The Word

Author: Pastor Darren DeLoach

Acts 8:29-35—And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.”

And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?”

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

Philip, a Greek-speaking Jewish convert chosen to aid “The Twelve” disciples in their work, stands out as an intriguing character in the New Testament. In Acts 6, we encounter Philip, alongside Stephen and others, as they assume responsibility for the culturally Greek widows and orphans. Selected for their good reputation, spiritual depth, and wisdom, these men extend care to those neglected by the Temple’s “welfare system” due to their conversion to Christianity. Subsequently, a terrible persecution, initiated by Saul of Tarsus, unfolds, leading to the martyrdom of Stephen and the dispersion of Greek Jewish Christians from Jerusalem. Philip, seeking refuge in Samaria, transforms into an evangelist, initiating a remarkable revival marked by prodigious miracles orchestrated by the Lord. As the great revival is unfolding, the Holy Spirit leads Philip to a remote and barren place to seek out a single man, the Ethiopian Eunuch.

This is where we intercept the narrative that opened this devotional. The encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian unveils profound insights. Philip sees the man sitting in a chariot reading. It is quickly noted that he is of a different race (Ethiopian, not the modern nation but an ancient African empire), he is a noble and serves the Queen of Ethiopia, he is a eunuch, and he has a passion to follow the God of Israel. As Philip draws near, he hears the man reading from the words of the prophet Isaiah.

Certainly, we can unravel profound truths from these specific details: A man, considered unworthy by the Law of Moses to participate in the assembly of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:1), and was a descendent of the cursed son of Noah, can, through placing his life in the hands of Jesus, be recognized as a Son of God.

Indeed, a remarkable takeaway from these passages is the transformative power of placing one’s life in Jesus’ hands. What is frequently overlooked is how Philip skillfully employs the Word of God to pave the way for the Ethiopian’s salvation.

Over centuries, Israelites interpreted Isaiah’s writings (Chapter 53), envisioning a political Messiah. But for “born again” believers like Philip, the Holy Spirit clarified that this referred to Jesus. When Philip heard the man reading, he asked directly, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The eunuch’s sincere response, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” shows his softened heart, ready to receive Philip’s message.

The heart of this Spirit-led encounter, culminating in the salvation and baptism of an outsider, lies in Philip’s unwavering connection to the WORD OF GOD. Reflecting the essence of 1 Peter 3:15, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

The Scriptures transcend a mere historical account, scientific journal, or strict chronicle; they encapsulate the very character of God, life-affirming truths of our Savior, and the Good News of salvation through Jesus.

Move beyond mere reading; internalize God’s words. Weave them into your daily language, ready your heart and mind for encounters with those distant from God. The Scriptures, extending benefits beyond personal growth, can shape you into someone akin to Philip—someone entrusted by God to play a role in the revival.

Reflection

How can you move beyond mere reading and internalize God’s Words?