And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

ACTS 8:6KJV
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Acts 8:6 (KJV)

What does Acts 8:6 mean?

Acts 8:6 describes how a crowd of people listened closely and paid attention to Philip because they both heard what he was saying and saw the miracles he performed. The people were united in their response, drawn in by both his words and the powerful signs happening among them.

Philip, one of the early Christian leaders, was speaking to people in Samaria after fleeing persecution in Jerusalem. The verse highlights that the crowd's interest was not just in Philip’s message but also in the remarkable acts—miracles—that confirmed what he was saying. This sets the stage for understanding why so many Samaritans responded positively to his preaching.

The Greek behind Acts 8:6

  • The word for “with one accord” is ὁμοθυμαδόν (homothymadon), which means being of one mind or purpose. This shows the crowd was united, not just individually interested but collectively focused on Philip.
  • The word for “gave heed” is προσεῖχον (proseichon), which means to pay close attention or devote oneself to something. This suggests the people were not just casually listening but were seriously considering what Philip said.
  • The word for “miracles” is σημεῖα (sēmeia), which refers to signs or wonders. In this context, it means acts that point to a deeper spiritual reality, not just impressive tricks.

Why Acts 8:6 matters

  • Acts 8:6 clears up that the crowd’s response was not only due to persuasive speech but also because of visible, supernatural events, showing the importance of both message and action in early Christian witness.
  • The verse emphasizes the unity of the people’s reaction, suggesting a significant moment of collective openness among the Samaritans, who were often seen as outsiders by Jews.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing how the gospel began to spread beyond Jerusalem, marking a key moment in the early Christian movement’s expansion.

Where else these words appear

“accord” Greek G3661 · used in 12 verses

  • Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
  • Acts 4:24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
  • Acts 15:25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

“heed” Greek G4337 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
  • 1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

“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 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

“miracles” Greek G4592 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
  • Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
  • Acts 4:22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.