The Beginning:
After the gospel begins spreading beyond Jerusalem, an angel directs Philip to take a desert road leading south from Jerusalem toward Gaza. There Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch, a high official serving the queen of the Ethiopians, returning from worshiping in Jerusalem. The man is reading aloud from the prophet Isaiah while traveling in his chariot.
The Middle:
The Holy Spirit prompts Philip to approach the chariot and engage the traveler. Philip asks whether he understands what he is reading, and the official admits he needs guidance. The passage is from Isaiah’s “Suffering Servant” section, and the eunuch asks whether the prophet speaks about himself or someone else. Beginning with that Scripture, Philip explains the good news about Jesus, showing how the prophecy is fulfilled in Christ’s suffering and exaltation.
The End:
As they come to water, the eunuch asks to be baptized, expressing faith, and Philip baptizes him. Immediately afterward, the Spirit takes Philip away, and the eunuch continues his journey rejoicing. Philip is found at Azotus and continues preaching through the towns until Caesarea.
This account highlights God’s initiative in bringing the gospel to those beyond Israel’s borders and social boundaries, guiding evangelism through Scripture and the Spirit. The Ethiopian official’s encounter centers on Christ: Isaiah’s promised Servant is interpreted as Jesus, whose suffering secures salvation. Baptism follows confession of faith, portraying incorporation into the people of God not by ethnicity or status, but through trust in Jesus and reception of the gospel.
The Ethiopian eunuch is described as a high-ranking court official in charge of a royal treasury, reflecting how ancient states placed trusted administrators over finances. His possession of an Isaiah scroll indicates both wealth and access to Jewish Scriptures among some Gentile “God-fearers” or worshipers connected to Jerusalem’s religious life, fitting Acts’ portrayal of the gospel moving along existing pilgrimage and trade routes.
“How can I, unless someone guides me?” — Acts 8:31
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. Who directed Philip to take the desert road leading south from Jerusalem toward Gaza?
2. What did the Ethiopian eunuch ask to do when they came to water?