and women, embrace Philip's message and publicly declare their new faith through baptism.
Following the scattering of the early church after Stephen's death, Philip the evangelist travels to Samaria, a place largely estranged from Jerusalem's religious center. There, he confronts the widespread sorcery of Simon the magician, proclaiming the true "kingdom of God" and the authority found in Jesus's name. This leads to a powerful move of God in the city, where many, both men and women, embrace Philip's message and publicly declare their new faith through baptism.
"But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." — The verse highlights that belief wasn't just about intellectual assent, but about embracing both the "kingdom of God" and the significance of "the name of Jesus Christ." This wasn't merely about acce…
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Last reviewed October 2026