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The Benefits of Finding Ourselves in Scripture
The Benefits of Finding Ourselves in Scripture
Given his job, the Ethiopian of Acts 8 was one of that country's most important people. Yet, he was more than important. He was very religious, apparently a proselyte (convert) to the Jewish faith. He didn't restrict his religion to the assemblies. He read his Bible even when he was going about his secular tasks (Acts 8:28). Though he could not enter the assembly of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:1), he made the long and grueling trip from northern Africa to Palestine and was returning home. Many of us are familiar with the Old Testament passage he was going about his secular tasks (Acts 8:28). Though he could not enter the assembly of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:1), he made the long and grueling trip from northern Africa to Palestine and was returning home. Many of us are familiar with the Old Testament passage he was reading when Philip joined him in his chariot. Reading Acts 8:32-33, we recognize the place as Isaiah 53:7-8. The Eunuch was trying to find out about who Isaiah wrote about, "of himself or of some other man" (Acts 8:34). Philip preached Jesus to him and he became a Christian (Acts 8:35-39).
Those are essentially the facts. Yet, I wonder how coincidental it was that the Eunuch was reading from that part of Old Testament scripture. This African official likely had a scroll containing the entire prophecy of Isaiah, which was not divided into the individual chapters like they are today. It would seem that the context in which Isaiah 53 occurs would be of particular interest to this man. Flip forward a few chapters to Isaiah 56. Isaiah is telling foreigners and eunuchs not to look down on themselves (3-5).
This official of Candace was very likely not some hopeless non-Jew looking for a crumb from the Jews' table. He had the great hope and promise of Scripture. Perhaps this portion of Isaiah was of particular motivation and inspiration to him. For Philip to explain that the time of that prophecy had now been fulfilled, that access to this promise was now available, certainly led the Eunuch to urgently respond and enthusiastically react. Jesus was the One referenced in Isaiah 53, but he (the Eunuch) was the one referenced in Isaiah 56. No, not just him, but all like him-one from the "all nations" of Isaiah 56:7 who could reap the benefits brought by the "Sin-bearing Servant" of Isaiah 53 and the one who would "sprinkle many nations" (52:15).
I hope that you read your Bible with the same hunger and expectation. Perhaps there are portions that bring you greater hope and expectation, that speak with greater poignancy to your life's circumstances. The Bible is a book filled with wonderful, relevant promises. Trust them. Let them bear you along through the rough spots of life. God designed the Bible to be a book of hope and inspiration, but it cannot do us any good unless and until we consult it! Find yourself in the Bible! --Copied
