Outline.
1. The Ethiopian’s Authority
2. The Ethiopian’s Ambassador
3. The Ethiopian’s Announcement
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: “the Ethiopian’s Conversion.” We will focus on the man’s character, his willingness to receive guidance, and then finally, his conversion as a result of Philip’s preaching of Christ to him in his chariot, on the road to Gaza. Let’s be clear here, the man of God who is “filled with the Holy Spirit, wisdom and faith” can speak to multitudes and to one single person as well. Philip will be commissioned by God to go down to Gaza and meet a man; and preach Christ unto him. And, this he will do with great success. This lesson will speak to the divine hand of God in conversion; and illustrates the two components of the “new birth” in real time.
2. First, we will consider the Ethiopian’s authority; his position under Candace queen of the Ethiopians. Luke informs us: “that he was an eunuch of great authority, and had charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot read(ing) Esaias the prophet,” Acts 8:27-28. Up until this point, the gospel was being preached to the poor and common people, just as Jesus had announced, both in Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria. Now, the Holy Spirit is reaching out to this man (probable a proselyte), one of great authority, through Philip the evangelist, in order to proclaim the gospel of Christ unto him, and eventually unto Africa.
3. Second, we will notice the Ethiopian’s ambassador, as it is seen through the life of Philip the evangelist. Paul called himself, and those that preach Christ, “ambassadors for Christ,” 1 Corinthians 5:20. Ambassadors are men sent to “preach a message of reconciliation; a message of peace and glad tidings of good things,” Romans 10:13. They are men carrying the terms of pardon and the conditions of peace with God. However, Jesus described the Pharisees and Scribes as “blind guides.” He said: “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind both shall fall into the ditch,” Matthew 15:14. Philip was sent to “guide” this treasurer into an understanding of Isaiah’s messiah in order to convert him to Christ.
4. Finally, we will address the Ethiopian’s announcement, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,” Acts 8:37. This Ethiopian treasurer arrived at this conclusion as a result of Philip’s preaching to him from the Prophet Esaias. We will be careful to note all that leads up to his announcement or confession of faith in Jesus Christ, as the Son of God. Philip will preach Christ from Isaiah the prophet. He will cut Jesus out of the book. We won’t spend a lot of time dealing with his sermon, seeing we have discussed it in another lesson, which we called: “In Search of a Man.” Sufficient for us today, is Philip’s preaching from the book of Isaiah, which leads to the Ethiopian’s conversion to Christ. With this short introduction, let’s notice our first point, the Ethiopian’s authority.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE ETHIOPIAN’S AUTHORITY
A. Angel of the Lord. Our lesson begins with the angel of the Lord speaking to Philip. Notice: “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,” Acts 8:26. Let’s notice the setting.
1. Peter and John just left Samaria, returning to Jerusalem.
2. Philip is fully engaged in a “gospel meeting” in Samaria. These new converts had just received the “Holy Ghost” or “spiritual gifts” from the apostles’ Peter and John, Acts 8:14-17.
3. Now the “angel of the Lord” instructs Philip to leave Samaria and “go south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.” We hear no reply or debate from Philip. Clearly, the angel of the Lord was speaking to, and directing the preacher in this conversion experience. Unlike many today which allege: that the “angel of the Lord” spake unto them during their conversion experience. This is the beginning of God’s answer to this man’s search for Jesus. This is the divine hand of God in conversion. Notice some other events where God has placed a call for action.
a. Illustrate: Who will go for me? Lord, I will go. Too often we give God parameters, before we can go.
b. Notice Isaiah: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me,” Isaiah 6:8.
c. In Ezekiel's time, “God sought for a man.” Notice: “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none,” Ezekiel 22:30. Among all these people, God could not find one man to “stand in the gap for Him.” Illustrate: Few Good Men, All God Needs Is One.
d. Can God find one in this city who would “go for Him?”
4. Please be careful to note that the angel is speaking to the preacher, not the Ethiopian.
5. I believe in the divine hand of God in conversion. But notice: it is the angel directing the preacher to the man, who is in search of Jesus. Illustrate: In search of a man; God sought Philip; Philip sought the Ethiopian; and the Ethiopian is in search of Jesus. Jehovah saith: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart,” Jeremiah 29:13. God is answering the “call of an Ethiopian man,” searching for Jesus in the scriptures. God is sending Philip, to help guide him in this search.
B. He arose and went. Philip: “Arose and went,” Acts 8:27. David reminds us: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way,” Psalms 37:23. Illustrate: The blessed man, Psalms 1:1-6.
1. I thank the church for bringing us here today and the rest of this week, for this important meeting to help the people of this city to also find Jesus.
