King James Version

What Does Acts 21:8 Mean?

Acts 21:8 in the King James Version says “And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Phili... — study this verse from Acts chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

Acts 21:8 · KJV


Context

6

And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

7

And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

8

And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

9

And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

10

And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Philip the evangelist, last mentioned in Acts 8:40, now appears as an established minister in Caesarea. Called 'one of the seven,' this reference to the original deacons (Acts 6:5) shows how servant leadership leads to greater gospel ministry. Philip's household became a base for Paul's team, demonstrating the continuity and fellowship of the early church across decades.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Caesarea Maritima was the Roman administrative capital of Judea, built by Herod the Great with a magnificent harbor. Philip had settled here after his evangelistic work, perhaps twenty years earlier.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does faithful service in small things lead to greater kingdom impact over time?
  2. What does Philip's sustained ministry in one location teach about stability versus constant movement?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
τῇ1 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 27

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπαύριον3 of 27

the next

G1887

occurring on the succeeding day, i.e., (g2250 being implied) to-morrow

ἐξελθόντες4 of 27

departed

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

οἱ5 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

περὶ6 of 27

company

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τὸν7 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλον8 of 27

Paul's

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ἤλθον9 of 27

and came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς10 of 27

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Καισάρειαν11 of 27

Caesarea

G2542

caesaria, the name of two places in palestine

καὶ12 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰσελθόντες13 of 27

we entered

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς14 of 27

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν15 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἶκον16 of 27

the house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

Φιλίππου17 of 27

of Philip

G5376

fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites

τοῦ18 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εὐαγγελιστοῦ19 of 27

the evangelist

G2099

a preacher of the gospel

τοῦ20 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄντος21 of 27

which was

G5607

being

ἐκ22 of 27

one of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν23 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑπτὰ24 of 27

the seven

G2033

seven

ἐμείναμεν25 of 27

and abode

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

παρ'26 of 27

with

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

αὐτῷ27 of 27

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 21:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 21:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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