Ethiopian Eunuch

Technical Profile

  • Name Meaning: Greek eunouchos (“eunuch; court official”), describing status rather than a personal name
  • Period/Era: Early Church (Apostolic Age)
  • Main References: Acts 8:26–40
  • Key Connections: Philip the evangelist; Isaiah (scroll reading); Candace (queen of the Ethiopians)

Who was Ethiopian Eunuch?

An Ethiopian court official and treasurer serving Candace, queen of the Ethiopians.
He had traveled to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home reading Isaiah.
Philip encountered him on the Gaza road, explained the Scripture about Jesus, and baptized him.

Key Events & Achievements

  • Event 1: Traveled to Jerusalem to worship and returned by chariot while reading Isaiah.
  • Event 2: Asked Philip about Isaiah’s meaning and heard the good news about Jesus.
  • Event 3: Requested baptism upon reaching water, and continued his journey with joy afterward.

Life Lesson & Legacy

The Ethiopian eunuch illustrates how the gospel reached beyond Judea through Scripture-centered witness and baptismal incorporation into the early Christian movement.

Key Verse

"And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him." — Acts 8:38, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. What position did the Ethiopian eunuch hold in relation to Candace, queen of the Ethiopians?

2. What did the Ethiopian eunuch request after reaching water during his journey?