Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, eunuchs were men who had been castrated, often serving in royal courts or fulfilling specific roles that required trust and loyalty. The Bible references eunuchs in various contexts, highlighting their roles, status, and spiritual significance.Old Testament References: 1. Role and Status: · Eunuchs often served in positions of authority and trust within royal households. In the book of Esther, we see eunuchs serving in the Persian court. "When the king’s order and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the harem" (Esther 2:8). 2. Prophetic Inclusion: · The prophet Isaiah speaks of a future where eunuchs will be included in God's covenant, emphasizing their value and place within the community of believers. "For this is what the LORD says: 'To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant—I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off'" (Isaiah 56:4-5). New Testament References: 1. Teaching of Jesus: · Jesus acknowledges the existence of eunuchs and speaks of them in a spiritual context. He mentions different types of eunuchs, including those who choose celibacy for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. "For there are eunuchs who were born that way, others were made that way by men, and still others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it" (Matthew 19:12). 2. The Ethiopian Eunuch: · The book of Acts recounts the account of an Ethiopian eunuch who was a high official under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This eunuch, after reading the book of Isaiah, encounters Philip the evangelist and is baptized, symbolizing the inclusion of all people in the Christian faith. "Then Philip began with this very Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road and came to some water, the eunuch said, 'Look, here is water. What can prevent me from being baptized?'" (Acts 8:35-36). Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Eunuchs in the Bible are often depicted as individuals who, despite their physical condition or societal status, are capable of deep spiritual insight and commitment. Their inclusion in prophetic promises and the early Christian community underscores the biblical theme of God's inclusive love and the breaking down of barriers that separate people based on physical or social distinctions. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 19:12For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it. Nave's Topical Index Library General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History. On Eutropius, the Eunuch, Patrician and Consul. General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History. Origin of Creeds. On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ... The Emperor Purposed, on Account of the Heresy of Aetius and the ... The Distinguished Ecclesiastics of Our Day, and which of them ... On Transparency. Acts XVIII P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... Resources What does it mean that Esther was appointed “for such a time as this”? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is an evangelist? | GotQuestions.org Eunuch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |