Atos 8
Kent Hughes · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 8
Hughes writes "We learn that spiritual power cannot be bought. The pursuit of God, not power, is what counts.' (Php 3:10). (Preaching the Word-Acts) Polhill sums on this story of Simon - Christianity has nothing to do with magic; magic is powerless before the genuine power of the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit can neither be manipulated nor bought. Simon illustrated that. A proper response to God’s gift of salvation is much more than simply a “what-is-in-it-for-us?” approach. It involves genuine commitment in response to the work of God’s Spirit. (NAC-Acts) Related Resources: What is religious syncretism? What is unrepentance? What does it mean to be unrepentant? What does it mean to be contrite? What is contrition? What is godly sorrow? What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation? Christianity True and False Toxic Look-Alikes Read: Acts 8:9-23 Your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness. —Acts 8:21-22 Our yard makes poison ivy happy. I learned this the hard way. Even though I was being careful, I came in contact with the plant and ended up with a nasty, itchy rash. Poison ivy looks like many harmless plants, and it keeps company with some beautiful ones. One gardener couldn’t figure out why she got poison ivy whenever she pruned her roses. She later discovered that a poison ivy vine was taking advantage of the tender loving care she gave to her rosebush. Some people are like toxic plants. They look harmless, and they blend in with people who, like roses, are fragrant and beautiful. Simon the sorcerer fit this description. He followed Philip and was baptized, but then he asked to buy the ability to lay hands on people so they could receive the Holy Spirit. Peter was appalled at his request and urged him to repent (Acts 8:22). Sometimes people use the favorable environment of a healthy church as a network for selfish purposes. Like poison ivy among roses, they cause much misery. Like Simon, anyone who does this needs to repent, and everyone else needs to avoid contact with such a person. Spiritual look-alikes appear good but their “fruit” is toxic. A Prayer: Help me, Lord, to be discerning and not let others lead me astray with their falsehood. May the fruit of my life be an example of a follower of Christ. Amen. A false life belies a true faith. Acts 8:25 So, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. KJV Acts 8:25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord Acts 1:8; 18:5; 20:21; 26:22,23; 28:23,28,31; John 15:27; 1 Peter 5:12 Acts 8 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries So when they had solemnly testified - They is Peter and John. Solemnly testified seems to refer to parting exhortations related to the word of the Lord. It is difficult to discern the exact content of the apostle's message. Given the notorious example of Simon's false profession, the apostles may have emphasized the importance of repentance and genuine faith in Christ (cf Peter's words in Acts 2:40). Solemnly testified (1263)(diamarturomai from diá = intensifies meaning conveying idea of "thoroughly" + marturomai = witness, bear witness) means to thoroughly bear witness, to testify earnestly, to charge as it if before witnesses, to exhort earnestly with authority in matters of extraordinary importance. This verb conveys the idea of giving a forceful order or directive. Diamarturomai is found only 15 times in the NT with 9 of uses in Acts. Most (but not all) refer to some aspect of the Gospel, Acts 20:23 being an exception where the Spirit speaks to Paul. Acts 2:40 And with many other words he (PETER) solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” Acts 8:25 So, when they (PETER AND JOHN) had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. Acts 10:42 “And He (JESUS) ordered us (PETER IS SPEAKING) to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. Acts 18:5 But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. Acts 20:21 solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:23 except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. Acts 20:24 “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 23:11 But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” Acts 28:23;When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. They started back to Jerusalem - It is easy to overlook this statement, but it is fascinating because before the "Gospel explosion" in Acts, these two pious Jews would very likely have hiked over to east of the Jordan River to avoid walking through Samaria! To the contrary, instead of avoiding Samaritans, they purposely preached to these previously