Acts 8:35 – “Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.”

Extended Explanation

This verse captures a powerful moment of evangelism in the book of Acts. The Ethiopian eunuch had just asked Philip a crucial question about Isaiah 53: Was the prophet talking about himself or someone else? (Acts 8:34).

Philip’s response was simple yet profound—he used that very passage to explain the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Key insights from this verse:

1. Philip started where the eunuch was – He didn’t begin with his own ideas or an unrelated topic. He used the Scripture the eunuch was already reading to explain the truth.
2. Philip preached Jesus from the Old Testament – This confirms that the Old Testament points to Jesus, particularly prophecies like Isaiah 53.
3. Philip focused on the “good news” – The core of his message was not just facts about Jesus, but the gospel—the news that Jesus died for sins and offers salvation to all who believe.

This verse reminds us that sharing the gospel is about meeting people where they are, guiding them through Scripture, and pointing them to Jesus.

Historical Context

1. Philip’s Role as an Evangelist –
   • Philip was one of the seven deacons chosen to help with the early church’s needs (Acts 6:5).
   • He had already been preaching in Samaria (Acts 8:5-8) before the Holy Spirit sent him to the Ethiopian eunuch.
2. The Significance of Isaiah 53 –
   • The eunuch was reading a prophecy about a suffering servant who would die for the sins of others.
   • Before Jesus came, many Jews debated the meaning of this passage—some thought it referred to Isaiah himself, while others believed it described Israel’s suffering.
   • Philip clarified that it was about Jesus, the Messiah who came to die for sinners.
3. Why This Moment Matters –
   • The eunuch was a foreigner, but Philip preached the gospel to him, showing that salvation was for all people, not just Jews.
   • This meeting was a divine appointment—God had prepared the eunuch’s heart and sent Philip at the perfect time.

This verse marks a significant moment in the spread of Christianity—the gospel was now reaching beyond Jerusalem and Samaria, extending to the nations.

Theological Implications

1. The Old Testament Points to Jesus – Philip used Isaiah 53 to explain Jesus, confirming that the entire Bible is centered on Christ.
2. Evangelism Requires Meeting People Where They Are – Philip didn’t force a conversation; he responded to the eunuch’s question with Scripture.
3. The Gospel is the Good News – Philip didn’t just teach history or doctrine—he shared the joyful message of salvation through Jesus.

This verse teaches that the gospel is not just a concept—it is the good news that transforms lives.

Literary Analysis

1. “Then Philip began with that very passage” –
   • This emphasizes that Philip didn’t jump to another part of Scripture—he explained the passage the eunuch was already reading.
   • This shows wisdom in evangelism—starting where someone is and guiding them to the truth.
2. “Told him the good news about Jesus” –
   • This phrase captures the heart of the gospel message—it is not bad news or complicated theology, but good news.
   • Philip’s focus was not on arguments or debates, but on sharing who Jesus is and what He has done.

This verse is a beautiful example of how evangelism should be approached—with Scripture, clarity, and joy.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 53:7-8 – The passage the eunuch was reading, describing how the Messiah would suffer and die for sin.
• Luke 24:27 – “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Jesus Himself explained how Scripture pointed to Him.)
• Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (Philip preached Christ, leading the eunuch to faith.)
• 2 Timothy 3:15 – “The Holy Scriptures… are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (The Bible leads people to salvation.)
• Acts 1:8 – “You will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” (Philip was fulfilling this mission by preaching to the eunuch, who would take the gospel back to Ethiopia.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. We Should Use Scripture to Share the Gospel – Philip didn’t share his own opinions—he used the Bible. This reminds us that God’s Word is the foundation of our faith.
2. We Should Start Where People Are – Philip didn’t force a conversation—he answered a question the eunuch was already asking.
3. The Gospel is Good News! – Too often, people think of Christianity as just rules and religion. Philip’s message was joyful—it was about salvation, grace, and the love of Jesus.

This verse challenges us to be ready to share the gospel, using the Bible to point people to Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He sent Philip at the exact moment when the eunuch needed answers.

• The eunuch was seeking truth, and God provided someone to guide him.
• The message Philip shared was not about judgment, but about God’s love through Jesus.
• This reminds us that God actively draws people to Himself—He doesn’t leave people in spiritual confusion.

This verse shows that God cares about individuals, and He works in powerful ways to bring them to salvation.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the Fulfillment of Isaiah’s Prophecy – Philip explained that Jesus was the suffering servant who took the punishment for sin.
2. Jesus is the Center of the Gospel – The “good news” Philip preached was about Jesus—His death, resurrection, and the salvation He offers.
3. Jesus Calls His Followers to Share the Gospel – Just as Philip preached Christ to the eunuch, we are called to share the gospel with those who are searching.

This verse highlights that Jesus is the answer to the questions people are asking—He is the fulfillment of all God’s promises.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why is it important that Philip used Scripture to explain the gospel, rather than his own opinions?
2. How can we follow Philip’s example in evangelism—starting where people are and guiding them to Jesus?
3. What does this passage teach us about God’s timing in leading people to salvation?
4. Why is the gospel called “good news”? How can we share it in a way that reflects its joyful message?
5. Who in your life might be searching for answers about God? How can you help them understand the gospel?