“Conversions in Acts” — What did they do to become Christians?
Part 4.
Last week, we noticed the conversion of “Simon the Sorcerer” who became “Simon the Christian” by hearing and believing the Gospel, repenting of sins, and being baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 8:12-13).
We now come to the fourth conversion account (the third conversion account in Acts 8): The Ethiopian Eunuch.
How Philip met the Ethiopian Eunuch.
While Philip was having a very successful campaign for Christ in Samaria, God had other plans in mind:
“Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert” (Acts 8:26).
Philip did not question God but he “arose and went” (Acts 8:27a).
Luke then introduces us to a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace Queen of the Ethiopians. This man was in charge of the treasury and had come to Jerusalem to worship. While in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet (Acts 8:27b-28).
The Ethiopian Eunuch was a religious man and obviously was concerned with spiritual things. What a great opportunity for Philip to go and preach the truth! The Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot” (Acts 8:29).
Philip teaches the Ethiopian Eunuch.
When Philip heard the man reading from Isaiah, he asked him a very pointed question: “Do you understand what you are reading” (Acts 8:30)?
The Eunuch’s response is genuine and humble: “How can I unless someone guides me?” Christianity is a taught religion and the New Testament clearly speaks to this fact:
“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me” (John 6:44-45).
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things” (Rom. 10:14-15)!
The Eunuch was reading from what we know as Isaiah 53 (Acts 8:32-33; cf. Isa. 53:7-8). This of course shows the value of reading and studying the Old Testament (Rom. 15:4; Gal. 3:24).
The Eunuch had questions which is natural and very important for one to do when studying the Word of God (Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 2:15). Philip opened his mouth and beginning at that Scripture (Isa. 53:7-8), he “preached Jesus to him.”
If you remember in a previous study, we emphasized what “preaching Jesus” means:
Preaching the Kingdom of God.
The name of Jesus Christ.
Baptism being essential to one’s salvation.
Notice how this formula and Gospel message is proclaimed, received, and obeyed:
“Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him” (Acts 8:36-38).
Dear reader, if baptism were not essential and included in the Gospel message preached, why and how did the Eunuch understand that it was an urgent necessity to be baptized?
Philip said to him, “If you believe with all your heart, you may (be baptized)” (Acts 8:37a). The Eunuch responded with the ten most important words a man or a woman could ever say: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Jesus Himself said, “If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).
The Eunuch, after being baptized into Christ for the remission of his sins, went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39). He was not saved prior to be being baptized, though he believed and confessed that Jesus was the Christ.
Here, in this wonderful conversion account, we see how it all comes together just as God designed and revealed it: Hearing the Gospel, believing the Gospel, repenting of sins, confessing the Deity of Jesus, and being baptized into Christ for the remission of sins.
Friends, it is incredibly simple and simply incredible!
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
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