Factors Accompanying Christian Enlightenment (Acts 8:26-40)

Sermon Summary

Pastor David Yan

2 July 2023

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An Ethiopian eunuch came to believe in Jesus Christ. He was enlightened. What were some factors accompanying this enlightenment?

There was an evangelist present. Philip was that evangelist. How shall people believe unless they hear? The evangelist secures the ear; the Spirit saves the soul.

There is a seeking soul. The eunuch was seeking the Lord God. He was returning from Jerusalem. The eunuch sought God from the Jews. But he was returning home unsatisfied. There was no one in Jerusalem who could explain salvation to him. This was a sad moment. Salvation was of the Jews but there was no Jew in Jerusalem who could help this seeking Gentile.

There are the Scriptures. The eunuch was reading Isaiah 53. In particular he was reading about one who was led to the slaughter. Scriptures are vital for understanding salvation.

There is an understanding of the Scriptures. The eunuch was teachable and asked for help. God’s Holy Spirit is the teacher but he uses human vessels to explain his word. Philip was the vessel. Isaiah 53 was all about Jesus. He was led to the slaughter like a sheep and as a lamb before its shearers Jesus spoke no word. This was explained to the eunuch who responded in faith.

Then followed belief and baptism. The eunuch believed that Jesus is the Son of God. Baptism would not save him but profession of faith in Christ would. Baptism follows faith and the eunuch was duly baptised.

He returns home rejoicing in the Lord. People who believe in Jesus have joy. It is a joy unspeakable.

The lesson from Acts 8:26-40 is that people are enlightened when they hear and believe in Christ Jesus through the Scriptures.

For Christians the question is: are you doing the work of evangelists?

For non Christians the question is: have you sought and found Jesus the Saviour? Be like the Ethiopian eunuch who agonised to find God, and found him through Christ Jesus.