Theory question 108
Mission to the Gentiles(a) Give an account of how Philip preached the Gospel message to the Ethiopian Eunuch.
(b) In what two ways was this episode important to Christianity?
Show the model answer
(a) An angel told Philip to go south to the desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza (Acts 8:26).
There he met an Ethiopian eunuch, minister of Candace the queen, in charge of her treasure, who had come to worship in Jerusalem (Acts 8:27).
He was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah (Acts 8:28).
The Spirit told Philip to join the chariot; Philip asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" (Acts 8:29-30).
He said he needed a guide and invited Philip up (Acts 8:31).
The passage was "As a sheep led to the slaughter…"; he asked whom the prophet meant (Acts 8:32-34).
Beginning with this scripture Philip told him the good news of Jesus (Acts 8:35).
Seeing water, the eunuch asked to be baptised; both went down into the water and Philip baptised him (Acts 8:36-38).
The Spirit caught Philip away; the eunuch went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39).
(b) Any two: the gospel reached Africa and a Gentile convert; showed God's salvation is for all races; showed the importance of the Holy Spirit's guidance in evangelism; showed Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Jesus; personal evangelism and explaining scripture.
Narrate Acts 8:26-40, then two points.