Acts 8:35 - A Personal Encounter with the Gospel 📖








"Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus." (Acts 8:35, ESV)

Context

This verse is part of the story where Philip meets the Ethiopian eunuch, a high official of Queen Candace, who was returning home after worshiping in Jerusalem. The eunuch was reading from the book of Isaiah but did not understand it. Philip, led by the Holy Spirit, approached him to explain its meaning.


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Study of the Verse

1. The Centrality of Scripture:
Philip begins "with this Scripture" to proclaim Jesus. This demonstrates how the Old Testament, particularly Isaiah 53, points directly to Christ and His redemptive work.


2. Proclaiming Jesus:
Philip's message is centered on Jesus. This highlights that the core of Christian preaching should always be Christ—His life, death, and resurrection for humanity's salvation.


3. The Power of Personal Evangelism:
This story illustrates how God uses ordinary people, like Philip, to share the Gospel personally and directly. Philip seizes the opportunity to make Jesus known in a way that resonates with the eunuch’s spiritual hunger.


4. Guided by the Holy Spirit:
Philip’s actions are Spirit-led, showing that evangelism is a partnership between humans and God. The Spirit orchestrates divine appointments and equips believers to speak.


5. Answering Spiritual Hunger:
The Ethiopian eunuch symbolizes those who seek truth and long for understanding. When Scripture is explained through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it leads to faith in Jesus.




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Practical Applications

Know the Word: Be prepared to share the Gospel by deeply knowing Scripture and its connection to Jesus.

Be Sensitive to the Spirit: Learn to recognize and follow the Holy Spirit’s promptings in everyday situations.

Focus on Christ: Make Jesus and His salvation the heart of your message.

Respond to People’s Needs: Like Philip, be attentive and ready to address the spiritual questions and needs of others.



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Reflection

Philip’s encounter with the eunuch reminds us that every interaction can be a divine opportunity to share the Gospel. Are you willing, like Philip, to be used by God as a witness to Christ?

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