Readings and Thoughts for Sunday, February 17, 2008
Acts 8:26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
When the angel of the Lord appears or speaks in Acts, people listen, even when the angel demands that you go out to a deserted road in the middle of the day, when nobody should be around. Philip obeys. When the angel says “Go over to that chariot” (Acts 8:29), Philip obeys again.
Philip encounters a eunuch from Ethiopia, a court official of their queen. In several popular Bible studies in recent years, much has been made of the man’s inferior status as a castrated male. It has been argued that he could not have entered the temple in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 23:1) and could never have been fully part of the Jewish community, despite his obvious interest in their religion (as proved by his study of the Hebrew scriptures). Notice, however, that the man is a court official, that he is reading (he can read!) in his chariot (he’s not walking!). He is, perhaps, not so much a person of lowly status deserving of pity as someone of power and rank representing “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). First the gospel has spread to the Samaritans, now it is reaching even further out into the world. Ancient historian Eusebius tells us that the Ethiopian returned home and further spread the gospel into Africa. Soon (in chapter 9), the gospel will reach the heart of the greatest enemy of the church, Saul.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Philip has no trouble interpreting the Hebrew scriptures to the man from Ethiopia and explaining the good news of Jesus Christ to him. Coming to belief, the man asks to be baptized (water is miraculously found in the desert wilderness for this) and Philip is then teleported to Azotus (beam me up!), where he continues his preaching uninterrupted. Amazingly, neither the Ethiopian nor Philip seem alarmed, confused, or upset by this sudden departure.
Have you ever been asked a spiritual or Biblical question by a non-believer? Were you able to give a good answer, or did you feel stumped? What would you have to do to feel prepared for the next time someone asks you about what you believe?
3 comments:
If someone, believer or not, were to ask me about my beliefs, I would just tell them simply, while not trying to witness. Only if I get a feeling that I am talking to someone who actually wants to know more, and possibly a change in their life will I try to witness, but I don't believe in pushing the Word on people.
joseph encounters a eunuch from ethiopia, a court official of their queen.
it has been argued he couldnt have entered the temple in jerusalem. and could never be part of the jewish community.
inspired by the holy spirit, phillip has no trouble interpreting the hebrew scriptures to the man from ethiopia and explaning the good news of jesus christ to him.
we have enjoyed your lenten series very much. thank you
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