IMPACT BY THE BOOK (9)

“So Philip ran to him, and heard him READING the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you UNDERSTAND what you are READING?” – Acts 8:30

The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch depicts the infinitude of IMPACT by the BOOK: “So Philip ran to him, and heard him READING the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you UNDERSTAND what you are READING?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him” (Acts 8: 30-31). Today’s meditation passage describes a pivotal moment in the early church, when Philip, guided by the Holy Spirit, shared the Gospel with an Ethiopian eunuch. An angel directed Philip to travel to a desert road, and the Holy Spirit instructed him to approach a specific chariot.

Philip encountered a high-ranking foreign official, who was reading the BOOK of Isaiah, but could not unravel the revelation. This indicates a serious engagement with Scripture, even though he didn’t grasp its meaning. Reading does not automatically equate to understanding. The eunuch had a spiritual hunger that impelled him to invite Philip to join his chariot. Philip seized the opportunity to explain the scripture text which focused on Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice (Isaiah 53). Understanding the message of salvation, the eunuch promptly believed, expressed his desire to be baptized, and he was, marking his acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah. He joyfully continued his journey, while Philip was miraculously taken away by the Holy Spirit.

These chain of events demonstrate God’s sovereignty and active involvement in the spread of the Gospel. It also reveals His Universal Love and desire to reach all people, regardless of background or status; not just those within a specific ethnic or social group. All of these however began subsequent to reading a portion of the Living Book, even before the entire canons were completed and documented. The passage highlights the importance of understanding Scripture and the role of guidance in interpreting its meaning. Philip must have been a Man of the Book for him to have flawlessly guided the eunuch from ignorance into knowledge, and darkness to light. His willingness to follow the Spirit’s guidance led to the eunuch’s conversion.

This narration highlights, especially for Believers, the value of seeking guidance when studying the Bible. It also underscores the worth of not just reading the Bible, but also seeking to understand its message. The angel could not preach the Gospel, but God was able to orchestrate events to culminate in redemption that would reach out to the Gentile world, using the Book as divine trigger! By His Spirit – the Author of the Book – and the Word Himself, God continues to awaken us to an ever-deepening sensitivity to Himself, His Word, and the people in our circles, and activate Open Doors for effective Gospel Ministry!