Book of Acts - Chapter 8 - Verse 35

When Philip opened his mouth and began to preach Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch, he was fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus to spread the Gospel to all nations. By focusing on a specific scripture and explaining how it pointed to Jesus, Philip was demonstrating the importance of understanding the connections between the Old Testament prophecies and the fulfillment of those prophecies in the person of Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a reminder of the power of the Word of God to transform hearts and bring salvation to those who hear and believe. It also highlights the importance of engaging in personal evangelism and sharing the message of Jesus with others, regardless of their background or circumstances. By following Philip's example and being willing to open our mouths and share the good news of Jesus with those around us, we can participate in fulfilling the Great Commission and see lives transformed by the power of the Gospel.

One of the theological interpretations of this verse is the importance of starting from Scripture when sharing the message of Jesus. Philip did not rely on his own wisdom or knowledge but began with the Word of God to preach Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch. This highlights the foundational role of Scripture in the proclamation of the Gospel. It demonstrates the authority and power of God's Word to reveal the truth about Jesus and bring about faith in Him. It also emphasizes the continuity between the Old Testament Scriptures and the message of Jesus, showing how the entire Bible points to Him.

Additionally, a word study of the term "preached" in this verse reveals its original Greek root "euangelizomai," which means to announce good news or to bring the message of salvation. This sheds light on the nature of Philip's message as one that proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ to the eunuch. It underscores the transformative and life-giving power of the Gospel in bringing salvation to those who hear and believe. This word study deepens our understanding of the urgency and joy in sharing the message of Jesus with others, knowing that it is truly good news that brings hope and redemption.