Cases
of Conversion: The Ethiopian Officer
Acts 8 contains two distinct cases of conversion. The
first includes the conversion of many in the city of Samaria (8:5-12).
The second includes the conversion of the Ethiopian officer (8:26-40).
Both were taught the gospel by Philip and by his teaching of both groups
we already learn an important lesson. Whether it be a whole city or one
person, we must never discriminate in our obligation of teaching the
gospel to the lost (Romans 10:14-17). Philip taught the gospel without
consideration for the size of the crowd, the color of one’s skin or the
miles that had to be traveled.
So, as Philip travels down the road he finds an Ethiopian man riding in
a chariot studying the book of Isaiah (Acts 8:26-28). Immediately,
Philip asks an essential question to all those seeking to please the
Lord, “Do you understand what you are reading?” (8:29-30). The
eunuch replies with, “How can I, unless someone guides me?”
(8:31). Just as Philip’s question was essential, so was the attitude
signified by the response of the eunuch. It is filled with humility
which makes one teachable.
The passage the eunuch was reading was a prophecy referring to Jesus
Christ. So, verse 35 emphasizes Philip picks up from that passage and
“preached Jesus to him.” Now, exactly what did that preaching
include? It can be easily seen by the response of the Ethiopian officer
and Philip’s statements. Read carefully and see the plan of salvation
revealed.
Acts 8:36-39, “And the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water. What hinders
me from being baptized?’ Then 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.’ So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both
Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now
when they came up out of the water,...he went on his way rejoicing.”
Belief in Jesus Christ, confession, and a water burial in baptism for
the remission of sins. It does not get much plainer than that! Have you
obeyed the Bible’s plan of salvation?
October 2006