Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Acts - Chapter 8 - Verse 10

8:10
To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

Meaning

In this verse, the people are acknowledging the great power of God manifested through a particular man. The phrase "To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest" emphasizes that everyone, regardless of status or rank, was paying attention to this man and recognizing the divine power at work within him. The phrase "This man is the great power of God" indicates that the people believed that this man was a vessel through which God's power was being displayed. This recognition highlights the impact and influence that the man had on the community, as well as the faith and reverence that the people had for him. It also speaks to the belief in the supernatural and the presence of miracles that were often attributed to individuals who were seen as chosen by God. Overall, this verse underscores the awe and respect that the people held for the man and the power of God working through him.

Theological Overview

When looking at the theological interpretation of Acts 8:10, the phrase "This man is the great power of God" speaks to the belief of the people in Simon the sorcerer's abilities as legitimate manifestations of divine power. The people, both small and large, recognized Simon as a great spiritual force. This verse shows the danger of being deceived by signs and wonders that may seem impressive but are not of God. It serves as a cautionary tale for believers to discern between true and false manifestations of power. The word "power" in this verse comes from the Greek word "dynamis," which refers to extraordinary power and miracles. This highlights the mystical allure Simon had over the people, demonstrating the seductive nature of false prophets and their ability to lead people astray. Overall, Acts 8:10 reminds us of the importance of testing spirits and relying on discernment guided by the Holy Spirit to avoid falling into deception.

American Standard Version

to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is that power of God which is called Great.
Previous VerseNext Verse