Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Philip was found--that is, "found himself," "made his appearance": an expression confirming the miraculous manner of his transportation.
at Azotus--the ancient Ashdod.
preached in all the cities--along the coast, proceeding northward.
till he came to Cæsarea--fifty-five miles northwest of Jerusalem, on the Mediterranean, just south of Mount Carmel; and so named by Herod, who rebuilt it, in honor of Cæsar Augustus. Henceforth we lose sight of zealous and honored Philip, as by and by we shall lose sight even of Peter. As the chariot of the Gospel rolls on, other agents are raised up, each suited to his work. But "he that soweth and he that reapeth shall rejoice together." (See on John 4:31-38).
the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip--To deny [as MEYER, OLSHAUSEN, BLOOMFIELD] the miraculous nature of Philip's disappearance, is vain. It stands out on the face of the words, as just a repetition of what we read of the ancient prophets, in 1 Kings 18:12; 2 Kings 2:16. And the same word (as BENGEL remarks) is employed to express a similar idea in 2 Corinthians 12:2, 2 Corinthians 12:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
the eunuch saw him no more--nor, perhaps, for very joy, cared to see him [BENGEL].
and he went on his way rejoicing--He had found Christ, and the key to the Scriptures; his soul was set free, and his discipleship sealed; he had lost his teacher, but gained what was infinitely better: He felt himself a new man, and "his joy was full." Tradition says he was the first preacher of the Gospel in Ethiopia; and how, indeed, could he choose but "tell what the Lord had done for his soul?" Yet there is no certainty as to any historical connection between his labors and the introduction of Christianity into that country.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Isaiah 20:1
Acts 8:26-28
Acts 9:30
Acts 10:1-2
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