Our First Reading this week is Acts 8:26-40.
But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, “Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.) So he got up and went; and there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship, and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this: “He was led as a sheep to slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He does not open His mouth. In humiliation His judgment was taken away; Who will relate His generation? For His life is removed from the earth.” The eunuch answered Philip and said, “Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
The Book of Acts is intended to remind us of what the disciples did after Jesus was no longer with them physically. It should also energize our discipleship to go and do what Jesus has asked of us. These lessons show that those who followed Jesus accepted the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations and went with joy to share the Good News.
In this passage Philip is directed to a person who is seeking to understand God’s Word. We have all experienced trying to find the meaning in Scripture and how difficult it may be. Having another believer to share with is essential. Quiet time alone with God is needed for prayer but serious study requires explanation and discussion.
God calls us to spread His love in the world and to be ready to talk about Scripture and our faith with those who are searching for a connection with Him. Jesus left His ministry in our hands. It is up to us to do the kingdom work here until we are called home.
Loving Lord, we are grateful and humbled to be part of Your plan of salvation. Help us to be strong in faith, gentle in spirit and bold to go where You send us in Your name. Amen.