In Acts 8, we read the conversion account of the Ethiopian Eunuch. While there are many lessons to take away from these events, consider some differences and similarities between Philip and the Ethiopian man.
- Philip, who shared the gospel, was a faithful Christian from Jerusalem, while the Eunuch was a Jewish man – by birth or conversion – from Ethiopia.
- Philip left Jerusalem under great persecution (Acts 8:1-5) while the Ethiopian was headed back home after completing his time of worship (Acts 8:27).
- Philip understood that Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy while the Ethiopian man did not (Acts 8:30-33).
- Philip spoke, explaining the gospel, and “preached Jesus” while the Ethiopian man listened carefully and learned (Acts 8:35).
- The Ethiopian had questions, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” while Philip had the answers, “If you believe with all your heart, you may” (Acts 8:36-37).
- When the chariot stopped, “both” men “went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him” (Acts 8:39).
- Once baptized, both men “came up out of the water”; Philip “kept preaching the gospel” while the Ethiopian “went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39-40).
Two men from different places and backgrounds sharing and obeying the same gospel.
Matt Langfield