Unlikely Heroes in the New TestamentSýnishorn

Day 6: The Ethiopian Eunuch

Many supernatural events occurred throughout Jesus’s life. However, there are many accounts in the Book of Acts of other supernatural things happening in response to sharing the gospel. One of the most poignant examples of this was Philip's interaction with the Ethiopian eunuch.

The Ethiopian eunuch was a high-ranking official in charge of the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. While returning from worshiping in Jerusalem, he was reading Isaiah 53 and did not understand what the passage was about. Shortly before, Philip was instructed by an angel to leave Jerusalem where he was staying and to wander in the desert of Gaza. Not knowing why, Philip obeyed, and was led by the Holy Spirit to the Ethiopian eunuch’s chariot which was traversing the dry desert landscape.

As Philip arrived, the eunuch was reading from Isaiah 53, which tells of the crucifixion of Jesus 700 years before it happened. They began talking, and Philip explained that this passage of Scripture pointed to Jesus, leading the eunuch to understand and accept Jesus as the Messiah. His response was that he was baptized immediately, confessing that he believed in Jesus as the Son of God. Philip baptized the eunuch, and the moment the Ethiopian eunuch came out of the baptismal waters, Philip was caught up in the Spirit to another area, Azotus, which was 30 miles away from where he ministered to the eunuch.

From this supernatural encounter, the gospel spread throughout Ethiopia, and still today some Coptic Christians in Egypt trace their spiritual heritage to this encounter and Ethiopian official. This story illustrates the importance of being open to divine appointments, and the power of the gospel to cross cultural and geographical boundaries.

Key takeaway: By following to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, the Lord will lead us to divine appointments and supernatural encounters that can impact entire countries for generations.

Reflection: Ask the Lord to show you someone you should talk to, or some place you should go, and practice walking in the Spirit. See where He leads you and what encounters you have along the way.