Acts 8:26–31, 35, 38–39

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

Obedient

Acts 8:26–31, 35, 38–39 

Compelled to Seek (26–29)

There are two important aspects to this passage. First, Philip was susceptible to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit told Philip what to do — in this case it was to go to the chariot. There are times in a Christian’s life where you feel a calling to do something. It may be a feeling of a need to pray for or talk to someone. When we feel this, it is the Holy Spirit prompting us to do these things. From listening to the Spirit, we must be obedient to do what He calls us to do, for by this obedience God works through us to accomplish His purpose. 

This leads to the second important aspect of this passage: Philip presented the gospel. Faithful obedience to God results in a presentation of the gospel. This is the only means by which humans are made right with God. True love of neighbor means meeting their needs, and their greatest need is to experience the abundant life that Christ brings. 

If Philip had never listened to the Holy Spirit, he would not have approached this Ethiopian and explained to him the gospel. Christian tradition teaches that this man went back to Ethiopia where he preached this same gospel message. Philip’s obedience may have resulted in many others coming to know Christ through this Ethiopian.

Prepared to Share (30–31, 35)

Philip understood the Old Testament and used this knowledge to present the gospel and show how Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures. Many Christians believe the Old Testament to be irrelevant and that only the New Testament is important. 

However, understanding the Old Testament is crucial in understanding the New Testament. The Old Testament provides the underpinnings for what Jesus is fulfilling. The Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus so to understand the nature of the New Testament and its context, knowledge of the Old Testament is essential. 

When reading the Old Testament we should be looking for ways in which Christ is foreshadowed. In this instance the Ethiopian only had a copy of Isaiah. In reading this, he wondered who it was about. We can point to many passages in the Old Testament and show how they prefigure Christ. 

Focused on Salvation (38–39)

Once the Ethiopian believed the gospel message, he asked to be baptized. Baptism is an important part of the Christian message. It demonstrates obedience to the Great Commission in Matthew 28 and shows that we identify with Christ. Romans 6:4 says: “Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life.”

Some argue that baptism is necessary for salvation. However, the majority of verses that deal with salvation leave out baptism. This suggests that when we see baptism used in a passage with salvation the baptism is the next logical step in the Christian life. Verses like John 3:16, Acts 16:31 and Romans 10:9–13 do not even mention baptism. Furthermore the thief on the cross next to Jesus was told he would see Jesus that day in paradise, and he never had a chance to be baptized. 

What do we make of this? We understand that baptism is an important testimony as it shows that we are committed to following Christ but not necessary for salvation.