2. It is possible for one to preach a life time about "the things of the Lord;" and, not ever be preaching for the Lord! Matthew 7:21-23. Like many in your community.
3. However, for those who are sincere; and desiring to know the will of God.
4. He will send you to the help (like Apollos), or the help to you (like this Treasurer). Amen, somebody!
C. A man of Ethiopia. Hear Luke’s description of the man. He wrote: “Behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure,” Acts 8:27. Let’s notice:
1. He was an Ethiopian man. He was a man of color, like those in Acts 13:1.
2. He was a eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians.
a. Eunuch. Could mean “castrated’ as in Isaiah 56:3-4; however, not always so. It was also used as a title of faithful servants, or one of great importance. “Master of eunuchs” as in Daniel 1:3-7. In this instance it could be referring to “Minister of Finance,” Acts 8:27.
b. Candace: means "prince of servants." Candace was a title of an Egyptian queen, in (A.D. 38). The name was not a proper name of an individual, but that of a dynasty of Ethiopian queens.
3. He had charge of all her treasures. He was the chief financial officer; or Finance Minister of Ethiopia. He was a man of education and learning.
4. He was also a religious man; educated in the Hebrew scriptures. He was able to read the text; though he could not understand Isaiah’s description of the “suffering Messiah,” Isaiah 53:1ff.
D. He was returning from Jerusalem. He “had come to Jerusalem for to worship,” Acts 8:27. He no doubt was a proselytes from Ethiopian; like those “in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene,” Acts 2:10. Ethiopia had its own education systems, religion (founded from Judaism) and culture. God is calling this man for work later in his own country. This noble man found things wrong with his worship; and sought an understanding from the scriptures. Illustrate: Been to Worship; But Wrong.
E. He was sitting in his chariot. Luke points out: “He was sitting in his chariot and read(ing) Esaias the prophet,” Acts 8:28. He was a man “hungering and thirsting after righteousness,” Matthew 5:6. He wasn't traveling by himself, nor without means.
1. He was reading the Old Testament scriptures. It was their practice to read the text aloud (remember Jesus in the city of Nazareth), Luke 4:16-21.
2. Paul writes regarding noble men: “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called,” 1 Corinthians 1:26. A “noble” person will do as the Bereans: “These (Bereans) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so,” Acts 17:11.
NOTE: Illustrate, Felix and Festus, both “noble men” who rejected the gospel of Christ.
a. Felix sought for a “more convenient season,” Acts 24:3, Acts 24:24-27.
b. King Agrippa “was almost persuaded to become a Christian,” Acts 26:25-28.
c. There will be many hearing me today; that will leave this gathering, not “obeying the gospel of Christ.”
d. Some will find my words insulting; others will reject them outright – not even: “searching the scriptures to see whether these things are so.” We pray God’s mercy upon these.
3. But God will call this man; he would be obedient and become a servant of the Lord in his own country. Beloved: “The heart of the righteous man studieth to answer,” Proverbs 15:28; 1 Peter 3:15. Let’s look now at Philip’s ambassadorship.
II THE ETHIOPIAN’S AMBASSADOR
A. The Spirit said unto Philip: “Go near, and join thyself to this chariot,” Acts 8:29. I want you all to see as well as hear, who was speaking, and to whom He was speaking. The Holy Spirit was speaking to the preacher, Philip. Not the man in the chariot.
1. We notice the Holy Ghost elsewhere speaking: “The Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them,” Acts 13:1-3.
2. He is a person, the third personality in the Godhead, Matthew 28:19-20.
Note: Illustrate: Ananias and his wife, who lied unto the Holy Ghost; who is God, Acts 5:1-4.
3. The Holy Ghost now sends the preacher to join the chariot.
B. Philip ran thither to him. “And heard him read the prophet Esaias,” Acts 8:30. Please note, that Philip as he was running and drew near to the chariot, heard the man reading the text from Isaiah 53. While running alongside the chariot, Philip inquired of his reading.
C. Philip asked: “Understandest thou what thou readest?” He was reading; but did not understand the text. Solomon said: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding,” Proverbs 4:7. And Paul: “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is,” Ephesians 5:17. Illustrate: Get a Good Understanding.
D. The Ethiopian answered: “How can I, except some man should guide me?” See Acts 8:31a. Let’s summarize all we have seen up until this point:
1. First, the angel of the Lord sent Philip to Gaza.
2. Further, the Spirit of the Lord instructed Philip to “join himself to the chariot.”
3. Finally, the Ethiopian is asking for “a man to guide him.”
4. Conclusion: Neither the angel of the Lord; nor the Spirit was involved in the conversion of this man up to this point. They merely got the preacher and the man together. This was the providence of God.
