Introduction: Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:35 says, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.” This passage highlights a remarkable moment in Scripture where Philip explained the gospel to an Ethiopian eunuch. The eunuch, troubled by what he read in Isaiah, sought understanding. Through Philip’s teaching, we see a powerful example of sharing the gospel and bringing others to obedience to Christ.
Philip’s approach demonstrates that preaching Jesus is not limited to proclaiming His role as Savior—it involves teaching about His authority, His commands, and the necessary response of obedience. This narrative also reminds us that salvation requires clear understanding and commitment, as the eunuch’s response to baptism illustrates. Let us explore the key aspects of preaching Jesus and the lessons we can draw from this account.
Preaching Jesus Leads to Action
The eunuch’s encounter with Philip emphasizes that preaching Jesus demands action. Acts 8:36-38 reveals the eunuch’s eagerness to respond after understanding the gospel: “As they went along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?’ And he ordered that the chariot stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him.”
This reflects the command given in Acts 2:38, where Peter said, “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.” Baptism was not an optional act but an essential response to the gospel message. Philip’s teaching led the eunuch to realize the urgency of baptism, showing that preaching Jesus involves clear and actionable steps.
Jesus as the Son of God
When preaching Jesus, we must proclaim Him as the Son of God. At His baptism and the Mount of Transfiguration, God declared Jesus as His beloved Son. Matthew 17:5 records, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him!” Recognizing Jesus as the Son of God is foundational to understanding His authority and role in salvation.
Failing to acknowledge Jesus as God’s Son reduces the gospel to mere philosophy or moral teaching. John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” Preaching Jesus involves proclaiming this truth with clarity and conviction.
Jesus as the Mediator of a New Covenant
Jesus’ role as the one who established a new covenant is central to the gospel. Hebrews 10:9 explains, “He takes away the first in order to establish the second.” Through His death, Jesus fulfilled the old covenant and brought forth a new way of relating to God. Colossians 2:14 further elaborates: “having canceled the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”
The old system of sacrifices, holy days, and dietary laws was abolished, making way for the law of Christ. Preaching Jesus involves declaring the freedom and responsibility that come with this new covenant. As Hebrews 8:2 affirms, Jesus is “a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord set up, not man.”
Jesus as the Builder of His Church
Preaching Jesus also requires proclaiming Him as the sole builder and head of His church. Psalm 127:1 states, “Unless the Lord builds a house, they who build it labor in vain.” Jesus confirmed this in Matthew 16:18 when He said, “Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”
The church is not a man-made institution but a divine creation established by Christ. Ephesians 4:4 declares, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling.” Preaching Jesus involves calling people into this one body, united under His lordship.
Jesus as the Husband of the Bride
Revelation 21:9 speaks of the church as the bride of Christ: “Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” This imagery emphasizes the deep relationship between Jesus and His church. Just as a husband loves and cares for his wife, Jesus loves and sanctifies the church.
Ephesians 5:25-27 underscores this point: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.” Preaching Jesus as the husband of the bride emphasizes His sacrificial love and commitment to His people.
Jesus as Authority Over All
At the heart of preaching Jesus is the recognition of His ultimate authority. Matthew 28:18 records Jesus’ declaration: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” This authority underpins His commands and His role as Savior and King.
Acknowledging Jesus’ authority means submitting to His teachings and aligning our lives with His will. Preaching Jesus as Lord includes teaching obedience to His commands and recognizing Him as the one to whom all will give an account.
Jesus as Reigning King
Finally, we must preach Jesus as the reigning King. Revelation 17:14 describes Him as “Lord of lords and King of kings,” and Colossians 1:13 declares, “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.”
Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), but His reign is absolute and eternal. As Mark 9:1 indicates, His kingdom is present now among His people: “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”
Conclusion: Preaching Jesus in Fullness
Preaching Jesus involves more than proclaiming His role as Savior—it encompasses His identity as the Son of God, the mediator of a new covenant, the builder of His church, the husband of the bride, the ultimate authority, and the reigning King. As Philip demonstrated with the Ethiopian eunuch, preaching Jesus leads to action, calling people to faith, repentance, and baptism.
As followers of Christ, we are called to preach Jesus in every way the Word of God demands. Let us commit to sharing the full gospel, submitting to His authority, and proclaiming His name to a world in need of salvation. “Let us not neglect so great a salvation” (Hebrews 2:3) but declare His truth boldly and faithfully.
The Simple Gospel 