Acts 8:26-40
Philip and the Ethiopian Official
This week our children are learning about Philip helping an Ethiopian official understand the gospel. This brief account from the Acts is a beautiful picture of the power of God’s word and grace. Philip was one of the young men chosen to help serve in the church, but here he finds himself on a deserted road brought by the Spirit to help a man confused by what he is reading in Isaiah. The Ethiopian was an official from the queen of Ethiopia (Candace was not a name but a royal title). Philip and the Ethiopian official were a very unlikely pair to meet up, even in a meeting by passing. They came from the most different backgrounds, cultures, vocations, and life experience. Yet they find themselves sitting side by side discussing Jesus and how he fits into the whole story of Scripture.
Here are some themes and questions to help you in discussions this week.
- How did Philip know to talk to the Ethiopian in sitting in his chariot? He was led there by the Holy Spirit to talk specifically to the Ethiopian.
- What was the man having trouble understanding? He was reading from Isaiah 53 describing the servant of God who would suffer for others. He did not know who Isaiah was talking about.
- What did the Ethiopian man ask for after Philip explained the Scripture to him? He wanted to be baptized because he had believed in the gospel and trusted Jesus. He was not Jewish, but now because of Christ he would be accepted by God and the people of God. He became one of God’s people only by faith and not by anything other means.
- What happened to the Ethiopian after he left Philip? We don’t know. All we know is that he most likely went home to Ethiopia and that there is a long history of Christianity in that part of Africa.
God sends us help to understand his Word when we need it.
Character Trait
Sincerity: I don’t try to trick people.
Memory Verse:
The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:5
