τῇ δὲ ἐπαύριον ἐξελθόντες ἤλθομεν εἰς Καισάρειαν, καὶ εἰσελθόντες εἰς τὸν οἶκον Φιλίππου τοῦ εὐαγγελιστοῦ, ὄντος ἐκ τῶν ἑπτὰ, ἐμείναμεν παρ’ αὐτῷ.
(Acts 21:8)
From Departure to Hospitality: A Journey in Greek Grammar
This verse narrates a transition, not just of location, but of community and continuity in early church leadership. The Greek provides a rich lesson in temporal and circumstantial participles, embedded identity, and the use of historical present in narrative flow.
τῇ δὲ ἐπαύριον – And on the Next Day
- τῇ – definite article, dative singular feminine (modifying ἐπαύριον)
- ἐπαύριον – noun, dative singular, “next day” or “following day”
The phrase sets the temporal framework, a common device in Luke’s travel narrative.
ἐξελθόντες… ἤλθομεν – Having Gone Out… We Came
This combination illustrates aorist participle + main verb construction:
- ἐξελθόντες – aorist active participle, nominative masculine plural from ἐξέρχομαι, “having gone out”
- ἤλθομεν – aorist active indicative, 1st person plural from ἔρχομαι, “we came”
The participle expresses antecedent action: they left before they arrived. A neat case of Greek narrative sequencing.
εἰς Καισάρειαν – To Caesarea
A straightforward accusative of place destination. Caesarea here is the harbor city, not Philippi. Luke’s journey is clearly defined by geography, but also by strategic spiritual connections.
καὶ εἰσελθόντες… ἐμείναμεν – And Having Entered… We Stayed
- εἰσελθόντες – aorist active participle, nominative masculine plural from εἰσέρχομαι, “having entered”
- ἐμείναμεν – aorist active indicative, 1st person plural from μένω, “we remained / stayed”
This structure mirrors the earlier participle + verb pattern: action followed by result. Luke writes with fluid movement but deliberate stops—here, entering Philip’s home.
εἰς τὸν οἶκον Φιλίππου – Into the House of Philip
This phrase links the action to a named Christian leader, adding depth through a genitive noun phrase:
- οἶκον – accusative singular, “house”
- Φιλίππου – genitive singular, modifying “house,” meaning “house of Philip”
τοῦ εὐαγγελιστοῦ – The Evangelist
This substantival participle identifies Philip’s role. He is the only NT person called this explicitly.
- τοῦ εὐαγγελιστοῦ – genitive singular masculine, “of the evangelist”
The genitive continues the apposition to Philip, offering his ecclesial function—one who proclaims the good news.
ὄντος ἐκ τῶν ἑπτὰ – Being One of the Seven
This genitive absolute adds further identity:
- ὄντος – present participle, genitive singular of εἰμί, “being”
- ἐκ τῶν ἑπτὰ – “from the seven,” i.e., the seven deacons of Acts 6
It functions parenthetically: a background identifier, grounding Philip’s long-standing leadership.
παρ’ αὐτῷ – With Him
- παρά + dative indicates proximity or lodging with
- αὐτῷ – dative masculine singular, “with him” (Philip)
It reinforces the personal hospitality and apostolic fellowship.
Greek Grammar Flow Table
| Greek Phrase | Grammatical Role | Syntax Insight | Narrative Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| τῇ ἐπαύριον | Dative temporal phrase | Sets the narrative timing | Marks a new phase of the journey |
| ἐξελθόντες ἤλθομεν | Participle + main verb | Sequential travel description | Describes departure and arrival |
| εἰσελθόντες ἐμείναμεν | Participle + main verb | Entrance leading to lodging | Shows continuity of fellowship |
| ὄντος ἐκ τῶν ἑπτά | Genitive absolute | Adds identity to Philip | Connects him to early church leadership |
Where Grammar Meets Fellowship
Luke’s use of temporal cues, participial chaining, and backgrounding with genitive absolutes showcases more than just geography. It reveals a movement of the gospel intertwined with real people—like Philip—whose homes became sanctuaries for weary apostles.
The verse invites reflection: Does our syntax of life—our choices, our movement—make space for fellowship, memory, and gospel continuity like Philip’s house did?
