The Conversion of the Eunuch

TEXT: Acts 8:26-40

INTRODUCTION:

A. ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH – TREASURER, JEW OR A PROSELYTE.

1. Had gone up to Jerusalem.

2. Reading the law, recognized that it was from God.

B. MANY PROFOUND LESSONS.

I. AGENTS INVOLVE IN THE EUNUCH’S CONVERSION.

A. THE LORD – HIS MISSION ( Matt. 20:28 ), GREAT COMMISSION ( 28:19-20 ).

B. ANGEL OF THE LORD.

1. Hebrews 1:14. We don’t know all of what angels do, but this is an example.

2. Angels have a great interest ( 1 Pet. 1:12 ).

C. THE HOLY SPIRIT.

1. His job ( John 16:8 ). How? ( John 14:26; 16:13 ).

2. Who received the revelations? ( Eph. 3:5 ).

3. Did not speak to the Eunuch, but to Philip ( vs. 29, 39 ).

D. PHILIP, THE PREACHER.

1. Importance of the message ( John 6:44-45; 1 Cor. 15:1-3 ).

2. The importance of the Great Commission ( Mark 16:15-16; Rom. 10:13-15 ).

E. SCRIPTURE.

1. Exaltation of the word ( 1 Cor. 1:21; Rom. 10:17 ).

2. Peter and Paul’s use of Scripture ( Acts 2 and 3; Acts 17:1-3 ).

3. Where did Philip begin? ( Acts 8:30-35 ).

4. No funny or tear wrenching anecdotes.

F. THE WILL OF THE EUNUCH – A FREE MORAL AGENT.

1. He took the initiative to react ( vs. 36 ).

2. Grace extended to all with the aim that they be saved( Titus 2:11; 1 Tim. 2:4).

G. TWO IMPORTANT POINTS:

Point One: The Lord, the angel, the Holy Spirit did not speak to the Eunuch. They acted in concert so that a man would come and teach from the Scriptures.

Point Two: The Value of Personal Contact. Jesus preached to the multitudes, but had time for the woman at the well.

II. THE EUNUCH AS A PROSPECT.

A. AN IMPORTANT MAN.

1. An official of his government. Free to travel distances to other countries.

2. Every soul is important (2 Pet. 3:9 ).

B. A MAN OF CONVICTION – WENT TO A LOT OF TROUBLE TO WORSHIP.

1. Went all the way to Jerusalem, studying as he went.

2. Luke 13:24; Heb. 2:1; 6:11-12.

C. STUDIOUS.

1. Reading Isaiah, for his day a difficult passage ( 1 Pet. 1:10-11 ).

2. We need to be diligent ( Eph. 3:3-4; 2 Tim. 2:15 ).

D. HUMBLE – Required in us ( Matt. 18:2-4; 1 Cor. 3:18 ).

E. OBEDIENT.

1. Prompt ( vs. 36; Acts 16:33 ).

2. We must obey ( Heb. 5:8-9; James 2:24; Gal. 5:6 ).

III. THE RELATION OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS.

A. THE OLD BEARS WITNESS OF THE NEW( Rom. 3:21-22; Gal. 3:23-24 ).

B. PETER’S REMARKS ( Acts 2:16-17; 3:18, 24 ).

IV. SIMPLICITY.

A. ISAIAH FULFILLED IN JESUS ( Isa. 53 è Acts 8:35 ).

B. WHAT DID HE PREACH ABOUT JESUS FROM Isaiah 53?

1. His death for our sin ( 1 Pet. 2:24 ).

2. Philip preached Jesus in Samaria ( Acts 8:5, 12 ).

3. Reaction of Samaritans and the Eunuch tells us more about preaching Jesus( Acts 8:12, 36 ).

CONCLUSION: HOW WILL YOU REACT WHEN YOU HEAR JESUS PREACHED?