Acts 8:26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch = January 25

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40

Intro Questions

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• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• Why does the eunuch visit Jerusalem (see Acts 2:1-11)?
• Can you recount a “chance encounter” that somehow changed the course of your life?
• Do you believe God nudges his saints today? Explain. How does one distinguish a “divine prodding” from a “satanic urge”? 
• How does the Holy Spirit guide believers today?
• The eunuch was reading Isaiah 53. In what ways does Jesus fit the picture of the one described there? Imagine that you are Philip, explain how you would use these verses in Isaiah 53 to tell the good news about Jesus.
• How did God pave the way for his message? What is the relationship between divine preparation and human initiative in this story?
• So far, what has been the effect of Stephen’s death upon Phillip? Upon the church as a whole?
• List some justifications the Ethiopian would have had for rejoicing as this story ended.
• How might a believer’s lack of joy hinder his or her witness to Jesus?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• From the way God providentially sets up opportunities to witness (Here in Acts 8:26-40; Acts 2:5-14; 3:6-16), how does that free you from fears in evangelism and empower you to tell the good news?
• Deep down, do you think successful VIPs really need the gospel as much as poor beggars do like Acts 3:2? Why or why not?
• Would you know the Bible well enough to address the eunuch’s questions? How can you grow in faith so you will be prepared for similar opportunities?
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

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On the Road (Ethiopian) - Acts 8:26-40

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Moving To Maturity - Surrender to Christ

Surrender to Christ

Acts 8:26-40

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Candace, Queen of Ethiopia

   Candace was a queen of Ethiopia, the one mentioned in Acts 8:27 in the story of Philip witnessing to an Ethiopian eunuch who was this queen's treasurer. Tradition tells us that Queen Candace was converted to Christ through the eunuch's testimony, and that her conversion caused her to use her office to promote Christianity in Ethiopia and the surrounding countries. She and her husband reigned c. 25-41 A.D.

   -- "Women in the Early Church," Christian History, Issue 17.

See: 2 Sa 23:3-4; Ac 8:27; Jas 5:19-20.

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Ole and Lena's bull took sick and died, so they needed to go to the auction to buy a new one.  Ole had to get the crops in and couldn't leave the farm, so Lena took the train to the city to buy a bull.  If she was successful, she would take the train back to the farm, then she and Ole would go to town with the truck to pick up their newly purchased bull.

The bidding was furious at the livestock auction, and Lena found herself bidding on the last remaining bull.  It took everything she had but ten cents, but she was finally the successful bidder.

Unfortunately, the train home was fifty cents.  "Please, Mr. Conductor, couldn't you make an exception just once?" pleaded Lena.  "Sorry lady," he replied, "but you can send your husband a telegram to tell him your problem.  The office is just down the street."

At the telegraph office, Lena asked, "Mister, how many words can I send to my husband for a dime?"  "It's ten cents a word," the clerk answered. Lena pondered her dilemma, then finally said, "OK, here's the message: COMFORTABLE."  (Got it?  No?  Read it again, s-l-o-w-l-y.)

Condensing a lengthy message into one word can be quite a challenge. How would you condense the message of the gospel into one word?  Love? Grace?  When the New Testament summarizes the preaching of the gospel, it does it in this way:

"Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this scripture, preached Jesus to him." (Acts 8:35).

Philip's message to the Ethiopian eunuch, summed up in one word, was Jesus.  No doubt, Philip had much to say on the subject.  I'm sure he spoke of why Jesus came, what Jesus did for us, and what our response to Jesus needs to be.  His message obviously even included a mention of baptism, since the eunuch was led to ask further about that.

But, if the essence of our teaching ever becomes anything other than a focus on Jesus, it is no longer the gospel.  All that we say and do is of significance only as it relates to our Lord and our Savior.

Have a great day.