Conversion Accounts – Ethiopian Nobleman

1. Read: Acts 8:34-36

2. About the Text:

1) After Jesus’ resurrection and before His ascension, he gave the plan of salvation.

2) We see this plan in Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:47.

3) The apostle followed this plan and made more disciples (Acts 2:38).

4) We then see that those disciples made disciples (Acts 8).

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. Consider this man that God wanted to hear the gospel.

1) An Ethiopian nobleman eunuch – considered outcast by the Jews ( Deuteronomy 23:1) – blemish.

2) A treasurer, man of authority – person in the position of power.

3) How would you judge him?

4) God saw him in need of the gospel.

2. We cannot afford to be prejudiced when it comes to teaching the gospel.

1) Rich, poor, black, white, brown, good looking, ugly, etc.

2) Acts 10:34-35 “And Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him.”

3) James 2:1 “My brethren, hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.”

1. Consider what this Ethiopian nobleman was doing.

1) He was reading the Bible.

2) Do we have friends and neighbors that read the Bible?

2. The Spirit told Philip to join this man.

1) He heard him reading Isaiah.

2) How often do we join our friends/family who are reading the Bible?

3) Matthew 6:33

3. Philip asked this man a question.

1) Do you understand what you are reading?

2) All of us can ask this question.

3) It is such a simple thing to do, but do we do it?

4) Malachi 3:16 “Then they that feared Jehovah spake one with another; and Jehovah hearkened, and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared Jehovah, and that thought upon his name.”

4. The Ethiopian Nobleman responded.

1) How can I understand unless someone explains it to me.

2) Do we understand the Bible enough to tell others what it is about?

3) Ephesians 3:3-5 – we can understand Paul’s understanding.

5. God wants YOU to preach the gospel.

1. The Ethiopian nobleman was reading from Isaiah 53:7-8.

1) This is messianic prophecy.

2) The Jewish people expected a conquering messiah, but not a suffering one.

3) The fulfillment of this prophecy was a mystery to them.

2. Philip preached Jesus.

1) Philip likely spoke concerning Jesus’ death. Why?

2) The problem of sin.

3) The need for a Savior.

4) The death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus

5) The great commission.

3. We know God’s teaching regarding Jesus.

1) Jesus was His Son (Matthew 3:17).

2) Jesus brings salvation to sinners (John 3:17 “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”).

3) Jesus died and shed his blood on the cross (John 19:34).

4) With this blood he purchased salvation (Ephesians 1:7).

5) Jesus has all authority (Matthew 28:18).

6) We must hear Jesus today (Hebrews 1:1-2).

7) He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

1. The Nobleman had a question

1) Why can’t I be baptized?

2) Where did he hear about baptism?

3) Philip told him about baptism some way.

2. Baptism is part of the message of the gospel.

1) Jesus thought it was – Mark 16:16

2) The apostles thought it was – Acts 2:38

3) The disciples thought it was – Acts 22:16

4) Paul thought it was – Romans 6:1-11, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:11-13.

5) Peter thought it was – 1 Peter 3:21

3. The nobleman was baptized.

1) They found water on the way.

2) They went down into and came up out of the water.

1. The nobleman was now a Christian.

1) He heard the message.

2) Believed.

3) And obeyed.

2. What blessings he now knew.

1) Forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:14).

2) The indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9).

3) Reconciliation with God (Romans 5:10).

4) Redemption from slavery to sin (Hebrews 9:12).

5) Peace with God (Romans 5:1).

6) The blessing of Christian fellowship (Acts 2:42).

7) Can worship God directly as a priest of God (Revelation 20:6).

8) The hope of eternal life in heaven (1 Peter 1:3).

3. How could he NOT rejoice?

1. We learn from the conversion of the Ethiopian nobleman that . . .

1) God Wants People

2) God Uses Preachers

3) God’s Proposal is Jesus

4) God’s Plan Includes Baptism

5) God’s Plan Produces Joy

2. Invitation