Philip and the Ethiopian Official
Month 5: What About Other Religions? · Bible Story
Today's Scripture
Read together: Acts 8:26-38
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go south to the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his return was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to that chariot and stay by it.” 30 So Philip ran up and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. 31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so He did not open His mouth. 33 In His humiliation He was deprived of justice. Who can recount His descendants? For His life was removed from the earth.” 34 “Tell me,” said the eunuch, “who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with this very Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road and came to some water, the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is there to prevent me from being baptized?” [37] Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.
Memory Verse
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.”— 1 John 4:1 (BSB)memorize this week
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: Joshua 19-21
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (Around Day 142 of 365 — the land is divided and the cities of refuge are set apart.)The Heart of It
An important man from far-off Ethiopia was riding home in his chariot. He was reading the book of Isaiah out loud, and he didn't understand it. He had traveled all the way to Jerusalem searching for God, but he was still hungry inside. Then the Holy Spirit told Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot" (). Philip ran up and heard him reading. Then he asked a gentle question: "Do you understand what you are reading?" The man said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" That open door was all Philip needed. Beginning at that very verse of Scripture, "he preached Jesus to him" ().
Notice how God works on both ends of this story. He was already stirring a searching heart. He was drawing a man from another land toward the truth. At the very same time, He was sending a willing witness with the answer, and the answer was Jesus. The official wasn't pointed to a list of rules or a religion to try. He was pointed to a Person. The same Bible he couldn't crack opened up the moment Jesus was at the center. People all around us are searching, reading, and wondering. God invites us to be the friend who runs up, asks a kind question, and gently points to the Savior.
Around the Table
A man in a chariot wanted to know God but felt confused. Philip ran over and told him all about Jesus. And the man was so happy!
Let's do it: Pretend to run like Philip, then say with a big smile, "Let me tell you about Jesus!"
Philip started a real conversation with one simple question. He didn't argue or show off. He just listened and pointed to Jesus.
Let's talk: What is a kind, easy question you could ask a friend who is curious about God?
The official had religion, travel, and a scroll. But he still needed Someone to explain that all of it points to Jesus. Other beliefs may have bits of truth. Yet only Jesus is the truth they're missing.
Let's go deeper: How can you tell the difference between a person who is searching and a person who just wants to argue? And how should you treat each one?
💬 Conversation Starter
If a friend said, "I'm reading the Bible but I don't get it," what's the first thing you'd do to help them?
🛡️ Defending the Faith
When someone is genuinely searching, the kindest and most confident thing you can do is point them to Jesus in the Scriptures, not win a debate. Peter says to give a reason for our hope "with gentleness and respect" (). Philip shows us what that looks like. It looks like a question, a listening ear, and Jesus at the center.
For Dad · Go Deeper
Philip is the model of Spirit-led evangelism. He obeyed a nudge to "go near." He met the man right where he was, in his own reading and his own question. Then he went straight to Jesus. Notice that he didn't tear down the man's background or mock his confusion. He honored the search and filled it with Christ. This is the heart of reaching people of other religions. It isn't contempt. It's compassion that takes them seriously enough to tell them the truth. Dad, ask yourself a question. When did you last "go near" a searching person instead of waiting for the perfect moment? Your kids will learn boldness by watching you start one gentle conversation.
Draws on: Sean McDowell, A New Kind of Apologist.
Let's Pray Together
"Father, thank You for drawing searching hearts to Yourself. Make us ready to go near. Help us listen well. Help us point people straight to Jesus. Give us courage and kindness together. In Jesus' name, amen."
God is already drawing searching hearts. He just invites me to run up and point them to Jesus.