Acts 8:26-40
Acts 8:26-40 September 6, 2020
Acts 8:26-40
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the
south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:
“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”
34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw
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him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea. 1
As you likely know, we have a granddaughter now. She’s six months old and spends some time at our house each week. In a matter of months our house has changed dramatically. All the sudden there are baby toys in boxes. Little bitty clothes and onesies in a drawer, a high chair, a booster seat, a stroller, burp cloths (thankfully,) bottles, and more. It is just one little girl, but we have enough things for a preschool it seems. This is not a complaint, by the way.
Some of you have donated your gently used items that you accumulated from your own grandkids and we thank you.
I’m remembering what making sure the room is safe was like. The toys that I had forgotten about are back – but made safer and with more lights and songs included in their little digital computer hearts. We have a little, weird looking robot rabbit creature that has a light in its belly and it sings – all the time. Our granddaughter likes this toy, so it stays.
After years of not knowing or caring about the latest TV shows targeting preschoolers, I am now well versed in TOTS, Puppy Pals, Paw Patrol, the new version of the Wiggles with that yellow lady, and thanks to RightNow Media – Boz, more VeggieTales, and BoogaBooga Land.
And...we have a classic toy, revamped and smaller than I remember, but it makes noise and I can attest that even a six-month old likes to play with it. It’s the See and Say.
Do you remember these?
1 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ac 8:26–40). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. 2
<Show the See and Say>
You put this arrow on an animal and pull the lever and “The Farmer Says” what the animal is supposed to say. It even sings now.
Hours of fun.
But you’re not here to get a review of a toy for a preschooler. But, maybe you’ll remember this point today. We, as Christians, as fully- devoted followers of Christ, as men, women, boys, and girls redeemed by the blood of the lamb are not saved to “Sit and Soak” but we are sent saints who must “See and Say.”
Passive Christianity is not only an oxymoron, but is truly not Christianity.
There’s more to it, but as we are reminded by Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian, Christ’s commission in Acts 1:8 is being played out in real time with the early church here in Acts 8 and today as well.
We are not gathering to study history, but we look to the Word of God. We are reminded of the power of God’s word here.
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.2
This is a poignant reminder. Especially in an era where the full Bible is available to so many in so many ways, but the biblical illiteracy among self-professing Christ-followers seems to grow. This is not a guilt-trip about why you aren’t reading the Bible. It is a loving reminder that to
2 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Heb 4:12). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. 3
have such a treasure simply sitting on a shelf, or unopened on our phones, looking pretty or used only when searching for a passage that seemingly affirms something we already believe actually is not only a misuse of this great treasure, but a sinful reality that reveals a lack of devotion and love to the Redeemer, especially when self-identified Christians live in such a way that are clearly in opposition to what God expects.
Maybe some fear knowing the Word? Perhaps the daunting possibility of being called out for not only false beliefs, but ungodly lifestyle choices based on a humanistic worldview of “fair” and “right” leaves many from actually daring to read and experience God through his revealed word.
Today, as every day, we dare. We open the Word of God, expectantly seeking God’s fresh, applicable, convicting, loving, and always relevant inspired voice.
Give us ears to hear.
Twice this month we have hosted missionary families – young couples who have said yes to the call to go and have sold their homes, been through intense language training, and relocated with small children to the African continent where they have been serving those who have never heard the gospel.
In this narrative account in Acts 8 we walk with Philip. Now, I’ve made this mistake before and I’m sure others have, but this is not Philip the apostle (one of the twelve) but this is a man who throughout the ages became known as Philip the Evangelist (likely due to this story.) He was one of the seven men we are introduced to us in Acts 6. We often look at those men as the first deacons of the church due to the role of service to the body they were set aside and called to do.
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While not one of the twelve, he certainly was a disciple. Christ did not just make disciples or simply call us to make disciples (which, by the way, is not just taking someone through a 6-week Bible study.) Jesus made disciples who made disciples.
A disciple who doesn’t make disciples is not a disciple. A disciple who doesn’t make disciples is disobedient.
A disciple who doesn’t make disciples is sinfully living as a comfortable attender with no skin in the game and will leave this life having experience religious things with Jesus as little more than a consumer. Ultimately, one who either never truly came to Christ or who lived in rebellion to the call.
But Philip was a disciple. He was a disciple-making disciple. The church is finding it challenging in moving forward, but God is good and the Spirit is leading and many are coming to saving knowledge of Christ. The gospel is moving and the church is prevailing and the gates of hell cannot withstand the forward movement of God’s redeemed.
So, not unlike our friends who have moved to Africa to reach unreached people, in this account, God moves a man from Africa to a place where he can meet Philip.