hated people. Such is the supernatural transforming power of the Gospel. These apostles were obeying Jesus' instructions in Acts 1:8+ to be His witnesses in Samaria! And spoken the word of the Lord - While this could signify they spoke the Gospel, it does not preclude speaking the Word in general (See NET Note below). And of course as Paul shows in the book of Romans the Gospel is not just the initial salvation experience, but includes daily salvation from sin (progressive sanctification, present tense salvation) and the need to rely on the Holy Spirit's power to successfully walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. NET Note - The word of the Lord is a technical expression in OT literature, often referring to a divine prophetic utterance (e.g., Ge 15:1, Isa 1:10, Jonah 1:1). In the NT it occurs 15 times: 3 times as rhema tou kuriou (Lk 22:61, Acts 11:16, 1 Pe 1:25) and 12 times as logos tou kuriou (Acts 8:25, Acts 13:44, 48, 49; 15:35, 36; 16:32; Acts 19:10, 20; 1 Th 1:8, 1 Th 4:15; 2 Th 3:1). As in the OT, this phrase focuses on the prophetic nature and divine origin of what has been said." (ED: A NUMBER OF THE NT USES OF THE PHRASE CLEARLY REFER TO THE GOSPEL - e.g., Acts 13:49, 15:36, 16:32, 19:10, 20, 1 Th 1:8, 2 Th 3:1) And were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans - Peter and John knew how to redeem the time! How important it is for believers today to not lose sight of shortness of our life and the length of eternity which is only a heart beat away, and, motivated by that certainty, to be "gospeling" the good news whenever the Spirit gives us opportunity. Preaching the gospel (2097)(euaggelizo/euangelizo) in the imperfect tense pictures Peter and John giving out the Gospel, over and over, again and again for some 45 to 50 miles, over the dusty road, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. Acts 8:26 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.) KJV Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. An angel Acts 5:19; 10:7,22; 12:8-11,23; 27:23; 2 Kings 1:3; Hebrews 1:14 Get up 1 Chr 22:16; Isaiah 60:1-22 Gaza Joshua 13:3; 15:47; Zech 9:5 desert Mt 3:1-3; Luke 3:2-4 Acts 8 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Map from The Bible Journey (a very interesting website). On the map note point (1) Philip went down to Samaria from Jerusalem (Acts 8:5+). (2) Philip's journey to the desert on the road going to Gaza (Acts 8:26+). (3) Philip transported to Azotos (Acts 8:40+) A STRANGE COMMAND But - Term of contrast. This marks a change of direction in the ministry of Philip and also the contrast with Peter and John who went on their way to Jerusalem (Acts 8:25). The Spirit would direct Philip even further south (see map). Imagine yourself involved in a fruitful harvest of souls as Philip was in Samaria and word comes that it is time to change direction. It would be easy to question whether you are hearing clearly from the Lord. Perhaps that is why God sent a visible representative to Philip so there would be no doubt as to his new marching orders. In any event, despite this change in direction of his ministry, Philip does not hesitate but obeys. Have you ever been involved with a successful ministry, only to hear the Spirit tell you (I don't think God sends angels to us today, at least not to visibly give us an audible message) it is time to move on? Only a Spirit controlled man would obey what seems to be an illogical instruction. Kent Hughes comments that "The Spirit first directed Philip through persecution to leave his ministry in Jerusalem and go to Samaria for a much wider ministry. Philip knew by experience that God directs by difficulties, but he did not believe that is the only way God leads. Next Philip was led by an angel. " (Preaching the Word - Acts) John Philips introduces this section - Behind this abrupt command was the foreknowledge of God, who knew all about the Ethiopian, knew the position he held in his native land, knew why he had come to Jerusalem, knew the deep, unsatisfied hunger of his heart, knew he was on the way home, knew all about his chariot, knew exactly where he was on the road, knew what book he was reading, knew his perplexity and his dogged persistence. We are now about to witness one of those amazing meetings that take place from time to time on earth, the details of which are all determined in heaven and directed by the Spirit of God. (Exploring Acts) An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying - The KJV is incorrect - it is not "The angel" but "an angel" - there is no definite article ("the") preceding the word "angel." You may be thinking, so what? The phrase "the angel of the Lord" is a phrase which is frequent in the OT (Septuagint) to signify a Christophany or pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (see Angel of the LORD). That does not seem likely in this passage, which describes a divine messenger (angel) sent by God to give Philip specific directions. It should be noted that in Stephen's sermon in Acts 7 he does mention "angel" three times (Acts 7:30, 35, 38) and it is clear from the historical context that all three uses speak of a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ to Moses. Luke has a number of passages that mention the interaction of angels with men (Acts 5:19; 10:7,22; 12:8-11,23; 27:23), all except one (Acts 12:23) being positive interactions. This is in keeping with the statement by the writer of Hebrews asking about angels "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?" (Heb 1:14+) Kent Hughes - All of us, all the time, are being touched by the ministry of angels, though we usually do not see them. The point is, God guided Philip in a new way, and Philip was enough in touch to respond....Philip obeyed the subjective inner voice of the Holy Spirit. He remained open as to how God would lead him. When we are in touch with the Holy Spirit, we will be sensitive to his guidance—sometimes through difficulties, sometimes through an inner voice, maybe even through angels—and thus we will be the touch of God to others. Philip was so in touch with the Spirit that he was not only flexible as to how the Holy Spirit would lead, but as to where the Spirit would use him. (Preaching the Word - Acts) Ray Stedman makes some interesting comments about angels - I've never had an angel appear to me. I have never seen an angel -- except for the one I married. I do not know anyone else to whom an angel has appeared. You may ask, "Does God still work through angels today?" and the answer is a resounding "Yes! He does." But they are not always visible. That is the difference. The ministry of angels, according to the Bible, goes on all the time. They are "ministering spirits sent forth to serve those who shall be heirs of salvation," says the book of Hebrews (Hebrews 1:14). All of us, all the time, are being touched and affected by the ministry of angels, but we do not see them. That is the difference between these early days of the church and the present. There have been well-documented experiences and incidences of the appearance of angels recorded in church history beyond the New Testament period. Many missionaries and others can still tell us stories of this, so it has not ceased entirely. And I believe that, as we draw nearer to the days of the return of Jesus Christ, we may well expect to see a return of angelic manifestation. But, at any rate, here is an unexpected agency through which the Holy Spirit works. An angel appears to Philip and gives him an unexplained command to go south and take the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza. He could not have picked an emptier stretch of road. (The Divine Wind - Acts 8:25-40). Related Resources: Do angels appear to people today? What does it mean that Satan masquerades as an angel of light? Are there angels among us? Do we have guardian angels? Peterson - References to an angel and the Spirit highlight the fact that the initiative in this mission is entirely with God. (Pillar NT Commentary-Acts) Get up (anistemi - aorist imperative - Do this now!) and go (poreuo - present imperative - keep going) south - These are surprising commands -- to move on from a fruitful harvest to a desert road! South could also be midday (see below) which makes the divine command to leave a field of successful evangelism and go to a hot desert road even more unusual. God's ways are clearly not our ways! South (3314)(mesembria from mesos = middle + hemera = day) literally means middle day and in the only other NT use in Acts 22:6 is used to mean "noontime." In Acts 8:26 it is a metonymy to signify a place, in this case a direction which would be south. It is translated "south" here probably referring to the position of the sun at midday which is toward the South, as Palestine is north of the equator. In the Septuagint mesembria usually means "noon" or "midday." Mesembria - 24 verses in the Septuagint - Gen. 18:1 = "the heat of the day"; Gen. 43:16 = "noon"; Gen. 43:25 = "noon"; Deut. 28:29 = "noon"; Jdg. 5:10; 2 Sam. 4:5 = "his midday rest"; 1 Ki. 18:26; 1 Ki. 18:27; 1 Ki. 20:16; 2 Ki. 4:20; Job 11:17; Ps. 37:6; Ps. 55:17; Cant. 1:7; Isa. 18:4; Isa. 58:10; Isa. 59:10; Jer. 6:4; Jer. 15:8; Jer. 20:16; Dan. 8:4; Dan. 8:9; Amos 8:9; Zeph. 2:4 To the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a desert road.) - From Jerusalem to Gaza is about 49 miles. Desert (road not in Greek) (2048)(eremos) describes an empty or uninhabited place, in this context specifically a desert. NET Note - The words "This is a desert road" are probably best understood as a comment by the author of Acts, but it is possible they form part of the angel's speech to Philip, in which case the verse would read: "Get up and go south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza - the desert road." Disappointment—His appointment, No good thing will He withhold; From denials oft we gather Treasures of His love untold. —Young John
