Introduction

The story of the Ethiopian eunuch is familiar to most Christians; it has been the basis for and subject of many a gospel sermon. Yet the treasures of Scripture are never exhausted and this passage may yield still more of value if we approach it again in humble curiosity and faith.

Body

I. THE NEW COVENANT IS FOR ALL MEN, REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR OR SOCIAL STATUS.

   A. Earlier in this same chapter, Peter and John preach to and serve the Samaritans (vss. 14-25).

   B. This man was an Ethiopian.

        1. Moses married one and stirred latent prejudice (Numbers 12: lff ).

        2. Rehoboam was defeated by the Ethiopians (II Chronicles 12).

        3. Asa in turn defeated them (II Chronicles 14).

        4. The prophet Jeremiah had once been rescued by an Ethiopian eunuch named Ebed-Melech (Jeremiah 38).

        5. In the Old Testament, the Ethiopian was used as a symbol for a people disregarded by God (Amos 9:7).

        6. Yet foreigners were able to worship God in Jerusalem (II Kings 8:41-43; John 12:20).

        7. The Old Testament spoke of a time when even Ethiopians would be included in God's covenant mercies (Psalm 68:31; Zephaniah 3:10).

   C. This man was also a eunuch.

        1. Eunuchs served in Oriental courts (vs. 27; Esther 1; Daniel 1).

        2. They were excluded from the Old Testament congregation (Deuteronomy 23:1).

        3. Yet the Old Testament spoke of a time when even eunuchs would come and worship God with no class stigma or ceremonial uncleanness (Isaiah 56:3-5).

        4. Luke may have had this point in mind foremost in the plan of Acts, as he shows the gospel going out to every level and type of humanity.

II. PHILIP PREACHED "JESUS" TO THIS MAN - THE NEW TESTAMENT MESSAGE.

   A. He preached "Jesus," which is inclusive and exclusive.

        1. The evangelistic proclamation is also termed in this chapter preaching "Christ" (verse 5), "the word" (verse 4), "the gospel" (verse 25). Each term stresses a particular emphasis or approach to the same basic announcement of salvation through Jesus Christ.

        2. By preaching Jesus, the point is here stressed that Philip spoke of the suffering and dying Servant-lamb of God of Isaiah 53 (which this text involves in a major way), of the man Jesus of Nazareth who fulfilled these prophecies. (By way of contrast, the preaching of "Christ" to the Samaritans emphasizes the Messiahship of Jesus, along which line see also John 4:24-26, 39-42.)

        3. Philip did not preach a political or social system, a philosophical arrangement of abstract thought, a religious sect or movement. He told what God had done through His Son Jesus Christ, and how men could be forgiven and blessed because of and "in" Him.

   B. His sermon was based on Isaiah 53.

        1. He began where the man was in his own understanding (verses 30-35).

        2. He expounded a passage of Scripture - it was an expository sermon!

        3. He interpreted the Scriptures in the light of the story of the Son of God. This is a proper focal point for the study of the Old Testament today.

        4. True obedience and blessing come by the preaching of Jesus Christ.

III. THIS CASE SHOWS GOD'S CARE IN THE SUCCESS OF HIS WORD AND GOSPEL.

   A. It is our business to take advantage of opportunities to tell the story of God's Son.

   B. It is God's business to give success to His word when faithfully preached.

   C. God's word does not return to Him void.

IV. THIS CASE ILLUSTRATES CONVERSIONS IN THE GOSPEL ENCOUNTER.

   A. Here was faith in God. He had come to Jerusalem to worship God.

   B. The eunuch gained a knowledge of Christ. Philip taught him.

   C. He confessed his faith by mouth (verse 37, KJV) and act (baptism, verse 38).

   D. He found newness of life and went on his way rejoicing (verse 39).

Conclusion

The new covenant is for every man today, regardless of race, color or social status or rank. The fulfillment of God's eternal purpose is now attained in Jesus of Nazareth. But man must be confronted with the story of the Son of God - His atonement for sins, His substitutionary life and death, His victorious resurrection and His coming again in judgment and blessing. God will bless His word when it is gratefully acknowledged and faithfully preached. Men respond to the Good News by faith (acceptance, trust and submission of the will) in Christ, confessed by mouth, and signified by baptism into the Son of God and newness of life.

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