1. Lessons from the Ethiopian Eunuch Acts 8:25-39

2. The Eunuch had a desire to study the Bible.

3. The Eunuch had a desire to study the Bible  This man was not yet a Christian, baptized in the blood of Christ.  Philip was in Jerusalem, through divine intervention, arose and went south, away from Jerusalem.  CONTRAST THIS: The Eunuch got up knowing where he was going! The Eunuch got up knowing where he was going! Philip arose and traveled on a desert road! Philip arose and traveled on a desert road! Philip left a highly populated area to a deserted road in the middle of the desert! Philip left a highly populated area to a deserted road in the middle of the desert! What chance did he think of finding work there What chance did he think of finding work there

4. How Far Did the Eunuch Travel to Worship? N.B. Hardeman: Hoffman Commentary: DeHauf’s Commentary: Outline Studies in Acts by Thomas: 1,000 miles 1,500 miles 1,200 miles

5. The Eunuch had a desire to study the Bible  He was still studying after worship service. He wasn’t in a hurry! He had a strong desire to study the Bible. He had a strong desire to study the Bible. Are we zealous for bible knowledge or just in a hurry. Are we zealous for bible knowledge or just in a hurry.  Often God opens doors to His people that we cannot find on our own. In His divine plan we are the exact instrument to bring lost sheep into the fold! In His divine plan we are the exact instrument to bring lost sheep into the fold!

6. The Eunuch had a desire to study the Bible. Acts 8:25-39 Preaching Jesus is preaching baptism!

7. Preaching Jesus IS Preaching Baptism!  Philip preached Jesus (v.35) Philips lesson included an illustration from the Old Testament (Is. 53:7)Philips lesson included an illustration from the Old Testament (Is. 53:7) Most preachers (denomination or in the church) would simply stop here!Most preachers (denomination or in the church) would simply stop here! Philip continued on and preached baptism.Philip continued on and preached baptism.  Note the honest heart in the Ethiopian Eunuch! His conclusion to Philip’s preaching was to be baptized!His conclusion to Philip’s preaching was to be baptized! Today, men find a number of conclusions from this and other passages about baptism.Today, men find a number of conclusions from this and other passages about baptism.

8. Preaching Jesus is preaching Baptism! WWWWhat is involved in preaching Christ? Acts 8:5 - Philip preached Christ > v.12 – they believed the good news about the kingdom of God. Acts 8:5 - Philip preached Christ – v.12 – they were baptized. Acts 8:35 – Philip preached Christ – v. 36- 39 – the Eunuch was baptized.

9. The Eunuch had a desire to study the Bible. Acts 8:25-39 Preaching Jesus is preaching baptism! Bible Baptism is spiritual in nature

10. Bible Baptism is spiritual in nature.  It should not produce emotional reactions. Clapping/yelling/cheering, etc Clapping/yelling/cheering, etc A number of churches (denomination/non- denomination) may display those reactions. A number of churches (denomination/non- denomination) may display those reactions.  The example in Acts 8:35-39 is clear Facts – Philip preached Christ. (v.35) Facts – Philip preached Christ. (v.35) Faith – Preaching produced a faith-based belief that Jesus is the Son of God. Faith – Preaching produced a faith-based belief that Jesus is the Son of God. Then Feeling – The eunuch went on his way rejoicing because he was saved. We should possess that same mindset/attitude. Christians should be happy! Then Feeling – The eunuch went on his way rejoicing because he was saved. We should possess that same mindset/attitude. Christians should be happy!

11. The Eunuch had a desire to study the Bible. Acts 8:25-39 Preaching Jesus is preaching baptism! Bible Baptism is spiritual in nature Eunuch’s baptism was immersion, a burial (8:38)

12. The Eunuch’s Baptism was Immersion — a Burial  Thayer defines the word baptism here as: “to dip, to immerse, to submerge.”  Note the phrasing in verse 38; “they both went down into the water.”  Another common theme for denominations is the have scheduled mass/multiple baptisms. Their emphasis is emotional in nature like mentioned in my last point. Their emphasis is emotional in nature like mentioned in my last point. In every example of baptism the baptism happened immediately; there was no wait! In every example of baptism the baptism happened immediately; there was no wait!

13. The Eunuch’s Baptism was Immersion — a Burial Consider Acts 22:16: “Why wait any longer” (NCV) “Why tarriest thou” (KJV) “What are you waiting for” (NIV) “Why wait any longer” (Good News Bible) “And now why delay” (Weymouth NT) In Acts 8; the Eunuch immediately desired to be baptized. There was no wait!

14. The Eunuch had a desire to study the Bible. Acts 8:25-39 Preaching Jesus is preaching baptism! Bible Baptism is spiritual in nature; not emotional Eunuch’s baptism was immersion, a burial (8:38)

15. Baptism Stands Between: The Sinner and…  SALVATION (Mk 16:16)  REMISSION OF SINS (Acts 2:38)  WASHING AWAY OF SINS (Acts 22:16)  THE DEATH OF CHRIST (Romans 6:3)  THE PUTTING ON OF CHRIST (Gal. 3:27)  THE BODY OF CHRIST (1 Cor. 12:13)