Acts 8:4

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 8:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “They therefore that were scattered abroad, went about preaching the word.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

They therefore that were scattered abroad, went about preaching the word.
Acts 8:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4They therefore that were scattered abroad, went about preaching the word.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad, etc.] By reason of the persecution in Jerusalem: the seventy disciples, and other ministers of the word; or the hundred and twenty, excepting the apostles, went every where; or went through the countries of Judea and Samaria, as far as Phenice, Cyrus, and Antioch: preaching the word; the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions add, “of God”, and so some copies; the Gospel, which is the word of God, and not man; which was not of men, nor received from men, but came from God, and by the revelation of Christ; and which was good news and glad tidings, of peace, pardon, righteousness and salvation, by Jesus Christ.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching--Though solemnly enjoined to do this (Luk 24:47; Act 1:8), they would probably have lingered at Jerusalem, but for this besom of persecution which swept them out. How often has the rage of Christ's enemies thus "turned out rather unto the furtherance of the Gospel" (see Phi 1:12-13).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Went everywhere - That is, they traveled through the various regions where they were scattered. In all places to which they came, they preached the Word. Preaching the word - Greek: “evangelizing,” or announcing the good news of the message of mercy, or the Word of God. This is not the usual word which is rendered “preach,” but it 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,…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Therefore they that were dispersed went every where - These very words are reassumed, after as it were a long parenthesis, Act 11:19 and the thread of the story continued. Acts 8:5”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Act 11:19, Act 14:2-7; Mat 10:23; Th1 2:2 Acts 8:5”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification