In the context of the Bible, Ethiopia is often associated with the region south of Egypt, known for its rich history and significant interactions with the ancient world. The term "Ethiopia" in biblical times generally referred to the kingdom of Cush, which is located in the area of modern-day Sudan and parts of Ethiopia. This region is mentioned several times in the Scriptures, highlighting its importance and influence.

One of the most notable references to Ethiopia in the New Testament is found in the Book of Acts, where we encounter the figure of Candace, Queen of the Ethiopians. The account is centered around an Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official in charge of the treasury of Candace, the queen. This narrative is significant for its demonstration of the early spread of Christianity beyond the Jewish world.

In Acts 8:27-39 , we read about Philip the Evangelist, who is directed by an angel of the Lord to go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza. There, he encounters the Ethiopian eunuch, who is returning from worshiping in Jerusalem. The passage states:

"So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his return was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit said to Philip, 'Go over to that chariot and stay by it.' So Philip ran up and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. 'Do you understand what you are reading?' Philip asked. 'How can I,' he said, 'unless someone guides me?' And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him."

The eunuch was reading a passage from Isaiah, and Philip used this opportunity to explain the good news about Jesus Christ. Moved by the message, the eunuch expressed his desire to be baptized. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. What can prevent me from being baptized?" Philip baptized him, and the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, while the eunuch went on his way rejoicing.

The mention of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, is significant as it highlights the structured and influential nature of the Ethiopian kingdom. The title "Candace" is believed to be a dynastic title for the queen mother or ruling queen, rather than a personal name. This suggests a matrilineal or matriarchal aspect to the governance of Ethiopia at the time.

The account of the Ethiopian eunuch is a powerful testament to the early reach of the Gospel and the fulfillment of the prophecy that the message of Christ would extend to the ends of the earth. It also underscores the openness of the Ethiopian kingdom to the Jewish faith and, subsequently, to Christianity. The conversion of the eunuch is often seen as a pivotal moment in the spread of Christianity into Africa, symbolizing the inclusivity of the Gospel message.

Ethiopia's mention in the Bible, particularly through the account of Candace's official, serves as a reminder of the diverse and far-reaching impact of the early Christian mission. The narrative illustrates the breaking down of cultural and ethnic barriers, as the message of salvation through Jesus Christ transcended geographical and social boundaries.Acts 8:27
And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
Nave's Topical Index

2582. Kandake -- Candace, a queen of Ethiopia
... Candace, a queen of Ethiopia. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Kandake
Phonetic Spelling: (kan-dak'-ay) Short Definition: Candace Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2582.htm - 6k

Laymen Called to the Field of Missions.
... Again, the treasurer of Candace, Queen of Ethiopia, seems to have been converted
on his return home, not simply out of regard to his own personal salvation ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter v laymen called to.htm

A Meeting in the Desert
... And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority
under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a meeting in the desert.htm

The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch.
... "Behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of
the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xi the conversion of.htm

The Holy Spirit Sending Men Forth to Definite Lines of Work.
... We read in Acts 8:27-29, RV, "And he (Philip) arose and went: and behold, a man
of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xviii the holy spirit.htm

Acts viii. 26, 27
... And, behold," it says, "a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace,
queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xix acts viii 26.htm

The Gospel in Samaria
... "And, behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace queen
of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 11 the gospel in.htm

The Acts of the Apostles.
... 3. Candace, Queen of the Ethiopians, 8:27. Strabo mentions a queen of Mero?? in Ethiopia,
under that name, which was probably, like Pharaoh, a dynastic title. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 85 the acts of.htm

Exile: Appeals for a Phinehas, and a Jehu: 1554
... laws of a country. Philip the eunuch, though converted, did not drive
Queen Candace out of Ethiopia. If a tyrannous and ungodly ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter v exile appeals for.htm

The Early History of Particular Churches.
... Matthew, the way having, perhaps, been prepared by that "man of Ethiopia," the eunuch
"under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians," of whom we read in Acts 8:27-39 ...
/.../a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter vii the early history.htm

The Course Pursued by the Apostles after the Ascension of Christ.
... This queen was Candace, according to the Biblical account; but Candace was the ... III.
12. 8) says that this Eunuch returned to Ethiopia and preached there. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter i the course pursued by.htm

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