Yesterday, we read where Philip the Evangelist “just happens” to cross paths with an Ethiopian eunuch, who “just happens” to be reading aloud from the prophet Isaiah, in the section that “just happens” to contain verses concerning the Suffering Servant of Israel. Let’s see how this clearly “divine appointment” “just happens” to end!!!

[Acts 8.34-40]

8.34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 37 And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What is “the good news about Jesus”? Why is this phase especially apropos considering the section of Scripture the eunuch was reading? If you had to tell someone “the good news about Jesus” using only the Old Testament, what other verses/topics would you reference? Extra credit bonus questions: What Old Testament title did Jesus use to reference Himself more than any other? What Old Testament verse is quoted most often in the New Testament?

+ Why did the eunuch want to be baptized? Read Matthew 28.18-20. Verse 37 is not listed in the earliest manuscripts, but has been added here for discussion. What do you make of Philip’s response, then that of the eunuch? Discuss the ideas/experiences of baptism with your community group and with someone in leadership at DH if you are so inclined.

+ I love the fact that the eunuch “went on his way rejoicing”. Read Philippians 4:4. Share your conversion story with your community group, then with EVERYONE ELSE YOU MEET!!!

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ [Acts 8.35]

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

Francis of Assisi is quoted as saying, “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” Implicit in this saying is the understanding that often the most powerful sermons are unspoken. While I think this to be true in some cases, the Bible is also clear about the COMMAND to speak the Gospel.

[Romans 10.14-17]

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

+ Heavenly Father, fill us anew with Your Holy Spirit to give us the boldness to proclaim the Gospel of Christ in both word AND deed. Give us eyes to see and hearts to care about those around us who need to hear the truth about their condition before a Holy God, who has made a way of reconciliation through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Amen.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?