The account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26–39 demonstrates God’s pursuit of individuals, the centrality of Scripture, and the necessity of personal faith in Christ. The account begins when an angel directs Philip to go to a desert road between Jerusalem and Gaza:
“Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (Acts 8:26)
There he meets an Ethiopian eunuch, who is an important official under the queen of Ethiopia, who was returning from worship in Jerusalem. He was reading from Isaiah 53 but did not understand the passage:
“Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” (Acts 8:30–31)
Philip, led by the Spirit, explains that the prophecy points to Jesus as the suffering Servant who bore our sins. Beginning from that Scripture, he preaches the gospel to the eunuch:
“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.” (Acts 8:35)
When they come to water, the eunuch asks to be baptized, showing his faith and desire to obey:
“See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36)
Philip replies that faith in Jesus is essential:
“If you believe with all your heart, you may.” (Acts 8:37)
The eunuch confesses his belief, is baptized, and goes on his way rejoicing. Philip is then taken away by the Spirit.
This account emphasizes that salvation comes through understanding and believing the gospel, that Scripture is central in leading to Christ, and that baptism follows genuine faith. It also shows God’s concern for every individual and His providence in bringing the message of life to those who seek the truth.