Tag: acts

• Conversion of the Jailor

  (Acts 16:16–34)

  

  Paul’s second missionary journey brought him to Philippi, where he encountered diverse individuals in need of the gospel. Among them was a Roman jailor whose transformation became a clear, compelling example of biblical conversion. This passage contains more than historical narrative—it reveals principles that still speak to every believer today. These lessons are especially vital for Christians as we reflect on the cost of discipleship and the evidence of genuine faith.

  The story unfolds with Paul and Silas faithfully preaching the gospel, facing unjust imprisonment, and yet responding with praise and trust in God. From the disruption of a slave girl’s spirit to the miraculous earthquake that opened prison doors, God’s hand is seen directing events toward a powerful moment of salvation. In a time of darkness and despair, the jailor asked the most important question any person can ask: “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30).

  This account is not just about a man who changed his destiny in one night. It is about the power of the gospel to convict, transform, and mobilize. It shows the gospel at work through trial, through testimony, and through truth. It reminds us that the call to Christ demands more than a confession—it demands a life surrendered and changed. Let us look closely at each stage of this story and ask how it might still shape our walk with Christ today.

  We Must Practice What We Preach

  As Paul preached in Philippi, a slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination followed him, shouting, “These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you a way of salvation” (Acts 16:17, NASB). Though her words were technically accurate, her spirit was not. Paul was greatly annoyed and cast the spirit out (v. 18). This response highlights a vital truth: not everyone who speaks spiritual language is spiritually sound.

  Psalm 50:16 warns, “But to the wicked God says, ‘What right do you have to tell of My statutes and to take My covenant in your mouth?’” It is not enough to speak truth; we must embody it. Paul emphasized this when he instructed Timothy, “Entrust these things to faithful people who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). Our lives must not contradict our message. When our character falls short, it tarnishes the message of the gospel.

  We Must Preach the Truth—Even When It Costs Us

  Paul and Silas faced severe consequences for casting out the spirit. They were arrested, beaten without trial, and thrown into prison (Acts 16:19–24). This reminds us that standing for truth often invites persecution. Christians may be misrepresented, criticized, and falsely accused, but none of that negates our duty to preach.

  Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). The apostles didn’t seek trouble, but they didn’t avoid truth to stay safe. Neither should we. The cost of silence is higher than the cost of suffering.

  We Must Praise in the Dark

  Though Paul and Silas were suffering physically, they responded spiritually: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). Their joy did not depend on comfort—it flowed from their faith.

  James encourages this mindset: “Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises” (James 5:13). And Jesus promised, “I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Their praise turned prison into a place of testimony. The other prisoners heard it. We never know who is listening when we choose to praise through pain.

  We Must Be Ready to Reach the Lost

  When an earthquake shook the prison, the jailor, thinking the prisoners had escaped, was about to take his own life. But Paul cried out, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” (Acts 16:28). The jailor, trembling, asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (v. 30).

  This man, a hardened Roman jailor, seemed an unlikely candidate for conversion. Yet in his moment of crisis, he turned to the truth. Paul and Silas did not miss the opportunity. We must never presume who will or won’t respond to the gospel. We are called to teach diligently, knowing that many are more honest and open than they first appear.

  We Must Obey the Whole Gospel—Not Just Believe

  Paul and Silas answered the jailor, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31). But belief was only the beginning. Verse 32 says they “spoke the word of God to him.” The jailor listened, believed, and responded. Then, “he was baptized immediately, he and all his household” (v. 33).

  This pattern matches Acts 22:16, where Paul recounts his own conversion: “Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins by calling on His name.” Biblical belief leads to obedience. Faith without action is incomplete. Conversion includes hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized for the remission of sins.

  We Must Show Repentance by Changed Behavior

  The jailor immediately tended to Paul and Silas, washing their wounds and feeding them (Acts 16:33–34). This was the same man who had previously locked them in stocks. His heart had changed, and his actions followed.

  Jesus said, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). Genuine conversion brings real change. True repentance is not just sorrow—it is a transformation of life. When the gospel takes root in the heart, it bears visible fruit.

  We Must Get to Work for Christ

  Paul would later write to the Philippian church, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you… for your participation in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3–5). It’s likely the jailor was among those who got involved from the very beginning.

  Conversion is not the end—it is the beginning of service. When we rise from the waters of baptism, we rise to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). That includes active, engaged labor in the kingdom. We were saved to serve.

  Conclusion: A Pattern Worth Following

  The jailor’s conversion wasn’t emotional or vague—it was scriptural and specific. He heard the truth, believed in Christ, repented of sin, was baptized, and then put his faith into action. His life was forever changed, and his example continues to teach us today.