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Hughes - Philip obeyed the subjective inner voice of the Holy Spirit. He remained open as to how God would lead him. When we are in touch with the Holy Spirit, we will be sensitive to his guidance—sometimes through difficulties, sometimes through an inner voice, maybe even through angels—and thus we will be the touch of God to others. Philip was so in touch with the Spirit that he was not only flexible as to how the Holy Spirit would lead, but as to where the Spirit would use him. Philip went from an exciting city and a growing congregation to a lonely desert road and a congregation of one. It would have been so easy to be discouraged. “Lord, do you really want me to go to the desert? There is nothing there but lizards. Have I not proved myself worthy of a broader ministry? I have been faithful in the small things—I even waited on the widows. And now the desert? Lord… !”But that is not how Philip responded. He was ready to serve anywhere anytime. This is a great example to emulate....Philip was so in touch with the Spirit that he became the touch of God anywhere and in any way and to anyone that God asked him to be. He was flexible and sensitive to the Spirit’s direction. These are wonderful qualities, but the transcending element of Philip’s divine touch was his obedience to the Lord. (Preaching the Word - Acts) NET Note on behold - This expression is used to portray Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian in a vivid way. In the English translation this vividness is difficult to convey. Steven
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Hughes quips "And suddenly there stood Philip, God’s hitchhiker. “Have Spirit, will travel.” (Ibid) John Philips - "Run, Philip, run!" The compulsion of the Holy Spirit was unmistakable. It was not just that he might miss the traveler, he might miss the text. The Holy Spirit knew just how far the eunuch had read in his perusal of the prophet Isaiah. He knew he had come to chapter 53, knew just how far down that strategic chapter he had progressed, knew just what soul-searching questions were welling up in that Ethiopian's heart. "Run, Philip, run!" There are times when the King's business calls for haste. This particular incident illustrates the magnificent timing of God. (Exploring Acts)
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Hughes - The principle here is clear: all of us are called to be in touch with the Spirit and with the gospel. All of us should be able to explain Christ from the Scriptures. Unfortunately, too few can do so. (Preaching the Word - Acts) Steven Cole offers us great advice on how to be prepared to do what Philip did with the Ethiopian eunuch's question - Every Christian should be able to do what Philip did here: Starting with any Scripture or spiritual topic, we should be able to preach Jesus to a seeking soul. If a person brings up evolution, you may need to say, “That’s an interesting subject, and there are competent scholars on both sides of the issue. Sometime maybe we could discuss it at length. But the question that is far more important than evolution is, ‘Who do you think Jesus Christ is?’” Whether the person brings up the problem of suffering or the question about the heathen who have never heard or whatever, after a brief answer, steer the conversation back to Jesus Christ. The person needs to know who Jesus is, what He came to do, his own desperate condition apart from Christ, and how to receive Christ by faith. Everything else is peripheral. If Jesus Christ is who He claimed to be, Christianity is true. If He is not who He claimed to be, then Christianity is a fraud. It all centers on Him. (Sermon) ILLUSTRATION - Reportedly a man stood up in one of D. L. Moody’s meetings and said, “I have been for five years on the Mount of Transfiguration.” “How many souls have you won to Christ?” was the sharp question that came from Moody in an instant. “Well, I do not know.” “Have you won any?” persisted Moody. “I do not know that I have,” answered the man. “Well,” said Moody, “sit down then. When a man gets so high that he cannot reach down and save others, there is something wrong.” It does little