“Philip Preached Unto Him Jesus,”

Acts 8:26-39

by Paul Lynn

On a lonely, desert road, Philip the evangelist met an Ethiopian official. The Holy Spirit directed Philip to “Go up to that chariot and stay near it,” vs 29, NIV.

The official was reading aloud from Isaiah chapter 53. Philip asked: “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip’s question shows spiritual insight into this man’s need. “How can I, except some man should guide me?” His reply showed his spiritual condition.

Scriptural understanding was the pressing need of this man’s life. He had a successful career. He was a high government official. There was a most important lack in his life. He could read Isaiah’s prophecy, but he couldn’t understand what he read.

Philip, directed by the Holy Spirit, ministered to the need. The stranger asked “Of whom speaketh the prophet?,” vs 34.

Beginning right there, vs 35, Philip “preached unto him Jesus,” vs 35. First things first! This is the pressing need of our hour. Preaching Jesus Christ was the message of the early church all through the Apostolic account in the early chapters of Acts. Despite opposition, and persecution, this was the message of the early church. Read Acts chapter four.

Philip could have spoken at length about theories concerning this passage. Instead of doing that, Philip preached. He preached Jesus, leaving a Holy Spirit inspired example for all who would follow. “How shall they hear without a preacher?” Rom. 10:14.