  This story challenges us to examine our own response to the gospel. Are we living with urgency? Are we bearing fruit? Are we working for the Lord who saved us? Does our redemptive story follow the same pattern of hearing, believing, repenting, being baptized, and living a transformed life? If not, let’s make it right. Today is not too late to obey the same gospel and walk the same path. May we, like the jailor, respond fully and faithfully to the gospel—and then rise up ready to serve.

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  May 13, 2025

  acts, bible, christianity, faith, jesus

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• The Conversion of the Eunuch

  

  Introduction: A God-Directed Encounter

  Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His apostles a commission: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:18–19, NASB). This mission began in Jerusalem and then extended outward by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit.

  The book of Acts records the fulfillment of that mission. Within its pages, we find not just a historical record, but God’s divine strategy for spreading the gospel—through faithful men preaching the Word. One of the clearest examples of conversion under this great commission is the account of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26–40. It is a vivid, Spirit-led moment of teaching, conviction, and response.

  As we study this account, let us not only observe what happened then—but also what this teaches us about how God works, how the gospel is to be preached, and how people come to saving faith.

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  1. God Initiates the Moment

  Acts 8:26 says, “But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, ‘Get ready and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.’” This was not a random meeting. It was orchestrated by God. Philip was not acting on his own initiative; he was sent. The conversion of the eunuch did not begin with human planning—it began with divine command.

  We often speak about seeking God, but Scripture also shows how God seeks the lost. Jesus said in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” This moment reflects that truth. The Spirit of God moved Philip into place so that one soul could be reached with the gospel.

  In our own lives, we should not overlook the providential moments God may be arranging. We must be ready to obey, like Philip—willing to rise and go when God sends us, even without knowing the full outcome in advance.

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  2. The Seeker Was Already Worshiping—but Still in Darkness

  Though the eunuch had traveled to Jerusalem to worship (Acts 8:27), he returned without understanding the message of Christ. He was devout, yet still in darkness. He was reading the prophet Isaiah but could not grasp the meaning. Acts 8:31 records his honest admission: “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?”

  This man had reverence, discipline, and a hunger to understand—but he needed the gospel. Romans 10:14 asks, “How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?” His religious activity did not mean he was saved. He needed teaching.

  This reminds us that spiritual sincerity, while admirable, is not the same as salvation. Many today attend worship, read Scripture, and seek truth, but without the message of Christ clearly taught, they remain in need. We must not assume that religious devotion equals spiritual clarity.

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  3. Preaching Jesus Is the Centerpiece

  Acts 8:35 says, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.” Philip did not stop at explaining Isaiah 53 as literature or prophecy—he moved directly to Jesus. He connected the prophecy to its fulfillment. The message was not generic. It was centered on Jesus: His identity, His suffering, His resurrection, and His authority.

  To “preach Jesus” is not merely to speak of His moral teachings—it is to declare Him as the fulfillment of prophecy, the Lamb who was slain, and the risen Lord who reigns. 1 Corinthians 1:23 affirms, “But we preach Christ crucified.” The gospel is not complete without Christ at the center.

  This should challenge us. Are our conversations about faith actually centered on Jesus? Do our teachings and testimonies declare Him clearly? If someone were to listen to us explain the Bible, would they come away knowing who Jesus is and why He matters?

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  4. Obedience Is the Immediate Response

  As they traveled, the eunuch saw water and said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36). The message he heard included not only belief in Christ, but the call to obey. Baptism was not presented as optional—it was understood as the response of faith.

  Philip replied, “If you believe with all your heart, you may” (Acts 8:37), and the eunuch confessed, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Then both went down into the water, and Philip baptized him (v. 38).

  This passage does not describe a long delay, a vote by a church, or an emotional testimonial. It presents a man hearing the gospel, believing, and immediately submitting to baptism. This pattern echoes throughout Acts (Acts 2:38, Acts 16:33).

  True faith responds. James 2:26 says, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” When the gospel is clearly preached, the expectation is not mere agreement—it is obedient action.

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  Conclusion: A Clear Pattern for Us Today

  The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch is not just a powerful story—it is a pattern. God directed the moment. The Word was preached. Christ was exalted. Obedience followed.

  This example challenges much of what is often seen in the religious world today—where salvation is delayed, confused, or entangled in tradition. But Acts 8 shows us what happens when the gospel is proclaimed plainly and a heart is ready to receive it.

  If someone today asked, “What must I do to be saved?”—would our answer look like Philip’s? Would it include preaching Jesus, calling for belief, and pointing to baptism? May we have the courage and clarity to follow this Spirit-led model.

  And if we find ourselves in the eunuch’s place—reading, seeking, but unsure—then let this passage lead us to ask the right question: “What prevents me from being baptized?”

  The way is open. The Word is clear. The time is now.

