The Whole Story (continues)
If Acts 2 is the spark that ignites the fire
of the gospel, Acts 8 is the moment the fire begins to spread beyond its
expected boundaries. Up until now, the church in Jerusalem had experienced
growth, community, and boldness — but it had also stayed home. That changes in
Acts 8. What seems at first like a tragedy — the violent persecution of the
church following Stephen’s martyrdom — becomes the very means by which God
propels His people into the mission He had already spoken: “You will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the
earth.” The gospel will not be contained. It will not be domesticated. It will
go where we least expect it — into Samaria, through the preaching of Philip,
and into the chariot of an Ethiopian official seeking answers on a desert road.
Acts 8 is a reminder that the advance of the
gospel is not always neat, but it is always sovereign. God uses brokenness,
scattering, and unlikely messengers to accomplish His global plan. Through
Philip, a faithful deacon turned evangelist, we see a gospel that crosses
cultural, racial, and geographic lines. We see a God who pursues the seeker, sends
His Spirit, and draws people to Jesus through His Word. And we see a church learning
— sometimes painfully, always providentially — that God’s kingdom is bigger than
their comfort zones.
Acts 8 challenges us to believe that there is no one too far, no place too remote, and no moment too random for the saving grace of God to break in. The gospel is not stationary — it is on the move. The only question is: are we willing to go where it leads?
Acts 8:26-40
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip,
“Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to
Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an
Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who
was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and
was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29
And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So, Philip
ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you
understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone
guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the
passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led
to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not
his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his
generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” 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?” 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.
The
Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001
by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Acts 8:26-40
Discussion Questions
- Read Acts 8:26–27 What stands out to you about Philip’s obedience? Why is immediate obedience often so difficult for us?
- Read Acts 8:29–31 Philip ran toward the assignment. Where has God asked you to “run” toward obedience recently?
- Read Acts 8:32–35 How does this text show that the gospel is good news, not good advice?
- Read Acts 8:36–38 Why should baptism be an immediate response to repentance and faith?
- Read John 4:35 What would it look like to see your routine daily environments (gym, workplace, driveway, team sports, neighborhood) as harvest fields that are already ready?
Closing Thoughts
The mission of God is not reserved for the elite, the clergy, the platform holders, or the spiritually gifted few. God is already arranging conversations, aligning hearts, and preparing people around each of us — just like He did for Philip. Our calling is simply to obey. The harvest is not waiting on more strategy, more comfort, or more information — the harvest is waiting on obedience. If God is sovereignly arranging divine appointments around you this week, who is the one person God is calling you to intentionally pursue with the gospel right now?
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