good to be in touch with the Spirit and the Word if we are not in touch with people. (Hughes) Rich Cathers - Do you care about them? Philip took notice of the fellow in the chariot and what he was reading. He expressed an interest in the man. I think one of the mistakes people make in personal evangelism is that we get so focused on the goal of sharing the gospel that we sometimes run right over the person we’re talking to. I get the feeling from some people that they just think they’re another “notch” in our “gospel belt”, that we’re not as concerned with them as we are with being able to make the claim that we’ve witnessed to another person. Illustration - Sometimes is seems to be that we come across as a person who is not feeling very well. Our stomach is hurting and we feel a bit nauseous. We don’t get to feeling better until we vomit this thing out of our stomach all over the person we’re talking to. I know that is a gross illustration, but sometimes our sharing of the gospel comes across like this. Philip took time to ask the fellow about his reading. He listened before he responded. Ask people about their lives. Ask them to tell you their story. Find out what they’re interested in. There are going to be people like this eunuch where you’re probably not going to see them ever again. But most people that you will share with are going to be people that you will see over a period of years. Don’t cut the relationship short by ignoring them just so you can get to the gospel and feel better. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Adopt A Highway Read: Acts 8:26-40 Philip opened his mouth, and . . . preached Jesus to him. —Acts 8:35 Have you ever seen those adopt-a-highway signs as you’ve traveled along an expressway? The Next 2 Miles Adopted By Employees Of Kane Industries. Or it might be the Rockford Adult Hockey League or the Lincoln County Library Staff or the Sigma Rho Alpha sorority. In the state of Michigan, the group that adopts a section of highway commits itself to cleaning up litter two or three times a year. Pastor Don Logue commented on this practice: “There is a great lesson to be learned if we compare the adoption of a highway with the responsibilities of Christians. Suppose Christians adopted the stretch of land closest to where they live or work, and assumed responsibility to see that some kind of testimony for Christ was given during the year in the homes closest to them.” When Philip walked the stretch of highway from Jerusalem to Gaza, he wasn’t there to pick up broken harnesses or mangled chariot wheels. He was sent by the Holy Spirit to present Christ to a man from Ethiopia. As believers, we have been called by God to witness for Christ in our areas of influence. Let’s use wisely the opportunities He gives us. Have you pointed the lost to Jesus And urged them in Him to believe? Have you told of the life everlasting That all, if they will, may receive? —Crosby The best place to witness is where God has placed you. A 'Must Read' Book Read: Acts 8:26-35 Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. —Acts 8:35 Shortly after the novel Gone With The Wind had been published, a young woman sat beside a history professor at a dinner. Trying to make conversation, she asked him if he had read it. “No,” the professor answered. The woman admonished, “You’d better hurry up. It’s been out 6 weeks.” Then the professor inquired, “Have you read Dante’s Divine Comedy?” “No,” the woman said. The professor responded, “You’d better hurry up. It’s been out 600 years.” These days, new books dealing with all sorts of subjects pour from printing presses in an overwhelming cascade. Even if we did nothing but read, we couldn’t keep up with the output. So we must discriminate and decide what we’ll read and what we’ll ignore. But there’s one ancient book we must not ignore. It’s the Bible, God’s inspired Word. For many centuries, it circulated in scrolls and handwritten manuscripts. But ever since Johannes Gutenberg devised the printing press, Scripture has been reproduced in countless forms and editions. Important as many books are, only the Bible reveals the good news about Jesus (Acts 8:35). Only the Bible teaches us how to please Him. So let’s make sure we give the Bible the priority it deserves. It’s a “must read” book. The Bible is God's Word to us, Still fresh through all the ages; And if we read it we will find God's wisdom in its pages. —Sper Many books can inform, but only the Bible can transform. One By One Read: Acts 8:26-35 Philip . . . preached Jesus to him. —Acts 8:35 Edward Payson was a famous preacher in a bygone era. One stormy Sunday, he had only one person in his audience. Some months later, his lone attendee called