Philip and the Ethiopian Official
One of the most fascinating stories about discipleship is found in Acts 8:26-40. It is the story of Philip and the eunuch.
Read the whole story (Acts 8:26-40) and answer the following questions:
1. What indications show us that this man already had some knowledge of truth, and was a seeker after truth?
2. What role did the Scriptures play in his becoming a disciple?
3. What did Philip say was necessary in order for him to be ready for baptism?
4. What can we learn about discipleship from the role of Philip in this story? What characteristics did Philip show that made him such an effective witness for the Lord?
In this story, providence played a powerful role, did it not? After obeying the angel, Philip met the eunuch on the road. Interesting, too, that Philip was to go from Jerusalem to Gaza (what symbolism do you see there?). The Ethiopian was, apparently, another God-fearer. He also just happened to be reading the Bible, and not only the Scripture but Isaiah, and not only Isaiah but the greatest Messianic prophecy in all the Bible, chapter 53. This chapter, of course, depicts Christ's substitutionary death for us. Then, after Philip explained to him the meaning of the Scripture, they came to a certain water, and the eunuch wanted to be baptized. Everything fell right into place.
Read Acts 8:39. The eunuch went on his way rejoicing, surely about His newfound discovery of Jesus' dying for His sins. We say that faith is not feeling, and that we need to maintain faith even when we feel bad. At the same time, why should we, as disciples who have been forgiven our sins through the death of Jesus, always have a place in our heart for rejoicing, regardless of our immediate circumstances?
1 comment:
So what does it mean to be a disciple? It simply means that you take your plans, your goals, and your aspirations and place them at the feet of Jesus. It simply means saying, "Not my will, but Yours be done."
Let's commit ourselves to being true disciples of Jesus Christ. Not mere fair-weather followers, but disciples
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