parable of the sower revisited - In Acts 8, Luke shows us a variety of ways in which the gospel is received. The chapter begins with the Samaritans receiving the gospel. One in particular-Samaritan Simon-publicly confesses Jesus and then shadows Philip around, amazed at the power to effect miracles. On the other side of the chapter, Philip leaves this urban ministry to conduct a one-on-one with an Ethiopian Eunuch which turns out to be a more fruitful experience.

a study in contrasts - Simon is attracted to the spectacular, covets the religious authority that would enable him to broker healings and miracles. He is not interested in listening to Philip but rather in gaining insight in this strange power. On the other hand, the Ethiopian symbolizes everything that Simon is not: the African is a spiritual pilgrim from a different land who is earnestly seeking to understand Scripture’s prophecies of God’s salvation. [1]

can anyone help me? - The Ethiopian eunuch is a double outcast within Israel, twice rejected by those in control of religious sentiment because of where he lives and because he has been castrated: his sexuality has excluded him from the assembly of God and his distance from the holy city makes for a difficult pilgrimage. Similar concerns continue to be impediments today for those from society’s margins who seek after God. The way of the eunuch’s salvation establishes a pattern of catechesis for the convert who must travel some distance to secure God’s salvation. [2]

What was a puzzling question that had growing up and who helped you in answering the question?

What serendipitous moment have you had of being in the right place at the right time for something important to happen?

Recall moments when you have played the role of Philip-of helping someone else toward clarity of Scripture.

I think I would offer a broad breath of Acts 8-noting in the chapter the urban ministry vis-à-vis one-on-one evangelism. Both kinds of faith-sharing are important but for different reasons. Billy Graham crusades raise a public’s awareness and truly lead some people to faith and to a loving congregation, but many others find small groups or even just two friends sharing deep conversation over coffee and Scriptures, as life-changing. I would also move into the listening community and invite them to consider how well they are asking, listening, instructing, and telling others the gospel.

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[1] The New Interpreter’s Bible X (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), page 142.
[2] Ibid, page 145.