ETB Acts 8:26-39
Cedric Chafee
ETB Summer 2024 • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Session 9 - p.82 - Baptizing
Being immersed in water and brought back up again does not save anyone, but baptism is a vital first step of obedience in the life of every believer. To believers, it declares that the one being baptized is publicly identifying as a brother or sister to all other Christians around the world. To non-believers, baptism proclaims that this person has died to sin and has been raised to walk a new life in Christ. [LifeWay Adults (2024). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Spring 2024]
I wonder though now that most baptisms seem to take place on church grounds, in a sanctuary setting, during or in conjunction with a full service, how many non-believers really see these acts of obedience?
Ask: Other than baptism, in what ways do you publicly identify with Christ? (PSG, p. 82)
Understand the Context
Understand the Context
Acts 1:8 “8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””
Up until today’s lesson all the events took place in and around Jerusalem. Chapters 8-12 the second part of the outline. Immediately after the stoning of Stephen in Chapter 7 we read.
Acts 8:1 “1 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.”
Acts 8:4–5 “4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip [not the apostle] went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.”
Like Stephen, Philip also did signs and cast out demons. Eventually Peter and John join him in the area and preached to more towns on their way back to Jerusalem. It is during this time that the Acts account returns to the story of Philip for today’s passage.
Explore the Text
Explore the Text
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”
Angel of the Lord
This messenger may have been visible or only audible, the one who sent the message is stated down in verse 29 - The Spirit. God was using this being to communicate to Philip but it did not lessen the authority of the message. Philip, and Luke recording this later, understood the Author of the message. Even the means of communication seems to change through the passage it really does not. If the angel was visible, it was only Philip that saw him.
Ask: How do people know when the Holy Spirit is directing them to act? Why is it so important to develop our knowledge of God’s Word as we seek God’s will? (PSG, p. 85)
This angel being sent was a confirmation of Philip’s ministry. Have you ever being studying a passage and had questions about it only to hear your pastor answer your question? In Revelation the word for angel is equated to the pastors of the 7 churches. Today God’s “messengers” sometimes speak from the pulpit and sometimes from beside you in bed at night. He can use anyone and anything to speak to you if you are willing to listen. Which another thing to note, God does not send messengers to those who will not listen. Philip listened and acted upon what he heard.
Rise and go toward the south
There is an apparent translation discrepancy with this phrase. The more common we have in our books but it could be rendered as a timing indication of “about noon.” This would not change the story or the context.
We also have one of those rare times that the directions listed in the verse align with modern western map reading in that “down from Jerusalem” is typically an elevation statement and not a direction but here it is both. This is probably why the previous phrase is rendered “to the south” since in biblical context all roads go “down from Jerusalem.”
Believer’s Bible Commentary B. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (8:26–40)
It is not clear whether the words, “This is desert” refer to the route or to Gaza itself. However, the effect is the same: Philip left a place of habitation and spiritual fertility for a barren area.
And he rose and went
Rose from what? Most suggest he was in prayer when the angel came and spoke to him.
Luke highlights the immediacy of Philip taking action to do the Lord’s command, although the action itself probably took more than a day. This fact is probably why many do not think the earlier phrase refers to a time because the travelling from Jerusalem to the stretch of road would take at least one day to make, not including any preparations or other delays.
Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 8
Please note that the Lord didn’t say why He was sending Philip to the desert. He simply said, “Arise and go.” And Philip arose and went. If you struggle with finding God’s will, know this: God’s will is for you to obey what He tells you to do one step at a time. He doesn’t give us the full story. He just says, “I want you to go down to the desert. And once you do that, I’ll show you the next step.” That’s why the Christian life is so incredibly exciting. We never know what’s ahead.
Ethiopian, a eunuch
A person from a region close to modern Ethiopia but the probably farther north in today’s Northern Sudan.
Maybe comparable to Joseph when he was 2nd in command of Egypt, but there was something significantly different.
Luke does not say man, but eunuch. This lets us know his physical body has be altered either by another or accidentally in a way that would prevent them from being able to enter the Temple area even if they were a devout Jew. (Deut 23:1)
From Luke’s description we can surmise that this person has been well educated up to at least the standards required for royal service. We can also deduce that they were exceptionally gifted in mathematics or economics for the position held over the royal treasury. There is a significant level of trust placed on them as they are allowed to travel great distances and freedom in religious practices. There may also be a significant level of personal wealth available for they are using a chariot - which would require horses and a driver - and a copy of Isaiah meaning they have other “books” as well and a means to store them. Each of these things point to a person open to the possibilities of new ideas and a willingness to learn from others for either personal or skillful improvement.
