Homilist Acts 8:26-39 And the angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza… The conversion of the eunuch suggests a comparison of his case with that of present-day hearers of the gospel. I. COMPARE THE PRIVILEGES ENJOYED. What had he? 1. The Scriptures. But only the Old Testament. We have more, the New as well as Old. 2. He had a preacher, but, so far as we know, only one, and only heard one sermon. We have the constant ministration of the Word, line upon fine and precept upon precept. 3. He had the Holy Spirit, awakening and influencing his mind and heart. We have more, for He has striven often in our hearts. II. COMPARE THE RESPONSIBILITY SUSTAINED. Ours greater by as much as our privileges are greater. To whom much is given of him much shall be required. III. COMPARE CONDUCT WHICH RESULTED. 1. He prized and read his Bible. To-day sadly neglected, even by those who profess to value it. 2. He was possessed of a sincere desire to know the way of life. How few to-day seem to concern themselves about the great question of salvation. 3. He paid earnest attention to the preacher's words. How many careless, thoughtless hearers to-day, all eyes and ears for the sights and sounds of earth, but blind and deaf to all that pertains to heaven. 4. He applied to himself the truths he heard. Philip "preached unto him Jesus." Many to-day hear for other people, or hear as though what they heard in no way concerned them. Surely, here the contrast is in favour of the eunuch. IV. COMPARE EXPERIENCE WHICH RESULTED. He went on his way rejoicing. Have we found any joy in the gospel? Some have, but many have not. Are we not bound to confess that with fewer privileges his conduct is such as to put to shame the indifferent and unbelieving hearers of the gospel to-day? (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. |
    |