Bible Commentary

Acts 8:37

The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 8:37

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The whole of of the A.V. is omitted in the R.T., on the authority of the best existing manuscripts. But on the other hand, Irenaeus, in the third book against Heresies, , distinctly quotes a portion of this verse.

The eunuch, he says, when he asked to be baptized said, πιστεύω τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ θεοῦ εἴναι τὸν ιησοῦν χριστόν: and Cyprian, in his third book of Testimonies, 43., quotes the other part of the verse.

In proof of the thesis that "whoever believes may be immediately baptized," he says, "In the Acts of the Apostles [when the eunuch said], Behold water, what doth hinder me to be baptized? Philip answered, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest."

So that in the second and third centuries, long anterior to the oldest existing manuscripts, this entire verse must have been found in the codices both of the Greek and Latin Churches.

Recommended reading

More for Acts 8:37

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 8:1-40Acts 8:1-40 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITIONThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 8:25-40Acts 8:25-40 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe second flight of the gospel. Samaria evangelized both by Philip and the apostles, and both in the city and country districts—a preparation of the Church for yet greater expansion. Necessity that such a flight as fro…The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 8:25-40Acts 8:25-40 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe Word written preparing the way for the Word preached. The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch is a great text on missionary work. It illustrates with singular force and clearness the double need of the Bible and the…Matthew Henry on Acts 8:26-40Acts 8:26-40 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryPhilip was directed to go to a desert. Sometimes God opens a door of opportunity to his ministers in very unlikely places. We should study to do good to those we come into company with by travelling. We should not be so…Philip and the EthiopianActs 8:26-40 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BiblePHILIP AND THE ETHIOPIAN. We have here the story of the conversion of an Ethiopian eunuch to the faith of Christ, by whom, we have reason to think, the knowledge of Christ was sent into that country where he lived, and…The Pulpit Commentary on Acts 8:26-39Acts 8:26-39 · The Pulpit CommentaryA life true to light led to the Light true to life. From one of the most unwelcome exhibitions of human nature, we are led with grateful relief to an episode full of hope and the very suggestion of sunshine for the worl…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 8:1-40EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 8:25-40The Word written preparing the way for the Word preached. The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch is a great text on missionary work. It illustrates with singular force and clearness the double need of the Bible and the…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 8:25-40The second flight of the gospel. Samaria evangelized both by Philip and the apostles, and both in the city and country districts—a preparation of the Church for yet greater expansion. Necessity that such a flight as fro…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Acts 8:26-40Philip was directed to go to a desert. Sometimes God opens a door of opportunity to his ministers in very unlikely places. We should study to do good to those we come into company with by travelling. We should not be so…Matthew HenrycommentaryPhilip and the EthiopianPHILIP AND THE ETHIOPIAN. We have here the story of the conversion of an Ethiopian eunuch to the faith of Christ, by whom, we have reason to think, the knowledge of Christ was sent into that country where he lived, and…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 8:26-39A life true to light led to the Light true to life. From one of the most unwelcome exhibitions of human nature, we are led with grateful relief to an episode full of hope and the very suggestion of sunshine for the worl…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 8:26-40The Christian teacher and disciple. We have an interesting and instructive instance of one man submitting himself to the teaching of another, and deriving from him a sudden transforming influence which most beneficially…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Acts 8:26-40Philip and the Ethiopian. This incident teaches us— I. THAT MEN IN THE WAY OF DUTY MAY RECEIVE UNUSUAL GUIDANCE. The angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, and gave him directions as to the course he should take in his miss…Joseph S. Exell and contributors