Acts 8:35

Commentary on Acts 8:35 (NKJV)

Passage Context

Acts 8:35 (NKJV):

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.”

This verse is part of the larger narrative in Acts 8:26–40, where the Apostle Philip is led by the Holy Spirit to encounter an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who is reading the prophet Isaiah. Philip’s obedience to the Spirit’s leading and his evangelistic efforts serve as a powerful testament to the spread of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community.

Theological Insights and Teaching

The Primacy of Scripture:

In Acts 8:35, Philip uses the Scripture as the foundation for his evangelistic message. This aligns with the emphasis on sola Scriptura, the doctrine that the Bible alone is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice. Philip’s method of starting with Scripture underscores the belief that God’s Word is living and active, capable of revealing Christ and His redemptive work.

Christ-Centric Preaching:

Philip’s approach, “beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him,” highlights the principle of Christocentric preaching. All of Scripture points to Jesus Christ, His person, and His salvific work. This aligns with the central message of the Bible, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Guidance of the Holy Spirit:

The narrative in Acts 8 demonstrates the essential role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers in their evangelistic efforts. Philip is responsive to the Spirit’s prompting, which reminds us of the necessity of the Holy Spirit in illuminating and applying the Word of God to individuals’ hearts.

The Universality of the Gospel:

The encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch signifies the Gospel’s reach to all nations and peoples. This is a manifestation of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) and the belief that God’s redemptive plan encompasses the entire world.

Personal Evangelism:

Philip’s interaction with the Ethiopian eunuch highlights the importance of personal evangelism. Sharing the Gospel is both a personal and relational endeavour and Acts 8:35 serves as a model for believers to emulate in their own witness.

Application to Modern Christian Living

Engagement with Scripture:

Believers are encouraged to immerse themselves in the Word of God, recognising its authority and sufficiency in all areas of life. This involves regular personal Bible study and participation in communal worship that centres on Scriptural teaching.

Christ-Focused Ministry:

All ministries and preaching should consistently point to Jesus Christ, ensuring that He remains the focal point of all teaching and proclamation. This means continually looking for ways to show how each part of Scripture reveals Christ.

Dependence on the Holy Spirit:

Christians are to seek the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in all their endeavours, particularly in evangelism. This involves prayer and sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading in everyday situations.

Global Mission Perspective:

Modern Christians are called to have a global perspective on mission, recognising that the Gospel is for all people. This includes supporting and participating in missionary efforts both locally and globally.

Relational Evangelism:

Just as Philip took the time to engage personally with the Ethiopian eunuch, believers are encouraged to build relationships with those around them and look for opportunities to share the Gospel in meaningful and personal ways.