The Simple Gospel

In Acts 8, we find the powerful story of the Ethiopian eunuch who encountered the gospel message through Philip. After hearing about Jesus, he responded in obedience, and verse 39 captures his reaction as he “went on his way rejoicing.” This response of joy wasn’t just a fleeting emotion; it was rooted in the profound transformations and promises he had received through his new faith. Let’s explore what led to his joy and why obedience and commitment to God’s will bring true rejoicing.

Observing His Joyful Response

The eunuch didn’t rejoice until he had fully obeyed the will of God, which included baptism. Baptism was not an optional act for him; rather, it was essential in his journey of obedience. Some may argue that baptism is non-essential, but in the Bible, rejoicing is often associated with complete obedience, which includes baptism. Jesus Himself commanded it in Mark 16:16, saying, “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” True rejoicing in the Lord flows from a clean conscience and a heart fully committed to His will (1 Peter 3:21).

Reasons for His Rejoicing

Why did the Ethiopian eunuch go on his way rejoicing? Here are several reasons:

1. His Sins Were ForgivenThe forgiveness of sins brings a deep sense of peace and joy. The eunuch’s sins had been washed away, giving him a clean conscience before God. Acts 2:38 records Peter’s words on this, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” There is incomparable joy in knowing that our sins are no longer counted against us.
2. He Was Added to the ChurchThrough his baptism, the eunuch was added to the church—the community of believers. Acts 2:47 tells us, “And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” This wasn’t a man-made institution he joined but the Lord’s church, established by Christ and bound by His teachings.
3. He Became Part of the Family of GodBaptism brought the eunuch into God’s family, making him a “child of God.” Paul writes in 1 Timothy 3:15 about the church as “the household of God,” a family united by faith in Christ. Belonging to God’s family means receiving His care, love, and discipline as a child of the Almighty.
4. He Was Added to the Body of ChristAs a member of the church, he was now part of the Body of Christ, with Jesus as the head. Colossians 1:18 confirms this, stating, “He is also head of the body, the church.” The body of believers is interconnected, with each member supporting and caring for the others. The joy of belonging to Christ’s body is in knowing that we are never alone in our walk of faith.
5. He Became a Citizen of the KingdomThrough baptism, the eunuch became a citizen of God’s kingdom. Paul writes in Colossians 1:13, “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” Citizenship in God’s kingdom means living under His protection, guidance, and authority—a place of safety and purpose.
6. He Enjoyed the Blessings in ChristThe eunuch rejoiced because of the blessings he now had in Christ. In Ephesians 1:3, Paul declares, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Among these blessings is the privilege of prayer, of approaching God as Father and making known our desires. Philippians 4:6 reminds us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
7. He Looked Forward to a Better PlaceLastly, the eunuch’s joy was rooted in the hope of heaven. Through Christ, he gained access to an eternal inheritance that would be his once this life was over. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:12 about the hope that believers have, stating that we are no longer “separate from Christ” but have been brought near. The promise of eternal life fills us with a joy that transcends our present circumstances, knowing there is a perfect place prepared for us in God’s presence.

A Final Call to Obedience and Rejoicing

The story of the Ethiopian eunuch reminds us of the joy found in complete obedience to God. He didn’t stop halfway; he followed through, even when that meant being baptized in obedience to the gospel message. This joyful transformation is available to all who commit fully to the Lord. Jesus said in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” True joy is found in following Him completely.

Have you obeyed the will of God? If not, what is holding you back? Like the eunuch, you, too, can go on your way rejoicing, knowing that your sins are forgiven, you belong to His church, and you are a part of His eternal kingdom.