The Labors of Philip (8:5-40) (continued)
F. Philip preaches to the Eunuch, baptizes him and then preaches in Philistia. (8:31-40)
v.31 Refer to comments made in lesson 12.
v.32,33 The Eunuch was reading the Greek version of Isaiah 53:7,8. Jesus was the one who suffered innocently and unresisting. He was not allowed justice, nor did he have any earthly offspring, his would be a spiritual family, Eph. 3:15. Philip uses this prophecy to preach Jesus to the Eunuch.
v.34 The Eunuch did not know whom the scripture referred to. Had the Eunuch ever heard of Jesus before this time?
v.35 Preached Jesus: His death, burial and resurrection and how the Eunuch might reap the benefits of these occurrences. Here is another example of a potential convert hearing the word preached.
v.36 The conversion of the Eunuch will be complete when what takes place? Although we do not know specifically what Philip preached to the Eunuch, we do know that water baptism was preached by the statements the Eunuch now makes. There was enough water for immersion to take place.
v.37 This verse is found only in a few ancient manuscripts, nothing is lost to the text by omitting it. Rom. 10:9,10. This is not the only form of confession that is acceptable.
v.38 They both went down into the water. Can this be mistaken for sprinkling or pouring? There must have been a chariot driver.
v.39 Philip's job was now completed. He had been sent to the Eunuch, he preached to him, the Eunuch was converted, and Philip is removed from the scene. Is this removal miraculous?
v.40 Azotus- Ashdod of Philistia. We know that Philip settled in Philistia, in the city of Caesarea. This is where he will labor the rest of his life. Acts 21:8. It is probably Philip who is responsible for the saints being in Lydda and Joppa, Acts 9:32,36.
II. The Conversion and Early Labors of Saul. (9:1-31)
A. His journey to Damascus (vv. 1-9)
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Now we turn again to Saul, the most noted enemy of the church at this point in time. 1) Born in Tarsus of Cilicia; Acts 22:3 |
v.1 Saul wanted to continue the persecutions and he was willing to go wherever he needed to, to seek out and destroy "the Way."
v.2 Saul did not consider himself a murderer, persecutor or outlaw. He wanted to do everything under the auspices of the High Priest. Damascus was located 150 miles northeast of Jerusalem.
v.3,4 Saul neared Damascus and then was enveloped in a light brighter than the sun. Acts 26:13. The voice is heard clearly by Saul, but not by his companions Acts 26:14. By persecuting Christians Saul was persecuting Christ. This is in line with the teaching of Matt. 25.
v.5,6 "Lord" is a title of reverence, Saul did not know it was Jesus until He identified Himself. KJV "Kick against the pricks." Is Saul saved at this point? What must he do now? ch. 26: 16-18.
v.7 The men heard the voice but could not understand it. Acts 22:9.
v.8 Acts 22:11, Saul was blind and had to be led into the city. Has Saul been saved at this point?
v.9 Saul broods over what he has done and wonders what will be his fate. He fasted for three days. Was he saved at this point?
B. Saul is baptized (vv. 10-19) - Saul remained in a bewildered and ignorant state for three days.
v.10 Ananias, see also ch. 22: 12. Notice that he is simply termed a disciple, not an elder or evangelist.
v.11 The Lord gives Ananias specific instructions for finding Saul. Nothing more is said of either Judas or Ananias besides these verses relating to the conversion of Saul. What was Saul praying for or about?
v.12 Saul's vision concerning Ananias. See also Acts 22:13-16
v.13,14 Ananias knew of Saul, his persecutions, and his authority from the High Priest. This is the first time the word "saints" is used to refer to the believers.
v.15 Saul has been chosen to carry the word to three groups: the Gentiles, Kings, and the children of Israel. The primary mission being to the Gentiles, Gal. 2:7,8; Eph. 3:6-12. Kings - Acts 26:1-32. The Jews, various converts in Various synagogues during his travels.
v.16 Saul would suffer for Christ as he made others suffer. Acts 20:23; 2 Cor. 6:4-10; 11:23-28; .2 Tim, 4:6.
v.17 Why did Ananias call Saul, "brother Saul?" if he was not yet a Christian. Had he been baptized yet? Then he was not a Christian yet. Rom. 6:3,4 What power was in the laying on of Ananias' hands? Sight and Holy Spirit?
v.18,19 Something like scales fell from Saul's eyes. Saul was baptized Acts 22:16. Now Saul was ready to refresh his body.
ADDENDA- Miracles in the book of Acts.
12) Philip performed great miracles and signs. 8:6,7,13
13) Philip led to the Eunuch . 8:26-31
14) Saul approached directly by Christ. 9:3-9
15) Ananias causes the causes the scales to fall from Saul's eyes.
9:17,18