Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

Scriptures: Acts 8:26-39

By the end of this lesson, we will:

*Explain the connection between Philip’s sharing of the gospel and its universal availability;

*Reflect on our openness to people who differ from us;

*Develop strategies to make our churches more open and inclusive.

Background: Philip is the only one in the New Testament specifically given the title “The Evangelist” (Acts 21:8). He is best known for his encounter with the Ethiopian treasurer. The Ethiopians (Heb. “Cushite”) were considered by Israel as “… far-distant, uncivilized, and despised black race of Ethiopians …” (International Critical Commentary). Cush was an African nation on the southern border of ancient Egypt. The Ethiopian people were known for their height and smooth black skin as well as their military prowess. Scripture says that God cared about the Ethiopians and promised that they would be among those who came to Jerusalem to worship the true God. (Isaiah 56:8, Zephaniah 3:9-10). The Ethiopian treasurer became the first known witness to Africa.

Lesson: Philip Obeys the Spirit (Acts 8:26-29). “… Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza” (verse 26). Philip has returned to Jerusalem from Samaria and is now directed by an angel of the Lord to go to a desert area. Philip is open and obedient to divine guidance “... So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship” (verse 27). Philip’s path crosses the route of the Ethiopian proselyte to Judaism returning home from worship in Jerusalem, reading scripture. Though he is described as a eunuch, it is likely that in his case eunuch refers to his position as treasurer or government official rather than as an emasculated male slave. As a physical eunuch he would have been denied access to the Temple. “… was returning, (the distance one way more than seven hundred miles and would take at least thirty days by chariot). “… he was reading Isaiah the prophet” (verse 28). The custom during that time was to read Scripture aloud. He was evidently hungry for God’s Word.

Philip Witnesses in the Spirit (verses 29-35). “Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot” (verse 29). Philip showed real boldness in doing what the Spirit told him to do. He heard and recognized the Scripture of Isaiah and asks – “Do you understand what you are reading?” (verse 30). The correct interpretation of the scripture was of vital importance because the Old Testament provides the framework for understanding Jesus and was an integral part of the apostolic

BY JAMES WASHINGTON THE DALLAS WEEKLY/NNPA MEMBER

I wish I could remember where I heard this. But it is worth repeating for those of you who know what real pain feels like. A televangelist, whose name I can’t remember, reminded me of the powerful nature of words that sometimes strike at your very heart.

He said, “In order for someone to really hurt you, he or she has to be close enough to you to kiss you.”

Whoa! Now this immediately made me sit up and take notice as it should you. Beyond the biblical reference about Jesus and Judas, this is a pretty dynamic point of which people of faith should take note. Real pain comes from people and circumstances and issues that you really, really care about.

Life does not always encourage you to live with your guard down. But each of us, if we’re honest with ourselves, has done just that when we feel safe with those around us. It is that vulnerability that gives the kiss of death the power to crush your very being.

There is no pain like unexpected pain deliberately aimed at you when you’re not looking.

I find it ironic that as Christians we are sup- posed to reveal to the external world our internal souls.

Those who see us should indeed see who we are and whose we are. It’s a very public declaration. Then, by how we live our lives, the world should know we belong to the body of Christ.

Irony might not be the best word to describe my example, but remember the ultimate kiss is the kiss of betrayal. The difference between you, me and Christ, however, is that Christ knew it was coming. As a matter of fact, not only did He know it was coming, Christ needed it to fulfill His divine mission. It was a kiss that was part of a plan that saved the world.

We are the ones who are blindsided by kisses we wish we could have seen coming. Think back for a minute about that devastating kiss in your own life and I’ll bet you today that it gives you reason to have particular insight and perspective about this thing called testimony - yours.

It certainly does me. Maybe your kiss was part of a plan intended to save you. I know this may be difficult to hear because of the pain it caused you, but if you can possibly reconcile the effect it had on you, with the life God planned for you, then perhaps the best is yet to come for you and me.

I don’t know about you, but because of past betrayal, I’ve learned that I cannot live a guarded life and expect God to heal my heart. Been there, done that. It doesn’t work. A closed heart can neither give nor receive and that includes the love from and of the Lord; just like a closed hand can neither give nor receive anything. I want to believe I can see Judas coming these days and as Christ did, accept his effort, as but another failed attempt to destroy my joy. So, the good news for today is, “Been there, bless that!”

Those closest to me today know this and my heart is open to them, as well as to you, should we ever meet. Everybody else can simply keep their lips to themselves.

May God bless and keep you forever.

James Washington is a father, husband, Christian and writer. James is also the owner and publisher of the multimedia company The Dallas Weekly. You can follow James on Twitter at @JAWS_215.