Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40)

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Welcome:
Have you ever been asked a question about the Bible by someone who isn’t a Christian? How do you handle that? Today, we look into the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40, exploring how Philip handled such a situation and what we can learn from his example. Join us as we uncover practical lessons about sharing the gospel and responding to seekers.

Episode Notes

Title: Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40)

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Main Themes:

• Responding to questions about the Bible from non-Christians.
• The importance of being prepared to share the gospel.
• The role of divine guidance in evangelism.

Key Points:

1. Introduction to the Passage:
   • Philip’s mission in Samaria and his subsequent call to the desert road.
   • Encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch, an important official traveling home from Jerusalem.
2. Divine Guidance:
   • The angel of the Lord directing Philip to the desert road.
   • The significance of Philip’s obedience to the Spirit’s specific instructions.
3. The Ethiopian Eunuch:
   • The eunuch’s background and his journey to Jerusalem for worship.
   • His reading of the Book of Isaiah and the divine setup for the encounter.
4. Philip’s Approach:
   • Philip’s question, “Do you understand what you are reading?” and the eunuch’s response.
   • The passage from Isaiah 53 and its significance.
   • Philip’s explanation of the gospel, starting from that very scripture.
5. Conversion and Baptism:
   • The eunuch’s desire to be baptized and his confession of faith in Jesus.
   • The act of baptism and its symbolism of new faith in Christ.
6. Lessons Learned:
   • The importance of sharing the gospel when asked about the Bible.
   • Being prepared to explain the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
   • Understanding that salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone.

Reflection Questions:

• How can we be better prepared to answer questions about the Bible from non-Christians?
• What can we learn from Philip’s approach to sharing the gospel?
• How can we apply the lessons from this story to our own evangelistic efforts?

Practical Application:

• Be attentive to divine guidance in your daily life, ready to share the gospel wherever God leads you.
• Practice explaining the core message of the Bible: Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection.
• Engage with seekers by starting from their questions and leading them to the gospel.

.I hope todays episode helps equips you to share your faith more effectively. Be sure to tune in next time as we continue to work together through the book of Acts.