Philip and the Ethiopian
Notes
Transcript
The Gospel is for Everyone: Breaking Barriers
The Gospel is for Everyone: Breaking Barriers
Do you ever feel like something is not your job?
Has a passage of the Bible prompted a change in your life?
Do we baptise people too quickly?
An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip: “Get up and go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is the desert road.)
So he got up and went. There was an Ethiopian man, a eunuch and high official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to worship in Jerusalem and was sitting in his chariot on his way home, reading the prophet Isaiah aloud.
The Spirit told Philip, “Go and join that chariot.”
When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you’re reading?”
“How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the Scripture passage he was reading was this:
He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb is silent before its shearer,
so he does not open his mouth.
In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who will describe his generation?
For his life is taken from the earth.
No foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord
should say,
“The Lord will exclude me from his people,”
and the eunuch should not say,
“Look, I am a dried-up tree.”
For the Lord says this:
“For the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
and choose what pleases me,
and hold firmly to my covenant,
I will give them, in my house and within my walls,
a memorial and a name
better than sons and daughters.
I will give each of them an everlasting name
that will never be cut off.
As for the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord
to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord,
and to become his servants—
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold firmly to my covenant—
I will bring them to my holy mountain
and let them rejoice in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be acceptable on my altar,
for my house will be called a house of prayer
for all nations.”
This is the declaration of the Lord God,
who gathers the dispersed of Israel:
“I will gather to them still others
besides those already gathered.”
The eunuch said to Philip, “I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about—himself or someone else?” Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning with that Scripture.
As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized?” So he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer but went on his way rejoicing. Philip appeared in Azotus, and he was traveling and preaching the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Bible Passage: Ac 8:25–40
Bible Passage: Ac 8:25–40
Summary: In Acts 8:25–40, Philip encounters the Ethiopian eunuch, demonstrating how the Gospel transcends cultural, geographic, and social barriers. This passage highlights God's inclusivity, as the eunuch, an outsider, is welcomed into the family of God through faith.
Application: This sermon can help Christians embrace inclusivity in their communities, encouraging them to reach out beyond their comfort zones to share the Gospel with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. It can inspire hope in individuals who feel marginalized or unworthy of God's love, showing that the Gospel is available to all, regardless of their past or position.
Teaching: The sermon teaches that the Gospel is not just for a select few but is a message of salvation available to everyone. It prompts believers to reconsider whom they see as deserving of God's grace and challenges them to actively seek to bring the message of Christ to all people, regardless of their status in society.
How this passage could point to Christ: This passage connects to the broader narrative of Scripture by showcasing Jesus' universal mission. It reflects the prophetic vision of Isaiah 56, where God promises that His house will be a house of prayer for all nations, and points towards the commissioning of the disciples to go and make all nations His disciples (Matthew 28:19).
Big Idea: The Gospel breaks down barriers and is meant for everyone, inviting all to partake in God's grace and salvation.
Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the cultural context of the Ethiopian eunuch and the significance of his background. The Logos library is a great resource for examining commentaries on Acts that delve into Philip's evangelistic strategy and the inclusivity of the early church. You might also want to explore theological works on the nature of the Gospel as a universal message, focusing on how it speaks to contemporary societal divisions.
1. Prompting by the Spirit
1. Prompting by the Spirit
Ac 8:26-29
You could explore how God's Spirit directs Philip to intersect with the Ethiopian eunuch, symbolizing divine orchestration in spreading the Gospel. This passage encourages believers to be receptive to God's guidance in reaching out to diverse people groups, reflecting Jesus' desire for all to hear and receive His message. Emphasize the importance of being sensitive to the Spirit's leading, highlighting that every person is a potential recipient of God's love.
2. Proclaiming through Scripture
2. Proclaiming through Scripture
Ac 8:30-35
Perhaps focus on Philip's approach to the Ethiopian—starting with the Scriptures he was reading and explaining how they point to Jesus. This demonstrates the power of using the Word to break down barriers and reveal Christ's universal offer of salvation. Challenge your audience to use the Bible as a bridge for sharing the Gospel, ensuring that every encounter with others is an opportunity to connect them with Christ's story.
3. Public Belief and Baptism
3. Public Belief and Baptism
Ac 8:36-40
Maybe highlight the eunuch's immediate response of faith and baptism, underscoring that no cultural or social barrier can hinder someone from accepting Christ. Examine how this mirrors the inclusive nature of the Gospel, available to all who believe, regardless of background. Encourage your congregation to celebrate diversity within the church and to support new believers as they begin their journey with Christ.
