ACTS 8:26-40

As we consider one of the thousands of conversions in the early days of the church, it strikes me how much of human nature is found here. If the Holy Spirit told Philip to go meet this man, then we can surmise that this man had been praying. During his time in Jerusalem he may have even encountered Christians – members of the Way – and had become curious.

Be careful asking God if you are not ready

His mind and heart were open to truth as he heard the powerful message of Isaiah. The suffering servant was curious to him. As he read, he pondered. Then some guy appears and wants to talk Bible. Human nature – at least for me – is to tell the guy to carry on with his own business. This man of Ethiopia did not hesitate. He wanted help because he truly wanted to know.

Spiritual questions are serious business

What could have been viewed as an annoyance and an intrusion would change his life and his destiny. He was willing to listen. He was ready to hear. This was not a chance encounter, and what he heard was nothing short of astounding. The suffering servant died for his sin. The suffering servant was God’s solution to mankind’s greatest problem and greatest need.

The Suffering Servant is Jesus

If this is true then the man of Ethiopia has a choice to make. Since this is true this noble man quickly placed everything in his mind and life into alignment with this newfound reality. In our culture you need not travel far to find a debate on the “How?” of salvation or the “necessity” of baptism. With this man of Ethiopia there was no debate and no quibbling. There was only acceptance or rejection.

Preaching Jesus is preaching salvation

This man of Ethiopia readily accepted the inspired message of Philip and only had one question, “Here is water, what stops me from being baptized?” Compare this to the myriad questions others ask at this moment. Hypothetical questions about what God will or will not do if the most unlikely thing happens and a death results before a believer is baptized. After all, the horses could have been spooked and the chariot run over the man.

The only question is “What will you do with Jesus?”

The very moment the man rose from his watery grave, Philipp disappeared. It did not matter to the man. This was not about Philip. This was about the Suffering Servant and the sins He washed away from this man who was just raised to walk in new life. There was no more curiosity. There was no confusion. There was simply joy.

Discover … His Joy

Access … His Joy

Share … His Joy