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  April 25, 2025

  acts, bible, christianity, jesus, Salvation

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• “Practice These Things”: Following Paul’s Example to Experience God’s Peace

  

  The apostle Paul wrote these powerful words to the church in Philippi: “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9, NASB). Here, Paul offers a simple yet profound promise—if we follow his example and put into practice the things we learn from God’s Word, we will experience God’s peace.

  But what exactly are these “things” that Paul calls us to do? How can we apply them today? Let’s break this teaching down, looking at Paul’s actions in real-life situations and discovering how we can imitate his faith.

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  Preach the Gospel to All People

  The first thing Paul did, as recorded in Acts 16, was preach the gospel to a religious woman named Lydia and her household. Paul and his companions went to the riverside, where they found Lydia, a worshiper of God, praying. The Bible says, “And the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul” (Acts 16:14, NASB). Lydia not only believed, but she and her household were baptized. She then extended hospitality to Paul and his companions, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay” (Acts 16:15, NASB).

  Here we see an important lesson: the gospel must be preached to all people—religious or not. Lydia was already a devout worshiper, yet she still needed to hear the gospel of Christ. Paul’s example shows us that we should never assume someone’s salvation. It’s our responsibility to share the good news with everyone, for “the gospel… is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16, NASB).

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  Do What is Right, Even in Difficult Circumstances

  Paul’s unwavering faith shines brightly in the face of adversity. After preaching the gospel, Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten, and thrown into prison because they disrupted a local fortune-teller’s business (Acts 16:16-24). Yet, instead of despairing, they did what was right—they prayed and sang praises to God.

  “About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25, NASB). Their faith and example led to a miraculous event: an earthquake shook the prison, the doors flew open, and their chains fell off.

  In this situation, Paul and Silas could have been bitter or angry, but they trusted God and continued to honor Him. Their actions remind us to remain faithful and steadfast, even when life gets difficult. God is always at work, even in trials, and His peace comes when we respond with obedience and trust.

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  Preach to the Non-Religious and the Skeptical

  Not everyone who needs the gospel is already seeking God. Paul’s encounter with the Philippian jailer illustrates this point beautifully. After the earthquake, the jailer, terrified that the prisoners had escaped, was about to take his own life. But Paul cried out, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” (Acts 16:28, NASB).

  This event shook the jailer to his core, and he asked one of the most profound questions ever recorded: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30, NASB). Paul answered clearly, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31, NASB). The jailer believed, and he and his family were baptized that very night.

  Paul’s example reminds us that the gospel isn’t just for those already seeking—it’s for everyone, including the skeptical, the broken, and the lost. Sometimes, the most unlikely people are ready to receive God’s truth. Like Paul, we must share the message boldly, knowing that salvation is for all who believe.

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  Live What You Teach

  Paul didn’t just preach the gospel—he lived it. His words in Philippians 4:9 emphasize this truth: “The things you have… seen in me, practice these things.” Paul was a living example of what he taught. He didn’t ask others to do something he wasn’t willing to do himself.

  His life was marked by obedience, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. Whether preaching to Lydia, praying in a prison cell, or comforting the jailer, Paul consistently practiced what he preached. As he wrote to the Corinthians, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1, NASB).

  This calls us to examine our own lives. Are we living what we teach? Do our actions reflect the gospel we proclaim? Paul’s example challenges us to align our words with our actions so others can see Christ in us.

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  God’s Promise of Peace

  Paul’s words in Philippians 4:9 conclude with a powerful promise: “The God of peace will be with you.” When we learn from God’s Word, receive it into our hearts, and practice it in our daily lives, we can experience true peace.

  This promise is not dependent on our circumstances. Paul wrote these words while he was imprisoned, yet he still experienced God’s peace. Why? Because he trusted in God’s sovereignty and lived out his faith with boldness. As Jesus promised, “Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful” (John 14:27, NASB).

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  Conclusion: Practice These Things

  The same gospel Paul preached to Lydia, the Philippian jailer, and countless others is the same gospel that saves us today. As Paul said, “There is no other gospel” (Galatians 1:7, NASB), and its effect remains unchanged: it is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16).

  Paul’s life gives us a clear example to follow. We must share the gospel with everyone, remain faithful in trials, live what we teach, and trust in God’s promises. If we do these things, we can rest assured that “the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9, NASB).

  Let us follow Paul’s example and walk faithfully with God. By doing so, we can experience His peace, and we can help others do the same. Will we commit to practicing “those things”? Let’s start today.

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  December 16, 2024

  acts, bible, christianity, faith, jesus

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• Preaching Jesus: The Fullness of the Gospel

  

  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.”

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.”

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  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.

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  November 28, 2024

  acts, baptism, bible, ethiopian-eunuch, jesus

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• He Went on His Way Rejoicing

  

  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.

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  November 4, 2024

  acts, baptism, bible, ethiopian, faith, jesus

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