on him: “I was led to the Savior through that service,” he said. “For whenever you talked about sin and salvation, I glanced around to see to whom you referred, but since there was no one there but me, I had no alternative but to lay every word to my own heart and conscience!” God saves us one by one. If you have access to one, that is your mission field. “Every soul with Christ is a missionary; every soul without Christ is a mission field,” the slogan goes. One person cannot reach the entire world, but we can love our neighbor. “Who is my neighbor?” we ask. The next person we meet along the way. The Spirit brought Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch who was reading the Scriptures and needed someone to explain them to him (Acts 8:26-35). The Spirit gave Philip the right words to say, and the eunuch confessed his faith in Christ (v.37). Ask God to bring you to the one He has prepared. He’ll get you to the right place at the right time to speak to that individual. He will speak through your lips, work through your hands, and fulfill in you the great purpose of His will. Father, we’ve been called to witness— Called to speak of Your dear Son; Holy Spirit, grant discernment; Lead us to some seeking one. —D. DeHaan You are a success in God’s kingdom if you are faithful where He has placed you. The Whole Story Read: Acts 8:26-37 Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. —Acts 8:35 Recently my 5-year-old grandson, Dallas, asked, “Why did Jesus die on the cross?” So we had a little talk. I explained to him about sin and Jesus’ willingness to be our sacrifice. Then he ran off to play. A few minutes later, I overheard him talking to his 5-year-old cousin, Katie, explaining to her why Jesus died. Katie said to him, “But Jesus isn’t dead.” Dallas replied, “Yes. He’s dead. Grampy told me. He died on the cross.” I realized I hadn’t completed the story. So we had another talk as I explained to Dallas that Jesus rose from the dead. We went over the story again until he understood that Jesus is alive today, even though He did die for us. What a reminder that people need to hear the whole gospel. When a man from Ethiopia asked Philip about a portion of Scripture he did not understand, Philip “opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him” (Acts 8:35). Tell others the good news about Jesus: that we are all sinners needing salvation; that the perfect Son of God died to save us; and that He rose from the grave, showing His power over death. Jesus, our Savior, is alive and is offering now to live His life through us. When someone wants to know about Jesus, let’s make sure to tell the whole story! Lord, Your story is amazing. Help us to tell all of it so others can put their faith in You and enjoy the salvation You offer to all who trust and believe. Jesus said . . . , “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” John 11:25 Seize The Opportunity Read: Acts 8:26-38 Philip opened his mouth, and . . . preached Jesus to him. —Acts 8:35 Cedarville College president Paul Dixon tells the story of a high school girl who was in the audience several years ago when he was speaking about the need to tell others about Christ. As she listened, she decided she wanted to make a difference in her high school. She asked God to give her an opportunity. The next day at school, one of her teachers who was fed up with the way things were going walked into his classroom and said, “I’ve had it. I’m tired of the hassle of teaching kids who don’t have any respect. If any of you can tell me what life is all about and what our purpose is, go ahead.” Surprised, the girl raised her hand and explained that she had found answers to those questions in Jesus Christ. The teacher, who was an agnostic, invited her to stay after class and explain her beliefs. When she suggested that he attend an evangelistic meeting, he agreed. That Friday night he put his trust in Jesus as Savior, and today he’s active in Christian service. She had seized a God-given opportunity—like Philip did with the Ethiopian official (Acts 8:29-30). We may have sweaty palms and cottonmouth as we witness to unbelievers. But when the Lord gives us the opportunity to talk about Him, let’s seize it. Father, we've been called to witness— Called to speak of Your dear Son; Holy Spirit, grant discernment; Lead us to some seeking one. —DJD Any place can be the right place to witness for Christ. 