CHARACTER STUDY OF THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH – CONVERTED BY PHILIP
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Acts 8:26-39
"Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." (Acts 8:35, KJV)
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 53:7-8, John 6:44, Romans 10:17, Matthew 7:7-8, Acts 10:34-35
INTRODUCTION
The Ethiopian Eunuch was a high-ranking official under Candace, the queen of Ethiopia. He was a man of great authority, overseeing the treasury of the kingdom. Despite his position, he was a seeker of truth, travelling to Jerusalem to worship and reading the Scriptures in his chariot. His encounter with Philip the Evangelist led to his salvation and baptism. His story highlights God’s divine guidance, the importance of Scripture, and the necessity of evangelism.
1. THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH WAS A SEEKER OF GOD
a) He travelled to Jerusalem to worship (Acts 8:27)
Despite his high status, he made a long journey, showing his dedication to finding God.
b) He read the Scriptures (Acts 8:28)
His hunger for God led him to read from the book of Isaiah, though he did not fully understand it.
c) He was open to learning (Acts 8:31)
When Philip asked if he understood the Scripture, he humbly admitted his need for guidance.
d) God always reveals Himself to true seekers (Jeremiah 29:13)
Those who sincerely seek God will find Him.
e) Biblical Example: Cornelius (Acts 10:1-4)
Like the Ethiopian Eunuch, Cornelius was a Gentile who sought after God and was rewarded with divine revelation.
2. GOD ORCHESTRATED HIS ENCOUNTER WITH PHILIP
a) Philip was sent by divine instruction (Acts 8:26)
An angel directed Philip to the road where the Eunuch was travelling.
b) The Spirit led Philip to approach him (Acts 8:29)
Philip was sensitive to the Holy Spirit and obeyed the call to evangelise.
c) Divine appointments are part of God’s plan (John 6:44)
God draws people to Himself through divine encounters.
d) Evangelism is God’s method of reaching the lost (Romans 10:14-15)
The Eunuch needed someone to explain the Gospel to him, just as many today need preachers to bring them the truth.
e) Biblical Example: Saul’s Encounter with Jesus (Acts 9:3-6)
Just as God arranged Philip’s meeting with the Eunuch, He also arranged Saul’s encounter on the road to Damascus.
3. THE SCRIPTURES POINT TO JESUS CHRIST
a) He was reading Isaiah 53:7-8 (Acts 8:32-33)
The prophecy about the suffering of the Messiah was central to his salvation.
b) Philip preached Jesus from the Scriptures (Acts 8:35)
Philip used the very passage the Eunuch was reading to explain the Gospel.
c) Faith comes by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17)
The Eunuch’s faith was ignited when he heard the message of Christ.
d) The Bible is God’s revelation to mankind (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Every part of Scripture points to Jesus and is useful for leading people to salvation.
e) Biblical Example: The Disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:27)
Jesus Himself explained the Scriptures to the two disciples, just as Philip did for the Eunuch.
4. HIS IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TO THE GOSPEL
a) He believed and desired baptism (Acts 8:36)
Upon understanding the Gospel, he immediately sought to be baptised.
b) True faith leads to action (James 2:17)
His response showed that genuine faith produces immediate obedience.
c) He made a public confession of faith (Acts 8:37)
Before baptism, he declared his belief that Jesus is the Son of God.
d) He was baptised in water (Acts 8:38)
Philip took him into the water, signifying complete submission to Christ.
e) Biblical Example: The Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:30-33)
The jailer, like the Eunuch, responded immediately to the Gospel and was baptised.
5. HE WENT AWAY REJOICING IN HIS SALVATION
a) Salvation brings joy (Acts 8:39)
After his baptism, he continued on his journey rejoicing.
b) The joy of the Lord is a mark of true conversion (Psalm 16:11)
Those who find salvation experience deep spiritual joy.
c) He became a witness to his people (Acts 1:8)
Though Scripture does not give further details, history suggests he carried the Gospel back to Ethiopia.
d) Obedience to God brings spiritual fulfilment (John 15:11)
When people respond to God’s call, they experience divine joy and purpose.
e) Biblical Example: The Samaritan Woman (John 4:28-30)
She also found joy in her salvation and shared the Gospel with her people.
STRENGTHS OF THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH
1. He was a seeker of God – His journey to Jerusalem showed his spiritual hunger.
2. He was humble – He admitted his need for understanding.
3. He was obedient – He responded immediately to the Gospel.
4. He experienced true joy – His salvation brought him rejoicing.
5. He possibly spread the Gospel in Ethiopia – His conversion had lasting impact.
LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH
1. True seekers of God will find Him.
2. God arranges divine encounters for those who seek Him.
3. Understanding Scripture is key to salvation.
4. Genuine faith produces immediate obedience.
5. Salvation brings joy and transformation.
CONCLUSION
The Ethiopian Eunuch’s story is a powerful testimony of how God reaches out to those who seek Him. His hunger for truth led to a divine encounter with Philip, and through the Scriptures, he found Christ. His immediate obedience to baptism and the joy that followed remind us that true faith leads to transformation. His life challenges us to seek God wholeheartedly, obey Him immediately, and rejoice in our salvation.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, give me a heart that seeks after You.
2. Father, lead me to divine encounters that will transform my life.
3. Open my understanding to Your Word, O Lord.
4. Grant me the grace to obey You without hesitation.
5. Fill my life with the joy of salvation.
