Acts 8 26-40
The story told in Acts
is so much fun I decided to work with it today instead of focusing on the
gospel.
Philip is one of the
consistently-named disciples in the lists of disciples. He doesn’t stand out
like Peter and John, but he plays an important role in the spread of the good
news. The gospel of John tells Philip’s story: Jesus found Philip and called
him to follow. Philip believed in Jesus and went to find Nathanael.
Along the shore of the
Sea of Galilee, the people are hungry. Jesus has a conversation with Philip
about where they can buy food to feed the multitude. Philip is honest and
declares that they would need a lot of money to buy just a little food for so
many people. Just then Andrew reports that a boy in the crowd has some bread
and some fish to share.
During Jesus’ last week,
Jesus and the disciples are often in Jerusalem. One day, some Greeks approach
Philip, asking to see Jesus. Philip consults with Andrew, and together they go
to Jesus, who sees this as a sign that his death is near.
During their last night
together, Jesus talks for chapter after chapter. At one point, Philip says to
Jesus, “Show us the Father.” Jesus
replies, “When you see me, you see the Father.”
In Acts, we learn about
the ministry of Philip, who went to Samaria to preach and heal and baptize many
people.
Next, we get today’s
story about Philip being sent by an angel to go to the road from Jerusalem to
Gaza. The Spirit directs Philip to join the eunuch in his chariot, who “just
happens” to be travelling on that road.
… Eunuchs in ancient
times were often slaves, more expensive than regular slaves. Eunuchs were men
who had had surgery to make sure they could not make babies.
They were often personal
attendants of the royalty, including kings and queens, and the king’s harem of
women. Often they were administrators, such as treasurers. This eunuch is in
charge of the Queen’s entire treasury! He must have been wealthy! He was in
Jerusalem for a Jewish holiday, but I’d guess he paired it with a business
trip, perhaps a trade mission on behalf of the queen.
This particular eunuch was
either a Jew or a Gentile believer in the Jewish God. He is called Ethiopian,
so he has dark skin like most African people. Because of his altered body, he
would not have been allowed in the temple, though some synagogue leaders may
have welcomed him.
He was reading – so he
was literate, or a servant was reading to him – from a copy of an Isaiah scroll. He was
reading a portion which describes the suffering servant from Isaiah 53. “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like
a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. 33In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can
describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.”
The eunuch asks Philip about this text. “Is Isaiah
talking about himself, or someone else?” It’s a perfect opportunity for Philip
to tell about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, and the good news he brings.
When Philip has finished talking, the eunuch asks, “Will you baptize me right
now?” There is not a lot of water near Jerusalem, but amazingly, there is some
water near the road and Philip baptizes him. And then, Philip suddenly
disappears and finds himself at Azotus, where he continues to preach, heal, and
baptize.
The eunuch continues on
his way home.
… I’d like to have some
fun with the story now. Imagine that, by some anachronistic miracle, the eunuch
and the queen have cell phones. The eunuch is so excited he can’t wait until he
gets home to tell the queen about his news, so he pulls his phone out of his
tunic and phones home. What would he say, do you think? Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to people; Jesus loves everybody,
even people like me!; I just got baptized!; I can’t wait to tell the people at
home!
… Imagine that Philip
and Peter also have cell phones. What do you imagine their conversation sounded
like?
What would Philip say
first? I just baptized an Ethiopian
eunuch! The Spirit told me to do it! He was reading Isaiah and wanted to know
more, so I told him. The Spirit sent me to the Gaza Road, and then, suddenly, here
I am in Azotus, miles and miles away.
What do you think Peter
said? You did what?! But he’s not Jewish!
But he’s not whole! The Spirit did that?
How do you think Philip
responded to Peter’s doubts? Jesus loved
everybody, including the Centurion and the Samaritan woman and the Canaanite
woman. Jesus welcomed all sorts of people. What’s the problem?
What does this mean for
us today? We should let the Spirit guide and send us
where we would never think of going, and talk to people we would never think of
talking to.
I invite you to pay
attention this week to the Spirit. Pray for the Spirit to enter your life in a
powerful way. Where is the Spirit sending you? To whom? Trust the Spirit to
enter your conversation, give you words to say, and to work in the heart of the
person you are talking to.
Please pray with me.
Amazing Spirit, send us out. Send us to share your love and good news with
those whom you are trying to reach. Use us. Amen
