1to1 Ministry: Lessons from Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40)
There’s so much to learn (and so much encouragement!) from Acts 8:26-40. We see that the gospel reached an African (the Ethiopian eunuch) before it ever reached Europe, we see how the Lord providentially arranged for Philip to walk to the chariot and arrive at the chariot at the moment when the Ethiopian eunuch just ‘happened’ to be reading the prophet Isaiah, we see how the good news of Jesus is unstoppable – it does indeed spread from Jerusalem to Samaria to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8), but I want to highlight the value of 1to1 ministry from this passage and invite you, reader, to participate in 1to1s, whether we’re exploring Christianity or already Christians and therefore involved in making Jesus known to others.
Acts 8:26-40, while not a model in every way (you probably won’t meet up at a chariot!), shows us some of the basic ingredients of a 1to1:
1) The Bible is opened and read. The Ethiopian happens to be reading the prophet Isaiah, one of the greatest Old Testament books. He was apparently reading it out loud (v. 30). If you’re exploring Christianity there’s nothing better than reading the Bible yourself.
2) The Bible is explained and understood. Philip asks the Ethiopian, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The Bible does not benefit us if we don’t understand it. Sometimes we need a Christian to come along side us and help us understand it. If you’re a Christian who has a clear understanding of the message of the Bible (more on that below) is there anyone in your life that seems interested in understanding the Bible? Why not take the initiative, like Philip, to ask them a question – do you understand what the Bible is about? If, like the Ethiopian, you’re reading the Bible but don’t understand it, why not ask a TBT staff member or student leader to help you understand it? That’s what we’re here for! : ) Ask questions!
3) The Bible is about the good news of Jesus. The Ethiopian was reading Isaiah 53 which speaks of a suffering servant who, like a sheep led to the slaughter, will silently suffer unjustly. He then asks Philip ‘who is this prophecy about?’ And Philip started with that Scripture to tell him the good news of Jesus (Acts 8:35). As Isaiah foretold, Jesus suffered as a substitute – to bear the judgment for the sins of God’s people – all who repent and trust him, including the Ethiopian eunuch. If you’re wondering why The Bible Talks is obsessed with knowing Jesus and making him known, it’s because the good news of Jesus – who died for his people’s sins and rose from the dead -- is the message of the whole Bible! There’s no better news to hear and share than this news – and it’s often through simple 1to1 ministry that lives are changed for now and eternity through the gospel.
