As they traveled along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “…What is to prevent me being baptized?” Then he ordered the chariot to stop, and Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water, and he baptized him. Acts 8:36-38
The rhythm of this unfolding story delights me. At the Spirit’s command, Philip catches up with the chariot and explains to the Ethiopian eunuch the passage in Isaiah (53:7-8) he was pondering. It describes a prophecy of Jesus giving his life to save us. As Philip proclaims more about Jesus, the chariot passes by water and the eunuch asks if he could be baptized. They go into the water, Philip baptizes him, the Spirit “snatches” Philip away, and the eunuch continues on his way rejoicing. In Judaism, eunuchs were prohibited from participation in Temple rituals. The Ethiopian might have feared this would prevent his becoming a Christian. He rejoiced when Philip baptized him immediately.
Holy Spirit, I rejoice to witness how lovingly you welcome us all.
Patricia Livingston
Originally published April 22, 2021
