Story of the Ethiopian: Acts 8:27-40
“27) So he got up and went; and there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28) and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29) Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” 30) Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 32) And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” Acts 8:27-31
We now have the story of the gospel going to the ends of the earth. The Ethiopian eunuch represented an open door to Africa. There are some tremendous insights to be gleaned from this story.
First, he was already seeking God. The Ethiopian official had been in Jerusalem to worship.
Second, he was a man of influence. He was an official in the court of the queen. God often saves kings and queens and those in high places to enhance the spread of the gospel.
Third, he was reading from a scroll of the book of Isaiah. He had access to the Word of God. He was reading out loud. He was an educated man. Making the Bible available to people is important to evangelism.
Forth, the Holy Spirit led Philip to the chariot at a providential time. The text in Isaiah related to the work of Jesus Christ as the lamb of God. Always be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in evangelism and use the Word of God to explain the gospel.
Fifth, it is likely that while in Jerusalem, the Ethiopian eunuch had heard numerous stories about Jesus Christ and His crucifixion and resurrection. Philip was joining the evangelism story already in progress. Take time to find out where people are in the decision making process.
Sixth, God always uses believers in the evangelism story. Some argue that Saul was an exception to this rule. I point out that he was present to hear the whole message of Stephen before he was stoned and most likely had many others whom he persecuted testify to him about Jesus Christ as well. He was also a student of the Old Testament. God had planted many seeds in his life.
Seventh, personal faith in Jesus Christ came before water baptism. When the Ethiopian said, “What prevents me from being baptized?” Philip replied; “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” Salvation is based on personal faith in Jesus Christ.
Finally, after Philip had been snatched away, the Ethiopian went on his way rejoicing. Jesus Christ had reached, changed, filled and completed him. He was a different man.
The Story of the Ethiopian eunuch was included in the book of Acts to record the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria. Jesus died on the cross to reach the whole world with the good news. (Read John 3:16-17) The Great Commission is our core mission until Jesus returns.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