Also note Luke does not call this person a Gentile, so he may have been a Jew taken into captivity and now serving foreign royalty. Daniel, Ezra, & Esther were similarly thrust into positions of service and rose to great authority. This may have been part of the reason for his return to Jerusalem.
He had come to Jerusalem to worship
Maybe as a displaced Jew, but if not, the Psalmist had long ago said the people would be drawn to the Lord from all nations. This official could be fulfilling one of those prophecies.
Psalm 68:31 “31 Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God.”
He may not have been allowed into the Temple grounds, but he still believed in God enough to make the trip and participate as best as he could. That speaks a lot about his faith even before accepting Christ.
Of course, the inclusion of non-Israelites in God’s kingdom was always part of His plan. From the call of Abram, God’s heart for the nations is clear. Through Philip, He gave this man a chance to experience a new relationship with Him—not in a temple, but on a desert road. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]
and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading
This phrasing tells us that for whatever festival or event he had come for it was over and now he was now heading back south to his own country. Prepared for a long journey and being able to sit for it again points to his higher status than most. Being able to read while letting the miles pass by would be quite delightful to me, but I’m usually driving.
His choice of reading material also suggests a person who is not deterred by difficult thoughts or text. Prophetic books are not exactly “pleasure reading.”
Spirit said to Philip
God continues to speak to Philip either directly or through the unseen messenger. This time, however, Philip is probably not kneeling or prone in prayer.
Again, Luke’s account highlights Philip’s immediate response and “runs” over to the chariot.
Transition: The Ethiopian was religious and educated. He also had a powerful position. But God knew he needed something more, and He sent Philip to share that truth with him.
30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” 34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.
Ask: Do you think that people still turn to the Bible for answers to life questions? Why?
heard him reading Isaiah
The MacArthur Bible Commentary B. The Conversion of a Gentile (8:26–40)
He knew the importance of seeking God through the Scripture (Luke 24:25–27; John 5:39, 46; Rom. 10:12–15)
Supposedly when reading something not in a native language, by reading it aloud it is easier to understand. I’m not that linguistically talented to know if that is true or not. Because the “book” was probably the Greek text of the Old Testament, Philip and the eunuch had a common language in which they could at least communicate. As Philip heard the words, he may have asked his question in the same language. Whatever language it was, Philip recognized the text and recognized the description of his Savior right away.
What a great conversation starter. Because we have God’s Word written down, almost any book can be used as a segue toward Scripture.
What are you reading? That sounds like a fiction/non-fiction book. Do you read much non-fiction? Would you consider the Bible a fiction or non-fiction book? How much of it have you personally read?
This would lead to a version of the same question that Philip asked, “Did you understand what you read?”
How can I, unless someone guides me?
What an honest and enlightened response! He admits that it is difficult, but not impossible to understand and is willing to have someone who may be more knowledgeable help him grasp the meaning. This teachable attitude is what we need every time we open God’s word.
he invited Philip to come up and sit with him
The angel/Spirit must have prompted the eunuch into doing this. Why would he expect someone who his just “running along” the road to know about this Hebrew text he is reading? The royal official also opening his chariot/coach up for this common person to come in.
Not many people riding in limos today would invite someone on the sidewalk to join them.
the Scripture that he was reading
These passages scream Jesus.
If he had the entire book of Isaiah, then he would also have Chapter 56.
Isaiah 56:3–5 “3 Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord say, “The Lord will surely separate me from his people”; and let not the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” 4 For thus says the Lord: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant, 5 I will give in my house and within my walls a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.”
Why would this passage and the passage Philip heard be so important to this official?
Neither he, nor Christ, would ever have earthly children but if he can be “adopted” into God’s family, then the eunuch could do the same as well. Great hope comes from Christ to all who accept Him, for He accepted and adopts all men, regardless of body prowess or deformity, that yield their hearts and minds.
I ask you
The eunuch understands enough about prophecy that he knows the subject could be either, but the passage significance can change greatly depending on the answer. It is also the perfect question for someone to use these verses to guide them towards the Savior.
Philip opened his mouth
Luke used the same wording of for the healing of the mute man by Jesus
Luke 1:64 “64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God.”
The idea is that Philip did not even have to think about what he was going to say, God’s providence had set the stage, the Spirit had set the context, now the words would just flow out.
