Acts 8:32-38 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer… I. THE SUBJECT OF PHILIP'S PREACHING. 1. The "Scripture" here referred to was one of the most striking prophecies concerning Christ. It is very minute, and seems to unite the most opposite extremes; so that this Jewish proselyte might well inquire, "Of whom speaketh the prophet this?"(1) The mysterious person mentioned by the prophet was to be treated with hatred and scorn (Isaiah 53:2, 8). (2) He was to suffer from God as well as from His countrymen (ver. 10). (3) He was to be free from sin (ver. 9). (4) He was to be an example of perfect meekness and submission under all His sufferings (ver. 7). (5) He was to be subjected to a violent death, with which some peculiar circumstances were connected (vers. 8, 9)(6) He was to rise from the dead (ver. 10). (7) He was to have a progeny, be invested with great power, and to carry on a prosperous work in the earth, under the Divine approval, and to His own satisfaction (vers. 10, 12). Here, then, we have a prophecy most comprehensive in its range, most minute and singular in its details, which alone, in all its particulars, is fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. To what conclusion are we then brought by a comparison of the prophecy with the events of our Lord's history? First, that the prophet was inspired; for no human sagacity could foresee, at a distance of more than seven hundred years, the facts which he has described: and, secondly, that Jesus is the Son and the Christ of God. None but a Divine person could endure the sufferings He underwent, could redeem, and govern, and save mankind; and Jesus was anointed of God to accomplish these momentous objects. Philip therefore preached Jesus to the Ethiopian, and when this subject was presented to his candid mind conviction immediately flashed upon his understanding and conscience; and being inspired with a love of the truth, he "received Christ Jesus the Lord." 2. In this prophecy several of the leading truths of Christianity are explicitly asserted. (1) The universal sinfulness of mankind. "All we like sheep have gone astray," etc., and it is assumed not only that we have "infirmities" and "sorrows," but also "sins," "transgressions," "iniquities."(2) The fact of Christ's substitution in the place of sinners. His " soul" was made "an offering for sin"; our "iniquities were laid upon Him"; "He bare the sin of many," etc. (3) The universality of Christ's atonement. The remedy is as extensive as the evil. "The Lord hath laid upon Him the iniquity of us all."(4) The use which Christ makes of His atonement with regard to God. He "made intercession for-the transgressors."(5) The fruit of Christ's atonement with regard to fallen man. The sufferings which He endured were "the chastisement of our peace " (Romans 3:24, 25). II. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE ETHIOPIAN RECEIVED THE EVANGELICAL MESSAGE. 1. With deep seriousness and attention. The man who had renounced idolatry, who had become a worshipper of God, who had taken a long and dangerous journey that he might render to Jehovah the homage He required, was not a man to treat any question of religion with indifference. His heart was evidently deeply impressed with the things of God. The relations in which men stand to their Maker, the obligations which He has laid upon them, the provision which He has made for their salvation, the final happiness of the just, and the perdition of ungodly men — these are subjects which none but either the grossly ignorant or wicked will ever treat with levity. Every wise man will perceive that, if Christianity is true, it is worse than madness to neglect it, and will make it his first and most anxious concern to inquire into its nature and claims; that he may not run the terrible risk of neglecting that mercy which, when it is once passed away, will never return. 2. With exemplary meekness and humility. He did not resent the inquiry of Philip, abrupt as it might seem. No feeling of self-importance, as a man of office and rank, induced him to turn away. With the utmost frankness he at once confessed his ignorance, invited Philip into the chariot, solicited instruction, and assumed the character and.attitude of a learner. This is precisely the spirit in which Divine light is received. The wrangling disputant has a thousand objections to offer before he can admit one single principle of evangelical truth, and when all those objections have been met his dark and vain mind is as far from true wisdom as it was when he began his idle toil. The philosopher, full of his own speculations, has almost everything to unlearn before he can receive the truth as the instrument of his salvation. 3. In faith. That he trusted in Christ as his Redeemer and Saviour we have ample proof in the subsequent part of the narrative. 4. In the spirit of submission and obedience. As the Ethiopian was "swift to hear" and to understand, so was he prompt to obey. When his understanding was enlightened, the assent of his will was gained. Being instructed in "the doctrine of baptism," he waited not to be earnestly and repeatedly urged to a compliance with the Lord's command. He was the first to propose the immediate administration of the ordinance; that he might at once practically declare his subjection to Christ, and receive the salvation which the gospel reveals as the fruit of His passion. III. The happy result of his conversion — "He went on his way rejoicing." He was miraculously deprived of his teacher, but he was left in possession of a treasure which filled him with sacred joy. 1. He doubtless rejoiced that he had found the truth. To be ignorant of God, and of the things belonging to our peace, is one of the greatest calamities. 2. As a believer in Jesus Christ he rejoiced in the favour of God. The favour of God is better than life, as His wrath is more terrible than death. 3. The approbation of his own conscience would be another ground of rejoicing. Conscience is a powerful instrument both of happiness and of misery. 4. He rejoiced to be the bearer of good tidings to others. A regenerated heart yearns over men who are dying in their sins, and at the same time it burns with desire to promote the honour of the Lord Jesus, and the extension of His kingdom. Under the impulse of these feelings a believer cannot be silent on the subject of his religion. He who had so unexpectedly found mercy could not be indifferent to the spiritual wants and claims of his own countrymen. 5. In common with all true believers he rejoiced in hope of eternal life.Conclusion: The subject forcibly reminds us — 1. Of the great benefit connected with the public worship of God. Bad not this noble Ethiopian attended the temple at Jerusalem the probability is that he would have remained a stranger to the Christian salvation. 2. That the great object at which we should aim in the use of God's ordinances is the knowledge of Christ as our Saviour. The Ethiopian, with all his sincerity, failed in this grand point, and an angel was employed in providing for him the requisite instruction so that he might believe to the saving of his soul. 3. Of the necessity of missions to the heathen. (T. Jackson.) Parallel Verses KJV: The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: |
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