A.T. Robertson Commentary Acts 8

Was consenting (ην συνευδοκων). Periphrastic imperfect of συνευδοκεω, a late double compound (συν, ευ, δοκεω) that well describes Saul's pleasure in the death (αναιρεσις, taking off, only here in the N.T., though old word) of Stephen. For the verb see on Lu 23:32. Paul himself will later confess that he felt so (Acts 22:20), coolly applauding the murder of Stephen, a heinous sin (Romans 1:32). It is a gruesome picture. Chapter 7 should have ended here.

On that day (εν εκεινη τη ημερα). On that definite day, that same day as in 2:41.

A great persecution (διωγμος μεγας). It was at first persecution from the Sadducees, but this attack on Stephen was from the Pharisees so that both parties are now united in a general persecution that deserves the adjective "great." See on Mt 13:21 for the old word διωγμος from διωκω, to chase, hunt, pursue, persecute.

Were all scattered abroad (παντες διεσπαρησαν). Second aorist passive indicative of διασπειρω, to scatter like grain, to disperse, old word, in the N.T. only in Ac 8:1,4; 11:19.

Except the apostles (πλην των αποστολων). Preposition πλην (adverb from πλεον, more) with the ablative often in Luke. It remains a bit of a puzzle why the Pharisees spared the apostles. Was it due to the advice of Gamaliel in Ac 5:34-40 ? Or was it the courage of the apostles? Or was it a combination of both with the popularity of the apostles in addition?

Devout (ευλαβεις). Only four times in the N.T. (Luke 2:25; Acts 2:5; Acts 8:2; Acts 22:12). Possibly some non-Christian Jews helped. The burial took place before the Christians were chiefly scattered.

Buried (συνεκομισαν). Aorist active indicative of συνκομιζω, old verb to bring together, to collect, to join with others in carrying, to bury (the whole funeral arrangements). Only here in the N.T.

Lamentation (κοπετον). Late word from κοπτομα, to beat the breast, in LXX, Plutarch, etc., only here in the N.T.

Laid waste (ελυμαινετο). Imperfect middle of λυμαινομα, old verb (from λυμη, injury), to dishonour, defile, devastate, ruin. Only here in the N.T. Like the laying waste of a vineyard by a wild boar (Psalms 79:13). Picturesque description of the havoc carried on by Saul now the leader in the persecution. He is victor over Stephen now who had probably worsted him in debate in the Cilician synagogue in Jerusalem.

Into every house (κατα τους οικους). But Luke terms it "the church" (την εκκλησιαν). Plainly not just an "assembly," but an organized body that was still "the church" when scattered in their own homes, "an unassembled assembly" according to the etymology. Words do not remain by the etymology, but travel on with usage.

Haling (συρων). Literally, dragging forcibly (=hauling). Present active participle of συρω, old verb.

Men and women (ανδρας κα γυναικας). A new feature of the persecution that includes the women. They met it bravely as through all the ages since (cf. 9:2; 22:4). This fact will be a bitter memory for Paul always.

Committed (παρεδιδου). Imperfect active of παραδιδωμ, old verb, kept on handing them over to prison.

They therefore (ο μεν ουν). Demonstrative ο as often (1:6, etc.) though it will make sense as the article with the participle διασπαρεντες. The general statement is made here by μεν and a particular instance (δε) follows in verse 5. The inferential particle (ουν) points back to verse 3, the persecution by young Saul and the Pharisees. Jesus had commanded the disciples not to depart from Jerusalem till they received the Promise of the Father (1:4), but they had remained long after that and were not carrying the gospel to the other peoples (1:8). Now they were pushed out by Saul and began as a result to carry out the Great Commission for world conquest, that is those "scattered abroad" (διασπαρεντες, second aorist passive participle of διασπειρω). This verb means disperse, to sow in separate or scattered places (δια) and so to drive people hither and thither. Old and very common verb, especially in the LXX, but in the N.T. only in Ac 8:1,4; 11:19.

Went about (διηλθον). Constative second aorist active of διερχομα, to go through (from place to place, δια). Old and common verb, frequent for missionary journeys in the Acts (5:40; 8:40; 9:32; 11:19; 13:6).

Preaching the word (ευαγγελιζομενο τον λογον). Evangelizing or gospelizing the word (the truth about Christ). In 11:19 Luke explains more fully the extent of the labours of these new preachers of the gospel. They were emergency preachers, not ordained clergymen, but men stirred to activity by the zeal of Saul against them. The blood of the martyrs (Stephen) was already becoming the seed of the church. "The violent dispersion of these earnest disciples resulted in a rapid diffusion of the gospel" (Alvah Hovey).

Philip (Φιλιππος). The deacon (6:5) and evangelist (21:8), not the apostle of the same name .

To the city of Samaria (εις την πολιν της Σαμαριας). Genitive of apposition. Samaria is the name of the city here. This is the first instance cited of the expansion noted in verse 4. Jesus had an early and fruitful ministry in Samaria (John 4), though the twelve were forbidden to go into a Samaritan city during the third tour of Galilee (Matthew 10:5), a temporary prohibition withdrawn before Jesus ascended on high (Acts 1:8).

Proclaimed (εκηρυσσεν). Imperfect active, began to preach and kept on at it. Note ευαγγελιζομενο in verse 4 of missionaries of good news (Page) while εκηρυσσεν here presents the preacher as a herald. He is also a teacher (διδασκαλος) like Jesus. Luke probably obtained valuable information from Philip and his daughters about these early days when in his home in Caesarea (Acts 21:8).