'Do You Love Jesus?' Read: Acts 8:26-40 Beginning at this Scripture, [Philip] preached Jesus to him. —Acts 8:35 A man was assigned a middle seat on an airplane. Tired and wanting to sleep, he was irritated when the young girl next to him with Down syndrome asked, “Mister, do you brush your teeth?” “Yes,” he replied. “That’s good. People who don’t, lose their teeth.” A little later she asked, “Mister, do you smoke?” “No,” he answered. “That’s good. People who do, die.” After a long silence, she turned to him again, “Mister, do you love Jesus?” “Yes, I do,” he responded. “That’s good,” she added. “People who do, go to heaven.” Though deeply touched, he settled back, hoping there would be no more questions. Just then the girl said, “Mister, ask the man next to you if he brushes his teeth.” Well, you can guess what followed. When she came to the question about Jesus, the second man became thoughtful. “I’m afraid I don’t understand,” he said. For the next hour the two men talked about eternal issues. Sometimes opportunities for sharing God’s love may come in unusual ways, as was the case in Acts 8 when Philip pointed a total stranger to Christ. If we are willing, He will bless even our feeblest efforts to tell others that Jesus loved them so much that He died for them. People searching for an answer, Looking for a better way, Can discover truth and meaning If God's love we will display. —Sper You can never speak to the wrong person about Christ. One Person A Day Read: Acts 8:26-40 Philip . . . preached Jesus to him. —Acts 8:35 I was privileged to hear retired Salvation Army Commissioner Andy Miller speak at a Bible conference. At age 75, smartly dressed in his uniform, he spoke with gentleness, conviction, and a twinkle in his eye. Commissioner Miller said that as a 19-year-old cadet in training he made a commitment to the Lord that he would tell one person a day about Christ’s love. That’s quite a commitment! Throughout his ministry he has led many to put their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. Now, I know it’s not easy to talk to some people about Jesus. But we can and should learn how, because it was Jesus’ command to His followers before He returned to His Father in heaven (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8-9). In our Scripture reading for today, the Holy Spirit led Philip to the Ethiopian official and gave him the right words to say (Acts 8:26-40). And as we seek the Lord’s help and depend on Him, He will do the same for us. You may come in contact with one or with many people throughout your day. Consider the commitment that Commissioner Miller made years ago, and then ask the Lord what He would have you do. You too can be a witness of His love every day. Your parting words, O Lord, give hope, They're filled with promise, joy, and love; What You have done, help us to share With Spirit power from above. —DJD God longs to do for others what He has done for you. Acts 8:36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" KJV Acts 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? Look Acts 10:47; Ezekiel 36:25; John 3:5,23; Titus 3:5,6; 1 John 5:6 Acts 8 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries WHAT? A BAPTISM IN THE DESERT! As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said "Look! (idou) Water! - Once again we see God's hand of providence, for this was a desert road and yet they came to water for baptism. This is surely further evidence of God's providential provision (or His sovereign control) - water on a desert road! Nothing is too difficult for the Lord! Clearly, at some point along this dusty road as the Ethiopian eunuch heard the Word about Christ preached, the Spirit had granted him faith to believe the Gospel for we know that "faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." (Ro 10:17+). What prevents me from being baptized? - Nothing of course, except a personal desire to be baptized. And so this is a rhetorical question which might be paraphrased, "I should get baptized, right?" (NET Note) Undoubtedly Philip had explained to the new convert that water baptism had been described by Jesus in Mt 28:18-19 and that it is an outward expression of an inward experience. Note that Philip did not command him to be baptized but this was the Ethiopian's personal choice. Let me ask you -- are you a believer in Jesus Christ? If so, have you been baptized? If you have not, than take a cue from a new Gentile convert on a desert road to Gaza! The implication is that Philip had explained to him that believing in Jesus should be followed by baptism in His Name, the latter serving as a public confession of his profession. And if there was a retinue with the Ethiopian eunuch (as there most likely was considering his high position in the government), these individuals would have witnessed his confession. Prevents (hinders) (2967)(koluo) means to hinder, forbid. Used 6 times by Luke in the book of Acts (Acts 8:36; Acts 10:47; Acts 11:17; Acts 16:6; Acts 24:23; Acts 27:43). For