When they believed translates a verb tense expressing so-called “point action,” as opposed to the linear or continuous action of the verb tenses in verses 6 and 10, paid close attention to.

Philip’s message may have the meaning “as Philip was preaching” (see Revised Standard Version, Phillips) or “what Philip was preaching” (see Jerusalem Bible “they believed Philip’s preaching,” Barclay “believe the Good News which Philip was bringing”).

On the Kingdom of God see 1.3; and on the name of Jesus see 3.6.

To preach the Good News about the name of Jesus Christ would mean “to preach the Good News about Jesus Christ,” and in the present context specifically the Good News that Jesus was the Messiah.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .