What Did Philip Teach the Eunuch?

INTRODUCTION.

A.        The doctrine of salvation is one of the most simplest subjects in the Word of God. Salvation is part of the “first principles.” (Cf. Hebrews 5:12)

B.        In the story of the conversion of the Ethopian eunuch, we see an excellent example of one man understanding and obeying the teachings of salvation.

C.        With this lesson, we will examine the conversion of the eunuch from Ethopia.

I.         LESSONS FROM THE CONVERSION OF THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH.

            A.        Philip taught the eunuch about the death of Jesus. (Acts 8:31-35)

                        1.         The eunuch was reading from Isaiah 53. The eunuch wanted to know if the writer was speaking of himself or of some other person.

                        2.         The passage which the eunuch was reading a prophecy concerning the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

            B.        Philip taught the eunuch about the resurrection of Jesus.

                        1.         This fact is a deduction, but one supported by scriptures.

                        2.         Jesus’s death and His resurrection go hand in hand.

                                    a.         Romans 6:5

                                    b.         1 Corinthians 15:21

                                    c.         Philippians 3:10

                        3.         It is inconceivable to think that Philip taught the eunuch about Jesus’s death without speaking of His resurrection.

            C.        Philip taught the eunuch to believe in Jesus. (Acts 8:37)

                        1.         Philip’s purpose in preaching Jesus to the eunuch was so that the eunuch would believe in Jesus.

                        2.         When the eunuch asked about being baptized, Philip replied telling him that if he believed in Jesus, then he could be baptized. The eunuch answered Philip’s statement be acknowledging his belief in Jesus.

                        3.         It is very likely that Philip shared with the eunuch Jesus’s departing instructions, which Mark recorded in his gospel account. (Mark 16:15-16)

            D.        Philip taught the eunuch about baptism. (Acts 8:36)

                        1.         Following Philip teaching the eunuch about Jesus, the eunuch asked about being baptized.

                        2.         The eunuch’s question revealed a knowledge regarding baptism. How did the eunuch come to this knowledge? The eunuch learned of baptism when Philip taught him about Jesus Christ.

                                    a.         Since Philip taught the eunuch about Jesus’s death and resurrection, it stands to reason that he also shared with the eunuch Jesus’s departing instructions to His disciples.

                                                (1)       Matthew 28:18-20

                                                (2)       Mark 16:15-16

                                    b.         From these we can see why the eunuch requested baptism.

            E.        Philip taught the eunuch about water baptism. (Acts 8:36,38)

                        1.         The baptism of John was a water baptism.

                                    a.         Matthew 3:13-16 - Jesus came up out of the water. (Mark 1:9-11)

                                    b.         John 3:23 - There was much water.

                        2.         Jesus’s disciples also baptized in water. Consider the statement contrasting the number of disciples baptized by John and by Jesus’s disciples. This comparison compares the water baptism of John and the water baptism of Jesus. (John 4:1-2)

                        3.         The fact that Philip baptized the eunuch in water shows that the baptism of Mark 16:15-16 and Matthew 28:18-20, as well as the baptism of Acts 2:38, is water baptism.

            F.        The eunuch was saved! (Acts 8:38-39)

                        1.         It is likely that the eunuch knew Jesus’s promise in Mark 16:15-16.

                        2.         How do we know that the eunuch was saved? Look what happened after he came up out of the water. He went on his way rejoicing.

CONCLUSION.

A.        Are you ready to follow the example of the Ethiopian eunuch?

1.         Are you willing to learn about Jesus Christ?

2.         Are you willing to believe in Jesus?

3.         Are you willing to be baptized?

4.         If so, then just as Jesus promised, you will be saved. And then, like the eunuch, you too can go on your way rejoicing!

B.        Follow the eunuch’s example today and become be saved.

C.        If you are a Christian, then follow Philip’s example and find someone to teach about Jesus Christ.

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What Did Philip Teach the Eunuch? -- January 11, 2004 -- File # 2055 - Conversion

by John Duvall - Lawton, OK