Joyful Moments in Christ

As the disciples are scattered beyond Jerusalem and into the wider world, the Holy Spirit continues to show up. In Acts 8:26-40, the Holy Spirit commands Philip to follow the desert road to Gaza where he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch who is facing difficulty as he attempts to study the scriptures.

A Need for a Guide

In Acts 8:26-31 we learn about Philip, an Ethiopian eunuch, and an angel of the Lord.

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. 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 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 

Acts 8:26-31 (ESV)

In our last study we learned about Philip in Acts 8:4-25. After the stoning of Stephen, Saul began to ravage the church. As a result Philip and many of the other disciples were forced to flee into Samaria. While there, the Holy Spirit gave him powers of healing which amazed the people and caused many people to become Christians.

Discussion Question #1: Have you ever witnessed or personally gone through a significant moment, possibly sparked by difficult times, where the result was preaching of the gospel message that resulted in someone choosing to follow Christ?

After this exciting transformation of an entire city, an angel of the Lord directs Philip in a new direction: towards Gaza. The Holy Spirit knows who needs help and who is available to help, so in this case the Holy Spirit sent an angel to intervene. Philip does as instructed and has an interesting conversation with an Ethiopian eunuch.

Discussion Question #2: Why do you think the Eunuch was reading the scriptures if he doesn’t believe that he will be able to understand them? What is his solution?

Sharing the Gospel Message

Isn’t it remarkable how God orchestrates circumstances to meet our needs precisely when we need them?

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.
In his humiliation justice was denied him.
    Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”

And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

Acts 8:32-35 (ESV)

In this instance, the eunuch’s thirst for understanding led him to Jesus, and God used Philip to quench it. Was it mere coincidence or divine design that he happened to be reading Isaiah 53 when Philip arrived? Acts 8:26 tells us that it was divine providence. Many of us can attest that seemingly random occurrences often reveal God’s plan unfolding in our lives.

The eunuch’s insightful question serves as a strategic entry point for Philip to share the gospel message effortlessly. I yearn for such clarity and simplicity in my own conversations about faith!

Discussion Question #3: Explore the eunuch’s question about the identity of the figure described in Isaiah (“About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?”). How does Philip’s answer connect the Old Testament prophecies with Jesus?

Discussion Question #4: Can you recall a moment when either you shared the gospel message with someone or someone shared it with you? What prompted that exchange?

Discussion Question #5: Have you ever encountered a seemingly inexplicable coincidence that later proved to be part of a greater plan or purpose? How did it impact your faith or perspective?

A Baptism

After hearing the gospel message, the eunuch’s immediate desire for baptism upon encountering water is truly inspiring.

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?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

Acts 8:36-38 (ESV)

As I reflect on this scene, I find myself longing for such a responsive and decisive attitude in those I share the gospel with. I often wonder why some individuals hesitate or waver in their decision to embrace Christianity. Why aren’t there more conversions characterized by such immediacy and certainty?

Discussion Question #6: Why do you think the eunuch decided to be baptized so immediately? Consider factors such as his receptiveness to the gospel message, the prompting of the Holy Spirit, or his deep longing for spiritual fulfillment.

Perhaps the key lies in the eunuch’s background. It’s plausible that his familiarity with Old Testament scriptures, evidenced by his solitary reading, provided a solid foundation for grasping the gospel message. Philip’s explanation may have simply catalyzed the eunuch’s decision to commit to Christ. Alternatively, it’s conceivable that the Holy Spirit swiftly prompted a transformation of heart within him.

Discussion Question #7: If you are a Christian, share your baptism story. If you are not a Christian or have not been baptized, share what is preventing you from taking this step. Reflect on the significance of baptism in your spiritual journey and any barriers you may have encountered.

In our contemporary context, knowledge often becomes a stumbling block for individuals considering faith. While intellectual exploration is valued, it can sometimes hinder people from wholeheartedly embracing Jesus. In such cases, resources like apologetic books prove invaluable. Personally, I recommend titles such as:

• The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
• The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel
• The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Tim Keller

For those who follow my blog, you will know that I strongly advocate for the compatibility of faith and reason. I firmly believe that embracing God does not necessitate abandoning scientific inquiry. If you are interested, I invite you to explore some of my writings on this topic!

Discussion Question #8: What do you think some of the major barriers are to believing the gospel message and making a decision for Christ? How can we alleviate these concerns? Discuss strategies for addressing doubts and fostering a more receptive attitude towards faith.

A Strange Ending

As soon as the eunuch was baptized, something very strange occurred:

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. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

Acts 8:39-40 (ESV)

In these verses, it appears that the Holy Spirit performed some Star Trek style teleportation! I’m not quite sure what I would have done if I were either Philip or the eunuch, but it is very fascinating to ponder the incredible capabilities of the Holy Spirit. I can only imagine the astonishment and wonder experienced by both Philip and the eunuch in that moment.

In any case, the eunuch departed, pleased with his newfound knowledge of Jesus, while Philip was relocated to a new ministry location.

Discussion Question #9: Have you ever witnessed a strange occurrence that shouldn’t be possible? Reflect on any experiences you have had where you have sensed the supernatural or witnessed divine intervention in unexpected ways. How did it impact your faith or perspective?

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English Standard Version (ESV): Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.