E. He desired Philip: “That he would come up and sit with him,” Acts 8:31b.
1. The text: “The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth,” Acts 8:32-33. Clearly, this reading was from Isaiah 53:7-8.
2. The question: “And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of who speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man?” See Acts 8:34. Philip is now being asked to explain the text to this Ethiopian treasurer.
a. Let’s keep before us that this union of preacher and treasurer was done through the hand of God.
b. Therefore, the message forthcoming will be the word of God. Notice Peter:
1) First, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen,” 1 Peter 4:11.
2) Further, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,” 2 Peter 1:20-21.
3) Finally, Jesus on this notion of the Holy Ghost’s guidance:
a) “But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost,” Mark 13:11. See also, Matthew 10:19; Luke 12:11.
b) “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you,” John 16:13-15. See also Luke 10:16.
4) Conclusion: The answer to this question, “who speak the prophet this, of himself, or some other man?” The Holy Ghost will provide the Ethiopian the answer. Philip’s preaching and interpretation will be done through the guidance of the “Holy Spirit.” As Philip “guides the man in an understanding;” the Holy Ghost will guide him “in his interpretation” of the text, 1 Corinthians 14:26. Let’s see what the Spirit hath said!
III THE ETHIOPIAN’S ANNOUCEMENT
A. The message. “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus,” Acts 8:35. Let me say first, if you want to explain the meaning of a thing; begin at the same scripture. Illustrate: Run the JW out your house. Let them read, and begin your explanation at the same text. Most likely, the error will be right there in their proof text! Notice Philip: “He began at the same scripture and preached unto him Jesus.” We must learn to cut Jesus out of the Old Testament scriptures. The entire bible speaks of Him, His work of redemption and salvation. While reviewing his sermon we find these things:
1. He preached Jesus, therefore “the name of Jesus,” Acts 4:12, Acts 8:12.
a. He was the messiah, Acts 2:36; Acts 17:2-3.
b. He was the Son of God, Matthew 27:50-54.
2. He preached the redemptive work of Christ, his suffering, his death and his resurrection, Isaiah 53:1ff; Luke 24:44-47.
3. He preached faith in Jesus as being the “Son of God,” Acts 8:37.
4. He preached the necessity of baptism (in water).
5. He preached the kingdom of God, John 3:1-5; Acts 8:12.
6. I know we are getting into dangerous grounds now; so let me remind you all that Philip is preaching by the direction and guidance of the Holy Ghost. These are not his words; but the “word of God” regarding Isaiah’s prophecy; as well as the answer to his next question.
B. The Ethiopian’s next question. Note: “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?” See Acts 8:36.
1. As they continued their travel in the chariot and Philip’s preaching, they came unto a certain water. Church, visitors and friends, please notice what is occurring right now. Old school teaches, “You can’t preach Christ without preaching baptism.” Teaching and baptism is part of the “Great Commission,” Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16. Many will disagree, that this kind of preaching is necessary today.
2. Remember however, Philip is laboring under the guidance of the Holy Ghost! This begs some serious questions to be asked regarding what has just happened:
a. First, who made this request? “What doth hinder me to be baptized?” Was this the preacher or the Ethiopian? The eunuch said, “See, here is water…what doth hinder me to be baptized?”
b. Further, what generated the question? “They came unto a certain water.” Anywhere baptism was taking place, much water was required. Notice: “And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized,” John 3:23. Illustrate: Sprinkle, Pour and Immerse.
c. Finally, was baptism a part of Philip’s preaching Jesus? The question of the Ethiopian clearly indicates that it was a part of Philip’s message. The Holy Ghost did not permit Philip to preach Christ without preaching baptism.
d. Recall, that in the previous cases of conversions, baptism was “for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38. The same is undoubtedly happening here as well.
C. Philip’s answer. “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest," Acts 8:37a. Recall, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him,” Hebrews 11:6. Notice also:
1. First, Jesus said: “for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins,” John 8:24.
2. Further, Paul writes: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17.
3. Finally, Paul again: “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ,” Galatians 3:26-27.
a. In baptism we “get into Christ,” Romans 6:1-7.
b. In baptism we “put off the body of sins of the flesh,” Colossians 2:11-13.
c. In baptism we “are quickened together with Christ,” Ephesians 2:5.
d. In baptism “by grace we are saved,” Ephesians 2:5, 8-9; Titus 3:5-7; and Ephesians 1:13-14.
4. Conclusion, listen to Jesus: “And he said unto them, go ye into the entire world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned,” Mark 16:15-16. Philip’s preaching was conforming to the "Great Commission” as commanded by Jesus Christ.
D. The Ethiopian’s announcement. “And he (the Ethiopian) answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,” Acts 8:37b. Hear Jesus: “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven,” Matthew 10:32-33. Philip required that the Ethiopian confessed that he “believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” See also Romans 10:9-10.
