How can we encourage others to follow the Ethiopian eunuch's example in Acts 8:38? A Snapshot of Immediate Obedience “ And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:38) Why the Eunuch’s Example Matters • He responded to the gospel the moment he understood it. • He requested baptism without delay, showing faith that acts, not waits (James 2:17). • He submitted publicly, unashamed of Christ (Romans 1:16). Encouraging Others to Follow His Lead 1. Present the gospel with clarity • Use Scripture itself, just as Philip did with Isaiah 53 (Acts 8:32-35). • Keep Jesus at the center—His death, resurrection, and offer of forgiveness (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). 2. Highlight the urgency of obedience • Point to the eunuch’s swift action as normal Christian response (2 Corinthians 6:2). • Remind believers that baptism is Christ’s command, not an optional extra (Matthew 28:19-20). 3. Remove practical barriers • Provide opportunities for baptism whenever someone professes faith. • Explain the meaning of baptism before it happens so fear or confusion doesn’t stall obedience. 4. Model visible obedience ourselves • Share personal testimonies of how obeying Christ quickly brought joy (Acts 8:39). • Let others see a lifestyle that treats Scripture as the final authority (Psalm 119:105). 5. Celebrate obedience publicly • Rejoice with the congregation when someone is baptized (Romans 12:15). • Use each baptism as a gospel moment for seekers who are watching. 6. Equip believers to be “Philips” • Train them to explain the gospel from the Old and New Testaments (1 Peter 3:15). • Encourage readiness to seize unexpected divine appointments (Acts 8:26-29). Scripture Fuel for Motivation • Acts 2:41—those who accepted the message “were baptized.” • Colossians 2:12—baptism pictures burial and resurrection with Christ. • Galatians 3:27—“all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” • 2 Corinthians 5:20—we are ambassadors pleading, “Be reconciled to God.” Action Steps for the Week • Share the eunuch’s story with someone who hasn’t been baptized yet. • Offer to study key baptism passages together. • Be ready to arrange a baptism service at the first genuine request. • Pray for alertness to Holy Spirit-led encounters, just as Philip experienced. |
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