Acts 8:28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet.

◄ Acts 8:28 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet.

English Standard Version
and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah.

New American Standard Bible
and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.

King James Bible
Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and was sitting in his chariot on his way home, reading the prophet Isaiah aloud.

International Standard Version
Now he was returning home, seated in his chariot, and reading from the prophet Isaiah.

American Standard Version
and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he was returning, sitting in this chariot, and reading Isaias the prophet.

Darby Bible Translation
was returning and sitting in his chariot: and he was reading the prophet Esaias.

Young's Literal Translation
he was also returning, and is sitting on his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

8:26-40 Philip was directed to go to a desert. Sometimes God opens a door of opportunity to his ministers in very unlikely places. We should study to do good to those we come into company with by travelling. We should not be so shy of all strangers as some affect to be. As to those of whom we know nothing else, we know this, that they have souls. It is wisdom for men of business to redeem time for holy duties; to fill up every minute with something which will turn to a good account. In reading the word of God, we should often pause, to inquire of whom and of what the sacred writers spake; but especially our thoughts should be employed about the Redeemer. The Ethiopian was convinced by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, of the exact fulfilment of the Scripture, was made to understand the nature of the Messiah's kingdom and salvation, and desired to be numbered among the disciples of Christ. Those who seek the truth, and employ their time in searching the Scriptures, will be sure to reap advantages. The avowal of the Ethiopian must be understood as expressing simple reliance on Christ for salvation, and unreserved devotion to Him. Let us not be satisfied till we get faith, as the Ethiopian did, by diligent study of the Holy Scriptures, and the teaching of the Spirit of God; let us not be satisfied till we get it fixed as a principle in our hearts. As soon as he was baptized, the Spirit of God took Philip from him, so that he saw him no more; but this tended to confirm his faith. When the inquirer after salvation becomes acquainted with Jesus and his gospel, he will go on his way rejoicing, and will fill up his station in society, and discharge his duties, from other motives, and in another manner than heretofore. Though baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, with water, it is not enough without the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Lord, grant this to every one of us; then shall we go on our way rejoicing.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

28. Was returning—Having come so far, he not only stayed out the days of the festival, but prolonged his stay till now. It says much for his fidelity and value to his royal mistress that he had such liberty. But the faith in Jehovah and love of His worship and word, with which he was imbued, sufficiently explain this.

and sitting in his chariot, read Esaias—Not contented with the statutory services in which he had joined, he beguiles the tedium of the journey homeward by reading the Scriptures. But this is not all; for as Philip "heard him read the prophet Esaias," he must have been reading aloud and not (as is customary still in the East) so as merely to be audible, but in a louder voice than he would naturally have used if intent on his own benefit only: evidently therefore he was reading to his charioteer.