In Acts 8, Philip, one of the seven chosen for ministry in the early Christian community, is depicted as journeying to Caesarea and preaching the Gospel. The narrative unfolds as Philip, initially engaged in successful evangelism in Samaria, receives divine guidance to travel south towards the desert road leading to Gaza. On this journey, he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official in the Queen of Ethiopia’s court. Seated in his chariot, the eunuch is reading the book of Isaiah but struggles to comprehend its meaning.
Directed by the Holy Spirit, Philip approaches the chariot and engages the eunuch in conversation. Beginning with the passage the eunuch is reading, Philip elucidates the message of Jesus Christ, weaving the Old Testament scriptures into the narrative of salvation. Impressed and spiritually moved, the Ethiopian eunuch expresses his desire to be baptized. Philip responds by baptizing him, and the eunuch joyfully continues his journey, now a newly initiated follower of Christ.
This episode in Caesarea demonstrates Philip’s obedience to divine guidance and the universal nature of the Gospel, reaching beyond geographical and cultural boundaries to touch the heart of an Ethiopian seeker.
