How can we help others understand difficult Bible passages, like Philip in Acts 8? Philip’s moment with the Ethiopian “ ‘Tell me, please, who is the prophet saying this about, himself or someone else?’ ” (Acts 8:34). Philip “proclaimed the good news about Jesus” (Acts 8:35) by showing how Isaiah 53 literally foretold the Messiah’s sacrificial death. His Spirit-led example supplies a pattern for us. Unshakable foundations • Scripture is God-breathed, wholly accurate, and trustworthy (2 Timothy 3:16). • Its primary meaning is the literal sense intended by the divine Author (2 Peter 1:20-21). • The Holy Spirit illuminates that meaning to believers (1 Corinthians 2:12-13; John 16:13). Heart attitudes that clear the way • Availability—Philip “ran up” to the chariot (Acts 8:30). Be ready to come alongside. • Humility—listen first, as Philip did, before explaining. • Confidence—trust God’s Word to interpret itself (Psalm 119:130). • Patience—give time for the truth to sink in, as Jesus did on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:27,32). Practical steps for guiding someone through a hard passage 1. Start with context • Read the surrounding verses aloud. • Summarize in plain words what is happening historically and literarily (Nehemiah 8:8). 2. Trace clear cross-references • Use passages that quote or allude to the text in question (e.g., Isaiah 53 → Acts 8; 1 Peter 2:24-25). • Let Scripture explain Scripture, preventing private interpretations. 3. Highlight the passage’s literal fulfillment in Christ • Show predictive prophecy realized (Micah 5:2 with Matthew 2:1-6). • Point out direct statements of Jesus or the apostles that confirm meaning (Matthew 12:40 referencing Jonah). 4. Explain key terms and images • Define words as they appear in the original setting (Hebrew/Greek where needed). • Relate unfamiliar customs to their first-century context so the listener can visualize the scene. 5. Keep the gospel central • Move from explanation to application, as Philip did—“the good news about Jesus.” • Emphasize repentance and faith whenever the text reveals Christ’s saving work (Romans 10:17). 6. Invite the person to read the passage aloud again • Hearing it with new clarity reinforces understanding (Revelation 1:3). 7. Encourage personal study • Suggest reading plans, trustworthy commentaries, and memorization of key verses (Joshua 1:8). • Model “rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Resources the Spirit uses • The whole counsel of God—Old and New Testaments together (Acts 20:27). • Teachers and evangelists gifted for clarity (Ephesians 4:11-12). • Fellowship where believers can compare insights (Colossians 3:16). Living out Philip’s example today • Stay sensitive to Spirit-prompted opportunities. • Approach with a servant’s heart and the confidence that God’s Word, plainly understood, never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). |
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