example, Peter uses koluo in regard to the baptism of the Gentile Cornelius.... (PETER DECLARED) “Surely no one can refuse (koluo) the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” (Acts 10:47) Being baptized (907)(baptizo from bapto = cover wholly with a fluid) has a literal and a figurative meaning in the NT. The literal meaning is used here in Acts 8:36 and means to submerge, to dip or immerse as in water. Most of the 77 NT uses of baptizo in the Gospels and Acts are associated with literal water baptism. In Greek literature baptizo meant to put or go under water in in a variety of senses. The Greeks used baptizo to describe the dyeing of a garment, in which the whole material was plunged in and taken out from the element used. Baptizo was used of the act of sinking ships. John Philips writes regarding water baptism - For the onlooker it is a time of testimony. The believer witnesses to the world that he is now to be identified with Christ, the One the world has rejected. Phil Newton on Baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch - The biblical manner of professing faith in Christ is through baptism. The idea of "walking an aisle" as the primary means of professing Christ is an addition of the past 125 years. Baptism is the outward means of expressing the reality of your inward faith in Christ. That has been the practice of Christians for 20 centuries. I would exhort any of you who have trusted Christ as Savior and Lord and yet have not been baptized since that time that you need to obey the Lord in baptism. Baptism should never be viewed as a convenient option for those who prefer it. It is the biblical pattern for declaring your faith before the world. To neglect baptism is to bring into question the reality of your faith, for who is truly saved that is so ashamed of Jesus Christ that he refuses to be baptized? Be assured that baptism has no power to save you. If you go into the waters of baptism as an unbeliever, you will come out as an unbeliever. Baptism is for believers, those who have come to faith in Jesus Christ. Both Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch went down into the water with the eunuch's entourage witnessing the baptism. It was a clear testimony that his old life of sin had been buried through the death of Christ and now he was a new creature in Christ. His testimony in baptism gave the eunuch a responsibility before those who witnessed this event. Don't you imagine that he had a lot of questions to answer before the audience who witnessed his baptism? "What were you and that stranger doing?" "Why did you get dunked under the water?" "What is the meaning of all this excitement and then stopping to enter the water?" Baptism still raises questions. And it should! It is a testimony that our old lives of sin have been buried with Christ, put to death at the cross as our Lord died there on our behalf. Now we are no longer the same. We are new creatures in Christ. Expect us to act different. Expect from us different attitudes. Expect us to treat people in a new manner. Everything has changed! (2 Cor. 5:17) I would imagine that there are some in our congregation today who have experienced the wonderful, saving grace of God, yet you have not taken this public stand of confession in baptism. I exhort you to join in the joy of our first century counterpart and follow Christ into the waters of baptism. The only thing that should hinder you from baptism is a lack of true faith in Christ (Acts 8:37). If that issue is settled, then stand publicly for your Lord in the waters of baptism. (Acts 8:26-40 A True Faith Revealed) Acts 8:37 [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."] KJV Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. If you believe with all your heart Acts 8:12,13,21; 2:38,39; Mt 28:19; Mark 16:16; Ro 10:9-10 he answered 1 Peter 3:21 I believe Acts 9:20; Mt 16:16; John 6:68,69; 9:35-38; 11:27; 20:31; 1 Cor 12:3; 1 John 4:15; 5:1,5,10-13 Acts 8 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NOTE: This passage is not found in most manuscripts and while theological sound and even fitting with the context, if not considered to be part of the original text. Related Resource: Textual Criticism - What Is It? What is the Textus Receptus? The NET Note explains - A few later manuscripts (E 36 323 453 945 1739 1891 pc) add, with minor variations, 8:37 "He said to him, 'If you believe with your whole heart, you may.' He replied, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.'" Verse 37 is lacking in (other manuscripts). It is clearly not a part of the original text of Acts. The variant is significant in showing how some in the early church viewed a confession of faith. Steven