How does Acts 8:34 connect to the prophecy in Isaiah 53? Setting the Scene in Acts 8 • Philip meets an Ethiopian court official traveling home after worshiping in Jerusalem (Acts 8:27–28). • The man is reading Isaiah 53 aloud but does not understand it (v. 30). • Acts 8:34: “Tell me,” said the eunuch, “who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” • This question opens the door for Philip to “beginning with this Scripture, preach the good news about Jesus” (Acts 8:35). The Passage the Eunuch Was Reading Isaiah 53:7–8 (the portion quoted in Acts 8:32–33): • “He was led like a sheep to slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He did not open His mouth. • In His humiliation He was deprived of justice. Who can recount His descendants? For His life was removed from the earth.” Direct Connections Between Isaiah 53 and Jesus • Silent suffering: Jesus “opened not His mouth” before Pilate and Herod (Matthew 27:12–14). • Innocent yet condemned: He “committed no sin” (1 Peter 2:22 quoting Isaiah 53:9) yet was sentenced to death. • Substitutionary death: “The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6), fulfilled at the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). • No physical descendants, yet spiritual offspring: “He will see His offspring” (Isaiah 53:10) realized in all who believe (Galatians 3:26–29). • Exalted after suffering: “I will give Him a portion among the great” (Isaiah 53:12) mirrored in Jesus’ resurrection and ascension (Philippians 2:9–11). Philip’s Christ-Centered Explanation • Starting with Isaiah 53, Philip traces Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection: – Incarnation: the Servant comes in humility (Isaiah 53:2; John 1:14). – Ministry: bearing our griefs and diseases (Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 8:16–17). – Crucifixion: pierced for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:5; John 19:34–37). – Burial: “with a rich man in His death” (Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57–60). – Resurrection: “He will prolong His days” (Isaiah 53:10; Acts 2:24–32). • The eunuch responds with faith and immediate baptism (Acts 8:36–38), confirming Isaiah’s prophecy that the Servant would justify many (Isaiah 53:11). Why Acts 8:34 Matters for Us • Scripture interprets Scripture: the New Testament affirms Isaiah 53 as a messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus. • Evangelism model: use Old Testament passages to present the gospel, trusting the Spirit to open hearts (Luke 24:27, 32). • Assurance of salvation: the same Servant who bore the eunuch’s sins bore ours, providing complete forgiveness (Hebrews 9:28). Key Takeaways • Acts 8:34 links directly to Isaiah 53 by identifying Jesus as the suffering Servant. • The literal fulfillment of Isaiah’s words in Christ confirms the reliability of Scripture. • Believers today can confidently share the gospel, knowing that every prophetic promise in God’s Word stands true. |
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