Acts chapter 8

vs 31

I agree with the eunuch. This stuff isn't easy to understand. I think this gives us an insight into the previous knowledge of the eunuch. The idea that he was a proselyte who was schooled in Hebrew religious thought becomes problematic when we think that he doesn't know what Isaiah's about.

vs 32-33

Known so well these days to us as Christians, it is small surprise that we read these great words referred to in the NT. But that they are brought to us by an Ethiopian eunuch just shows so much more powerfully the grace of God. Now the truth is that this stuff could have been happening on a far greater scale than is recorded, and that Luke decided to record this story because of its specific coolness and focus on Isaiah. That doesn't make the story any less cool though.

vs 34

This guy is begging to become a Christian. But before we get too excited about people jumping into our churches left, right and centre, we have to realise that this guy is keen on religious things, seeking the truth, and open to learn.

vs 35

Philip started where the guy was at, and used it to talk about Jesus. Awesome. I mean, it's not the most difficult passage of the OT to talk about Jesus with, I know, but most of the sermons so far have focussed on recent history in Jerusalem, or on Moses and the history of Israel.

vs 36

I don't know that, if I were to explain the gospel of Jesus Christ via Isaiah 53, that baptism would even come to my mouth. So, did baptism spring into the mind of the eunuch, or did Philip mention it in his gospel presentation? I think probably the latter. And you know what? Perhaps that's a good idea. I mean, we talk about making a decision for Christ, or accepting Christ, or whatever. But telling someone that, as part of the gospel, they should be baptised to show that they accept Christ, I wonder if that's something we should consider?

vs 37

Apparently considered a gloss, and so removed from the story by the NIV and the T. Apart from adding a little creedal statement which people could follow when being baptised, I suppose it's not a vital verse. It's inclusion or exclusion is not going to make my faith topple anyway.

vs 38

And so he gets baptised, right then and there. He does it in the presence of his caravan, and I think that's enough - how is the presence of strangers going to make him any more accountable?

vs 39

If it wasn't for the use of the word 'suddenly', we could easily assume that the Spirit led Philip to leave in a normal, on foot manner. But the suddenly makes it sound like Philip was swept away into the distance on a cloud or something. Whatever happened, the eunuch was happy, because he had received the truth about Christ!

vs 40

He appeared. That's kinda weird. Like he teleported there or something. And what's his reaction? Keep preaching. Good for him.