E. Their response. Note: "And he (the Ethiopian) commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing,” Acts 8:38-39. Up until this point we have learned what Philip preached by the guidance of the Holy Ghost. As we began to conclude this lesson, we will notice how one gets into the kingdom of God, by the “new birth” which Jesus spake unto Nicodemus, in John 3:1-5. Notice if you would:
1. He commanded the chariot to stand still (the driver stop the chariot).
2. They went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch.
3. He (Philip) baptized him (the Ethiopian).
4. When they were “come up out of the water, the Spirit…” In this phrase includes the two components of the “new birth”; that allows one to be “born again”; or “regeneration.” Thus, permitting an entrance “into the kingdom of God.” Let’s notice Jesus statement regarding the “new birth” with the phrase, “when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit…”
5. Notice the similarity of these two verses in English and in the Greek text:
a. First, when they were come up “out of the water, the Spirit.” The Greek: “ek tou hudatos, [the] pneuma” – Acts 8:39.
b. Further, except a man be born “out of water and the Spirit.” The Greek: “ek hudatos kai pneumatos” – John 3:5.
c. Finally, the language in the English and Greek is the same in both verses. The Ethiopian’s conversion clearly demonstrates the two components of the “new birth,” in practice; and that is “out of water and the Spirit.”
d. Conclusion: The “new birth” includes both “water and Spirit.” In summary then, we noticed:
1) How the Spirit was working through Philip, in preaching Jesus to the Ethiopian.
2) Also, how the water in baptism was used to complete the Ethiopian's conversion experience.
3) Thus, granting him entrance "into the kingdom of God."
4) And reason "for going on his way rejoicing."
6. Conclusion: As a result of Philip preaching Jesus, and the Ethiopian’s faith and baptism, he was converted to Christ and "born again."
a. He too was granted entrance "into the kingdom of God," just like the Samaritans and others in the New Testament, Acts 8:12; John 3:5. See also Acts 14:22; Colossians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; and Revelation 1:9.
b. He had obeyed: "From the heart that form of doctrine, that made him free from his sin," Romans 6:17-18; John 8:31-32; John 8:36. That doctrine was the gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. That form was "baptism," Romans 6:1-7.
c. As I began to conclude, let me summarize what we have discussed in this lesson.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Ethiopian’s Authority
2. The Ethiopian’s Ambassador
3. The Ethiopian’s Announcement
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered the Ethiopian’s authority; his position under Candace queen of the Ethiopians. Luke informs us: “that he was an eunuch of great authority, and had charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot read(ing) Esaias the prophet,” Acts 8:27-28. Up until this point, the gospel was being preached to the poor and common people, just as Jesus had announced, both in Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria. Now, the Holy Spirit is reaching out to this man (probably a proselyte), one of great authority, through Philip the evangelist, in order to proclaim the gospel of Christ unto him, and eventually unto Africa.
2. Second, we noticed the Ethiopian’s ambassador, as it is seen through the life of Philip the evangelist. Paul called himself, and those that preach Christ, “ambassadors for Christ,” 1 Corinthians 5:20. Ambassadors are men sent to “preach a message of reconciliation; a message of great joy.” They are men carrying the terms of pardon and the conditions of peace with God. Jesus described the Pharisees and Scribes as “blind guides.” He said: “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind both shall fall into the ditch,” Matthew 15:14. Philip was sent to “guide” this treasurer into an understanding of Isaiah’s messiah in order to convert him to Christ.
3. Finally, we addressed the Ethiopian’s announcement, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,” Acts 8:37. This Ethiopian treasurer arrived at this conclusion as a result of Philip’s preaching to him from the Prophet Esaias. We were careful to note all that led up to this announcement or confession of faith. Philip preached Christ from the Old Testament. He cut Jesus out of the book. We didn’t spend a lot of time dealing with his sermon, seeing we have dealt with it in another lesson, which we called: “In search of a man.” Sufficient for us today is that Philip’s preaching from the book of Isaiah, led to the Ethiopian’s conversion to Christ.
C. Review the plan of salvation as seen in this lesson.
D. Exhortation. Like the Ethiopian, I ask: “what doth hinder you to be baptized?” The water is ready; the time is right. Today is the day of salvation. Let it not be said of you, “almost, thou hast persuaded me to become a Christian.” Do it now, accept the terms of God's pardoning of your sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost.
E. Motivation. We love you here at this congregation of God’s people, and want the best for your life and your family. We invite you now to come and respond to the love of God and the death of his Son. What you do today will have lasting benefits for you, and perhaps for those whom you love, whether they be family members or friends.
