36 As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized? ” 38 So he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.--Acts 8:36-38
Barriers Removed
As we discussed earlier this week, the Holy Spirit's guidance and provision in this encounter is unmistakeable. From Philip heading to the Desert Road, to running into the Ethiopian Eunuch who happens to be reading a explicit prophecy about Jesus Christ, and now the opportunity to be baptized.
If we read this too quickly, we might miss it. As a reminder, Philip an the Ethiopian Eunuch are on the "DESERT ROAD", they are in an arid, hot climate. It just happens that following Philip announcement of the gospel of Jesus Christ, there happens to be a pool of water by which the Eunuch can be baptized into the family of God. God is certainly in control.It's worth noting the Eunuch question in verse 36, he states, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized? ” The greek verb "keep me" (koloi; κωλύει) which indicates that barriers have been removed. There is now no barrier or hinderance that stands in the way of this Ethiopian Eunuch being baptized. Let us not forget, that the Eunuch is returning from worship in Jerusalem where he was unable to enter the temple because of his physical status. Further, that the Eunuch was God-fearing was not one of "God's people", he is a gentile. Up to this point in his life, there has been several barriers that have stood between him and a full and flourishing life with God. Until today.John Polhill says it best, "In this case a double barrier of both physical and racial prejudice had fallen. A eunuch, a Gentile, a black, was baptized and received into full membership in the people of Jesus Christ."The Eunuch was welcomed as a full member into the people of Jesus Christ because of his faith in Christ. We are united to Christ by faith and we are united together in Christ.Two things today:1.) If you've been baptized, remember your baptism. Remember that you have received full membership into the people of Jesus Christ.2.) If you have not been baptized, your faith and allegiance to Jesus Christ needs to be declared. Reach out to us and we would love to have a conversation about this!