The Great Invitation: Everyone is Welcome
The Great Invitation: Everyone is Welcome
Bible Passage: Ac 8:25–40
Bible Passage: Ac 8:25–40
Summary: Acts 8:25–40 narrates the encounter of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, revealing the expansive nature of the Gospel invitation. This event illustrates that salvation is not confined to any particular group but is accessible to all people, including those who may feel excluded or distant from God's promise. Philip's obedience to God’s command underscores the necessity of believers in sharing this good news with everyone they meet, regardless of social standing.
Application: This sermon serves to encourage Christians to actively engage with those whom they might typically overlook, fostering a culture of welcome and acceptance within the church. It can inspire listeners to become conduits of God's grace, extending invitations to the marginalized and showcasing God's love for all. It also reassures those who feel unworthy or separated from God that they are indeed invited into His family.
Teaching: The teaching emphasizes the radical inclusivity of the Gospel. It explains how God actively seeks out those who are lost and desires for everyone—irrespective of their background or past—to come to know Him and experience salvation. It steers the audience towards understanding their role in making the Gospel accessible to all, reflecting God’s heart for every nation and every individual.
How this passage could point to Christ: This passage connects to the broader biblical narrative by showcasing God's relentless desire to redeem humanity through Christ, reinforcing the truth that salvation is for all. It aligns with prophecies about the Gentiles coming to know the Lord, such as found in Isaiah and the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, illustrating the global nature of the Gospel mission.
Big Idea: The Gospel is a divine invitation extended to all people, breaking down barriers and welcoming everyone into God's family.
Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, you might find it beneficial to focus on the exegetical elements surrounding the cultural implications of the Ethiopian eunuch's conversion. Utilize your Logos library to explore commentaries on Acts that discuss the significance of Philip's engagement with the eunuch and the implications for ministry today. Intersection studies that look at the socio-historical context of both Philip and the eunuch could also enrich your insights on making the Gospel relevant for diverse audiences.
1. Philip's Prompted Path
1. Philip's Prompted Path
Acts 8:25-29
Perhaps you could begin by highlighting Philip's immediate obedience to the Spirit's call to journey on an unexpected path. This illustrates our openness and readiness to engage with God's direction, even if it leads outside our comfort zone. Applying this, encourage listeners to be attentive to God's promptings to reach out to others with the gospel, wherever they might find themselves.
2. Eager Inquiry Encountered
2. Eager Inquiry Encountered
Acts 8:30-35
You could focus on the eagerness of the Ethiopian eunuch and Philip's readiness to explain the Scriptures to him. This reflects Christ's own mission of revealing His truth to all who earnestly seek it. Maybe remind the audience that God uses our willingness to study and share His word as a tool for guiding seekers to Him. Encourage them to engage with and mentor those seeking truth.
3. Eunuch's Exhilarating Embrace
3. Eunuch's Exhilarating Embrace
Acts 8:36-40
Perhaps you could conclude with the joyful baptism of the eunuch as a sign of the Gospel's inclusive power and transformative effect. This signifies Christ's work in breaking every barrier to bring new life. Assure your church that just as the eunuch rejoiced, we too can celebrate new believers, embracing them as equals within God’s family.
At work, you might notice a colleague who sits alone during lunch breaks. This can reflect loneliness or a lack of community. You can make a point to invite them to join your group next time—this simple act can create a lasting friendship. By including them, you not only fulfill the biblical call to love others but also build a stronger, more united work environment. Consider reaching out for coffee or asking about their interests, showing them they are seen and valued in your workplace.
In your church community, someone new might be attending services, sitting quietly in the back pews. It can be easy to overlook them, but this is a great opportunity for you to step out of your comfort zone. Approach them after the service, introduce yourself, and ask about their experience. Offer to sit with them next time. Taking the time to connect can show them the love of Christ, making them feel welcome and part of the church family. Remember, small gestures can change someone's church journey.
During community events, have you noticed those who stand on the periphery instead of engaging? This could be due to shyness or previous experiences. Reach out to someone who seems left out; ask them about their day or what brought them to the event. You might even invite them to join your group to create a more inclusive atmosphere. By actively inviting others into conversations, you’re not just helping them feel included—you are demonstrating Christ’s love in action, promoting a sense of belonging in your local community.
If you are managing a team, reflect on how you interact with each member. Are there individuals you overlook because they are quiet or not as outspoken? Schedule one-on-one meetings to connect with them personally. Ask about their goals, ideas, and concerns regarding work. This not only shows that you value their input but also builds trust and encourages them to express themselves more freely. Creating an environment where everyone feels heard can lead to greater collaboration, ultimately benefiting the entire team.
In your church, you might notice a lack of engagement from certain groups, such as younger adults or families. To bridge this gap, consider hosting a potluck or an informal gathering designed to attract these groups. Create a space where they feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Invite them to share their ideas for outreach or programs they’d like to see. Engaging them actively fosters relationships and empowers them to contribute their unique gifts, all while strengthening the entire body of Christ within your congregation.
