The Ethiopian Eunuch

The Ethiopian Eunuch

Reading the Word

As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

29 The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”

30 Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

31 The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him (Acts 8:26–31).

Setting the Scene

This man had more to think about than most people. An official in Queen Candace’s court, he had charge of the entire Ethiopian treasury. But his stopover this day happened on a trip from Jerusalem, where he had visited, not to negotiate a deal or to broker a settlement but to worship the God of Israel. During the trip back he had a little free time and decided to use it reading the Scriptures. And God found him there.

Getting Personal

Here is where God speaks to us. The Ethiopian focused his attention on the passage in Isaiah that foretells the suffering of Christ. He read even though he did not really understand it. When the opportunity (Philip) came to him and explained the passage, he jumped at it. No wonder this Ethiopian official became a Christ-follower that day.

A man caught up in the political machinery would not have had time for Scripture reading. A man concerned with power and selfish interest would not have concerned himself with personal reflection. A man too calloused to hear the words of Isaiah 53 would not have cared about the Suffering Servant. But this man’s heart responded when he heard about Christ.

How often do you listen with your heart as you read the Scriptures, hear a sermon, or seek advice? God wants to speak to you. Have an open mind; have a softened heart. Let the truth of what you hear capture your attention.

Talking to God

Lord, reveal your truth to me . . .

Adapted from 365 Life Lessons from Bible People by Livingstone (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1996), used by permission.