With the Spirit opening the door, Philip told the man about the gospel using the Scriptures that he had been reading. Philip demonstrated two other keys to effective witnessing. First, he met the man where he was, building on the eunuch’s knowledge of God and the Bible. Second, Philip had a solid knowledge of the Scriptures himself. By reading and studying the Bible regularly, we will build a wealth of biblical knowledge and wisdom to share. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]
Ask: Why is it important to point to the Bible when sharing with someone about Jesus? How did the Bible influence you to trust Christ as Savior? (PSG, p. 87)
Relying on Scripture ensures that we are sharing truth, while also demonstrating that our beliefs do not come from our own imaginations. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]
Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 8
Philip preached not Judaism, not denominationalism, not water baptism, but Jesus.
Transition: Philip’s example reminds us that when we rely on God’s Spirit to lead us and use God’s Word as the foundation of our witness, we will be more effective in sharing the gospel. While some will resist or reject our message, others will respond positively.
36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.
they came to some water
More of God’s providence. Remember what kind of road Luke described this as? To come upon an oasis just after hearing and believing the gospel message is not coincidence. I am of the opinion that if it had taken the Ethiopian a little longer to accept the gospel and they had already passed the oasis, he would have gone back to it.
If your Bible is like mine or the quarterly, the verses appear to be misnumbered as they go from 36 to 38.
Some manuscripts add all or most of verse 37: And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”11 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016. Print.
The first readers of Luke’s account apparently understood that the baptism was a reflection of the heart change that had already taken place. However, as false teaching became more prevalent, this text was added in some later manuscripts.
and he baptized him
Philip was a disciple that had been approved more than once now by the apostles. His ministry in Samaria was expanded by Peter and John. He would not have baptized someone flippantly or just to “add numbers.” The way we read this text in Luke we often think that it was just these two men, but there was a whole caravan of witnesses.
Being baptized is a visible public witness of the internal change that Christ has done. In our culture it may cause some social or reputation stress. In other parts of the world, and maybe even for this eunuch, it is a life-threatening event.
“When you hear “persecuted Christians,” what comes to mind? In some places, it means Christians face imprisonment or pressure to recant their faith. In Nigeria, it could mean death.
Nigeria is at the epicenter of targeted violence against the church due to Islamic oppression, organized corruption and crime. Still, an estimated 48% of Nigeria’s population is Christian.
Christianity wants to flourish, and OneHope is committed to seeing that happen despite the risk. Its church partners are looking to provide God’s Word to 250,000 children and youth. Partner with OneHope to shine light in the darkest of places.” July 24th, 2024 Pour Over, LLC PO Box 665 Tiffin, IA 52340, United States of America
the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away
Luke used words that would remind his Jewish readers of the story of Elijah and Ezekiel’s prophecies. Whether supernaturally or not, Philip and the Ethiopian parted company. Philip ends up in Azotus, probably the OT city of Ashdod while the eunuch continued on this journey to his home.
The MacArthur Bible Commentary B. The Conversion of a Gentile (8:26–40)
This was a powerful confirmation to the caravan that Philip was God’s representative.
went on his way rejoicing
Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 8
The eunuch’s journey from confusion to joy displays the Spirit’s transforming power. Both the Gospel of Luke and Acts often emphasize this characteristic in the lives of believers (e.g., Luke 1:14; 24:52; Acts 5:41).
At the beginning of the passage, he was confused about what Scripture could mean, now he knows and it makes him rejoice. Present active verb too so this is a continued action and infers rejoicing all the way back to Sudan/Ethiopia.
as he passed through he preached
Philip started in Jerusalem, then through Samaria (to the north), down to Gaza to meet this Ethiopian, and now back on the coast in Azotus, or Ashdod, starting his way back north to Caesarea. We find him again in this town later so it may have been his hometown before coming to Christ. Regardless, Philip’s ministry was mostly outside of Jerusalem, and he fulfilled Christ’s synopsis of the ministry to take the gospel to “Judea and Samaria” and the Ethiopian will take it further to the “ends of the earth.” Quite an impact of one man, not an apostle, but very committed and in tune with God’s prompting and work being done around him.
Apply the Text
Apply the Text
Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 8
In your walk with the Lord and your work for the Lord, like Philip, you will go through different seasons. There will be times when you’ll wait tables and minister practically. There will be other times when the Lord might use you to speak to multitudes as you minister publicly. Other times, you will work one on one as you minister personally. Still other times, you’ll invest in your kids as you minister to your family. To everything there is a time and a purpose. Trust the Lord. Go with the flow. Walk with Him one step at a time, and He’ll lead you in paths you could never imagine. Just ask Philip!