There are numerous things in this passage that are excellent and cause me to smile thinking of God’s great love and grace for all. Yet, there are some very strategic steps made by Christ’s disciple that are not only replicable, but required for obedient believers today. We would be wise to see and hear.
We must...
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1. STAND UP AND GO
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place.
God sent an angel to bring this message. Some may say today “Well, when God sends an angel, I’ll go.” Here’s some news – he already has and we have this account in the Word to remind us. The call has been given and despite how many man-made reasons/excuses we may give, the commission and call remain clear.
Luke 9:57-62
57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” 3
Church – missionary stories, evangelistic efforts, family equipping strategies, discipleship studies, church events and activities are all good to a degree and have a place, BUT if we think obedient Christian living somehow equates to gathering more badges on our adult versions of Awana vests, so that we can walk into heaven with earthly trophies of religiosity apart from doing that which God has clearly stated, we are not only being disobedient to the call, but we are celebrating idolatry disguised as Christianity.
3 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 9:57–62). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. 6
At some point, we all must stand up and respond to the call. This is not just for full-time pastors and ministers. This is not just for missionaries who get commissioned, sell everything and move to Africa or elsewhere, but we must remember that this is the requirement for every single individual who wears the name of Jesus.
Philip heard the call. He responded immediately by standing up and going to where he was commanded. Amazingly, God was not offering fuzzy instructions. He was clear. He was pointed. He was not saying “guess well – just go somewhere.”
The first step may be the hardest.
2. SEEWHATGODISREVEALING
27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”
This was no random trek. God sent Philip to a man. There was a mission and the mission was a man. This Ethiopian who worked for Candace, the queen of his nation was on the side of the road. He was worshiping in the city, but apparently left feeling empty.
He’s pulled over. He pulls out a scroll from Isaiah and is reading the words from the prophet. God has given this man a hunger, and here he is seeking answers, seeking resolution, wondering why his worship was little more than routine tradition, knowing there was more.
No random meeting.
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Philip sees him and while we pray “God give us eyes to see” sometimes I don’t think we believe that (or at least don’t care enough to follow through.) God gives Philip eyes to see this random, but not so random, dark-skinned man on the side of the road.
Just in case you thought this was obvious, perhaps not. God then speaks to Philip and says “Go over and join this chariot.”
You have seen. No go join this person. Go talk to this man you have never met. Go join this black man outside the city of Jerusalem sitting in a chariot and engage. See what God is showing you. See and respond.
How often have you felt that urge to go talk to someone about Christ, or just to say “hello” but then kept on driving, kept on walking, tried no to make eye contact and figured “Someone else will talk to them.” Yeah...I’m guilty, too. It’s horrible. We pray for wisdom, for opportunities. We ask God to give us this and when he does...sometimes, we just go on.
You know what we must do when we recognize that we have missed such moments? Even if there is no way to go back and reengage? We must repent? Why? Because it is sinful to ignore the urging of the Spirit of God when you know it’s God.
3. SAY SOMETHING
30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
Don’t just say “something,” but say that which God has sent you to say. “How can I, unless someone guides me?”
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The most frightening moment is when you realize that the “someone” is not your pastor, your parent, your teacher, or your sibling, or friend. When you realize that the “someone” is YOU.
So, teenager – you are that someone.
Adult – you are that someone.
We are the “someones” called to answer the questions. “But I’m afraid. I don’t know enough.”
That line has been used by so many Christians who have convinced themselves God just saved them for their own sake that it’s not even worth trying to use as an excuse anymore.
Disciples who make disciples. Love the Lord. Love his Word. Know the Answer and you will know the answers. It’s not a sin to research, google an answer online, or ask a wise, more mature Christian. In fact, that’s good, but to use the fear line as a reason for intentional sin does nothing but add more sin to one’s account.
Look here...
Luke 12:11-12
11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” 4
If God promised the Spirit would give those standing before trial through moments of persecution the words needed in such
4 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 12:11–12). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. 9
terrifying and life-risking moments, certainly he will give his children the words needed at the moment the sharing of the gospel is needed – whether to your next door neighbor, coworker, teammate, or family member.
Surely.
CONCLUSION
I showed you this “See and Say” earlier, but we’re not talking about entertaining preschoolers here. We’re talking about something much more vital, more important. Life and death important.
Church – we don’t bring missionaries here to just inspire you to give money and pray more (though you should give money and pray more strategically.) I truly believe that in the next few years, and maybe beginning today, as the consumer version of Christianity and the church continues to be deconstructed and rightfully destroyed, there will be more, many more, who will begin to hear what God is saying, and will boldly do exactly what Philip did.
Will you respond to God’s call?
Will you stand up?
Will you go where he is sending,
Will you be willing to SEE AND SAY?
Footnotes
