Who Was Candace in the Bible?
The Title of Candace: A Leader in the Ethiopian Kingdom
The name “Candace” (or “Kandake” in Greek, Κανδάκη) appears in the Bible in the book of Acts, specifically in Acts 8:27. The passage reads: “So he started out, and on his way, he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means ‘queen of the Ethiopians’). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship.”
The term “Candace” is not a personal name but a dynastic title used to denote the queen or queen mother of the Ethiopian kingdom. The Ethiopian eunuch mentioned in Acts was a high-ranking official serving under Candace, responsible for managing the royal treasury. This indicates Candace’s significant authority and influence within the Ethiopian empire.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Ethiopian kingdom, referred to in ancient texts as Cush, was a powerful and influential region in northeastern Africa. The title “Candace” was used to designate a succession of female rulers or queen mothers, who often held considerable political and religious power. This matrilineal aspect of Ethiopian royalty contrasts with many other ancient cultures, where kings and male rulers were more common.
The Ethiopian eunuch’s journey to Jerusalem to worship suggests a connection between Ethiopia and Judaism, predating Christianity’s spread. This connection is evidenced by the presence of the Jewish faith in Ethiopia, which later influenced the country’s early Christian traditions.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Embracing Diversity in the Early Church
The story of Candace and the Ethiopian eunuch highlights the diversity within the early Christian movement. The eunuch, an official from a distant and culturally distinct land, represents the gospel’s reach beyond traditional Jewish boundaries. This inclusivity is a central theme in the New Testament, emphasizing that the message of Jesus Christ is for all people, regardless of ethnicity, social status, or background.
For modern Christians, this narrative encourages an open and welcoming attitude towards individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. It serves as a reminder that the Christian faith is universal and transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.
Connection to a Loving God
The account of Candace and the Ethiopian eunuch also illustrates God’s love and concern for all nations and peoples. The eunuch’s encounter with Philip the evangelist, as recorded in Acts 8:26-40, demonstrates God’s providence and desire for all to come to a knowledge of the truth. The eunuch, a seeker of God, finds understanding and faith through the Scriptures, specifically Isaiah 53, which speaks of the suffering servant—a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
This story reflects the biblical teaching that God is not partial and desires all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). The inclusion of the Ethiopian eunuch in the Christian community shows that the gospel is inclusive and transformative, offering salvation and fellowship with God to everyone.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The Ethiopian eunuch’s reading of Isaiah 53 and his subsequent baptism by Philip signify the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Jesus Christ. The passage in Isaiah describes a servant who suffers and is ultimately exalted, a foreshadowing of Christ’s own suffering, death, and resurrection. The eunuch’s question, “Who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” (Acts 8:34), provides Philip the opportunity to share the good news about Jesus.
The Universal Call of the Gospel
The baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch symbolizes the universal nature of the Christian message. As the eunuch rejoiced and continued on his way, he became a witness to the faith in Ethiopia, illustrating how the gospel was carried to the ends of the earth. This event prefigures the global mission of the Church, which continues today as Christians are called to share the message of Christ with all nations.
Conclusion
The biblical account of Candace, the Ethiopian queen, and the eunuch serves as a powerful testament to the inclusivity and universal reach of the Christian message. It highlights the early Church’s diversity, God’s impartial love for all people, and the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus Christ. For modern Christians, this story is a reminder of the ongoing mission to share the gospel with all, embracing diversity and welcoming all into the fold of God’s kingdom.