But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

ACTS 8:40KJV
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Acts 8:40 (KJV)

What does Acts 8:40 mean?

Acts 8:40 describes how Philip, after his encounter with the Ethiopian official, was found at Azotus and continued traveling north, preaching the message of Jesus in every city along the way until he reached Caesarea. The verse highlights Philip’s ongoing commitment to sharing the gospel as he moved through different towns.

Philip is one of the early followers of Jesus, and this verse comes after he has just baptized an Ethiopian man on a desert road. Instead of staying in one place, Philip is described as moving from city to city—beginning at Azotus (an ancient Philistine city) and ending up in Caesarea, a major port city. The focus is on Philip’s active role in spreading the Christian message throughout the region.

The Greek behind Acts 8:40

  • Ἀζῶτος (Azōtos): This is the Greek name for Azotus, known in the Old Testament as Ashdod, an important city on the Mediterranean coast. Mentioning Azotus roots the story in a real, historical location and shows the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem.
  • εὐηγγελίζετο (euēngelizeto): This word, often translated as "preached" or "brought good news," carries the sense of sharing or proclaiming the message about Jesus. It emphasizes that Philip’s activity was not just travel, but intentional communication of the gospel.
  • πόλεις (poleis): This is the plural for "cities," indicating that Philip’s preaching was not limited to one place but happened in every city along his route. The verse paints a picture of a wide, ongoing outreach rather than a single event.

Why Acts 8:40 matters

  • Acts 8:40 shows that Philip’s ministry was not an isolated event but part of a larger movement, as he continued to share the gospel in multiple cities, demonstrating the early church’s outward focus.
  • The mention of real locations like Azotus and Caesarea grounds the story in geography, helping readers see the spread of Christianity across diverse regions and peoples.
  • This verse connects the story of Philip with later events in Acts, since Caesarea becomes an important setting for other key figures, including Peter and Paul.

Where else these words appear

“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 11:11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
  • 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.

“passing” Greek G1330 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
  • Acts 15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

“preached” Greek G2097 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
  • Acts 11:20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?