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 21:8KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 21:8 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:8 mean?

Acts 21:8 describes how Paul and his companions left their previous location and traveled to Caesarea, where they stayed at the house of Philip, who is called "the evangelist" and was one of the original seven chosen to serve in the early church. The verse highlights both the journey and the importance of Philip as a host.

In this scene, the writer (traditionally understood as Luke) is traveling with Paul and others. They arrive in Caesarea, a significant coastal city, and are welcomed by Philip, who is known from earlier in Acts as one of the seven men chosen to help with practical needs in the Jerusalem church. The mention of Philip as "the evangelist" points to his role in spreading the message about Jesus, and his hospitality to Paul’s group shows the ongoing connections among early Christian leaders.

The Greek behind Acts 21:8

  • "Philip the evangelist" (Φίλιππον τὸν εὐαγγελιστήν, Philippon ton euangelistēn): The Greek word εὐαγγελιστής (euangelistēs) means "one who brings good news" or "proclaimer of the gospel." This title sets Philip apart as someone recognized for sharing the message about Jesus, not just serving practical needs.
  • "One of the seven" (τῶν ἑπτά, tōn hepta): The phrase refers back to Acts 6, where seven men were chosen to help with the distribution of food and care for the community. This connects Philip’s current role to his earlier service, showing his ongoing importance in the early church.

Why Acts 21:8 matters

  • Acts 21:8 clarifies that Philip, known for his evangelistic work, continued to play a significant role in the church long after his initial appointment in Acts 6.
  • The verse shows the unity and hospitality among early Christian leaders, as Paul and his group are welcomed by Philip.
  • This visit sets up the next events in Acts, where prophetic messages are delivered to Paul while he is staying in Philip’s house, highlighting the interconnectedness of different ministries in the early Christian movement.

Where else these words appear

“evangelist” Greek G2099 · used in 3 verses

  • Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
  • 2 Timothy 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

“next” Greek G1887 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
  • John 6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
  • Acts 14:20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

“Caesarea” Greek G2542 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
  • Acts 10:24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
  • Acts 23:23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

“Philip” Greek G5376 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • John 1:46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
  • Acts 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.