Acts 8:25 -31 - Guided by God

Having dealt with Simon,  Peter and John then returned to Jerusalem. As they were journeying back, they also preached and spread the message of the Gospel to many other villages of Samaria.

Meanwhile, Philip's ministry took an unexpected turn. Through an angel, the Loed directed Philip to go south and on to the road that led from Jerusalem to Gaza. Philip could have thought it strange to be sent to an area where people were scarce. But nonetheless, he obeyed.

Having gotten used to obeying God, Philip got up and went. Instead of being greeted with a crowd of people, he was sent to an Ethopian eunuch, who was the chief treasurer of the queen of Euthopians.

As treasurer, this eunuch was both rich and powerful. He was on his way back after he had worshiped Jehovah, the God of the Jews at Jerusalem. He was most likely a proselyte.  He was comfortably seated in his chariot and reading Isaiah the prophet as he traveled home.

At this point the Holy Spirit spoke to Philip  and directed him to join the eunuch in his chariot. Philip ran up to the chariot and heard him reading the words of Isaiah.

Recognizing that it was from Isaiah 53:7–8, he boldly asked if the Ethiopian Eunuch understood what he was reading. He could have heard this read while he was in Jerusalem. He could have heard how it pertained to the Messiah. Now how wonderful it must have been for him, to find someone who could explain to him the meaning.

So he gladly inviteed Philip up into the chariot to be with him. Luke's presentation of this incident showed us that the Holy Spirit was guiding and directing every move that was made.

We know that the effectiveness of Philip's ministry was largely due to his  sensitivity to the leading of the Spirit. He was very keen and sharp to divine guidance. Like Philip, we need to cultivate a good inner ear to listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit.

We can sharpen our receptivity of God's voice as we learn to tune down the volumn of the noise of the world. And learn to listen with inner attentiveness to God, speaking through the experiences of our life. Let's slow down enough to be able to recognize the voice of God.