Two-Thirds of God's Name is "Go"

Intro: (Don’t know yet)

The Angel of the Lord told Philip to go…(Acts 8:26)

Philip was one the seven tending the needs of the poor

After Stephen was martyred, Philip ran to Samaria to preach

Go South to the road that decends from Jerusalem to Gaza (this is a desert road)

This is a drastic change from what Philip is accustomed to. It is a hot, dry, no vegitation, no water, it is uninhabited, a desolate area. Conditions are harsh at best.

Philip did not know anything more than where it was he was told to go. He did not know why he was sent to this desert place, there was no information about what he was to do when he arrived, he was not told who he was going to see (if anyone at all), and nothing was conveyed to him about preparations of any kind.

The Ethiopian Eunuch in his chariot (Acts 8:27-28)

The word “eunuch” literally means “guardian of the bed”, a reference to a castrated individual who supervised a royal harem. It has been argued that in this instance, the Greek term eunouchos is an official title rather than a reference to a castrated male.

According to Acts 8:27, this eunuch “was of the court of Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians, was in charge of all her treasure...”. It has been argued that in this instance, the Greek term εὐνοῦχος (eunouchos) is an official title rather than a reference to a castrated male.

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Chapter 19

12 “For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it.”

It is believed by some that the Ethiopian Eunuch could have possibly been a Jew who held a high office in another country as this was common in those days. But, even if he weren’t a full proselyte, it would appear that he served God to the best of his ability, as a God-fearing man.

It uncertain what type of chariot he used for travel. (Use my imagination here.)

The Spirit said to Philip, “go”(Acts 8:29)

Philip did not hesitate for one second. He responded instantaniously.

Philip ran to catch up to the chariot, then ran alongside until invited to join the eunuch in the chariot (Too many unknowns here. Using my imagination to illustrate the event.)

Philip invited onto the chariot (Acts 8:30)

The Eunuch was reading Isaiah 53:7-8, Philip explained it (Acts 8:31-35)

The eunuch asked Philip if the writer was referring to himself or to another. With that query, Philip began to explain the scriptures, teaching him all the things of Christ.

Philip Baptizes the Eunuch (Acts 8:36-38)

Mission complete. A new believer has been added to the family of God and he goes on his way rejoicing.

Meanwhile, Philip begins preaching again in Aztus, 20 miles away, and continues on to Ceaeserea.

Conclusion:

These are the last days and wickedness has multiplied in the earth. Christians will be persecuted, beaten, and martyred for our faith. Very soon, Christians will have to live lives of fugitives in order to keep preaching the gospel. We cannot stop the overwhelming evil of this age but, by no means do we abandon our mission to spread the gospel because all the way up to the Day of the Lord, there will be some who will give their lives to Christ.

Philip had to go to the desert road to have the encounter with the eunich. He did not initially know why he was going, or who he would see but, he had to go. Philip could have backed out from intimidation because of the eunuchs status and power but, he did not give himself opportunity to consider any of that. The word of the Lord was clear and Philip obeyed.