Ethiopian Eunuch Evangelized by Philip

Acts 8:26–40
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

This portion of Scripture shows the importance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading to be in the right place, at the right time. Philip who was engaged in a very successful evangelistic work in Samaria, was prompted by the Spirit of God to interrupt this ministry and go to the Gaza Road (v.26). Gaza was a fortress city on the road from Jerusalem to Egypt. Traveling on this road was an official of the Queen of Ethiopia whom we know as the Ethiopian Eunuch. He was the chancellor of the queen of Candace. Candace is not so much a proper name as a title, the title which all the queens of Ethiopia bore. This man had traveled over 200 miles, having been to Jerusalem to worship and was on his way home (vv. 26-28). He possibly came from the area of Africa we now call the Sudan, near present-day Khartoum.

When Philip, the evangelist, spotted the Ethiopian reading the Scripture he obeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit (vv. 29-35). He boldly ran over to his chariot and asked if he understood what he was reading. God had already prepared his heart, as he was reading in Isaiah 53:7-8. He soon understood God’s plan of salvation, believed on Jesus Christ, and was born again. Philip apparently also instructed him concerning baptism, for as soon as they saw water the Ethiopian requested baptism (vv. 36-40). 

Christian baptism was by immersion, and in running water. It symbolized three things. (1) It symbolized cleansing. As a man’s body was cleansed by the water, so his soul was bathed in the grace of Christ. (2) It marked a clean break. At the moment of baptism, a line was drawn in their lives which sent them out to a new world. (3) Baptism was a real union with Christ. As the waters close over a man’s head it symbolized his death with Christ, and as he emerges, he rises with Christ (Romans 6:1-4).

Application

This Ethiopian represents many people today who are religious, read the Scriptures, and even seek the truth, but still need to be evangelized. They need someone to show them the way. Lord, help me to be looking for people in this condition today, and help me to show them the way.