Acts 8:27

And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

And {G2532} he arose {G450} and went {G4198}: and {G2532}, behold {G2400}, a man {G435} of Ethiopia {G128}, an eunuch {G2135} of great authority {G1413} under Candace {G2582} queen {G938} of the Ethiopians {G128}, who {G3739} had {G2258} the charge of {G1909} all {G3956} her {G846} treasure {G1047}, and {G3739} had come {G2064} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419} for to worship {G4352},

So he got up and went. On his way, he caught sight of an Ethiopian, a eunuch who was minister in charge of all the treasure of the Kandake, or queen, of Ethiopia. He had been to Yerushalayim to worship;

So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship,

And he arose and went: and behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship;

Commentary

Acts 8:27 introduces a pivotal figure in the early spread of the Christian message beyond Jewish borders: the Ethiopian eunuch. This verse sets the scene for a miraculous divine encounter, highlighting God's inclusive plan for salvation.

Context

This verse follows Philip's obedience to divine instruction. After a successful ministry in Samaria, an angel of the Lord directs Philip to leave the city and go south to a desert road. Without question, Philip "arose and went," demonstrating immediate obedience to God's leading. It is on this seemingly desolate path that he encounters the man described in this verse.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance: The verse is a direct result of Philip's obedience to a specific divine command, illustrating how God orchestrates encounters for His purposes.
  • Global Outreach: The introduction of a high-ranking official from Ethiopia signifies the Gospel's reach beyond the immediate Jewish world, foreshadowing the global reach of the Gospel as commissioned by Jesus.
  • Spiritual Seeking: The Ethiopian's journey to Jerusalem "for to worship" reveals a heart already seeking God, making him fertile ground for the Gospel message.

Historical and Cultural Insights

The "man of Ethiopia" refers to someone from ancient Nubia, a kingdom south of Egypt, not modern Ethiopia. This region was known for its wealth and its powerful queens, who bore the dynastic title "Candace." The fact that this man was "an eunuch of great authority" and "had the charge of all her treasure" indicates he was a high-ranking, influential court official, likely the queen's treasurer. His status as a eunuch is significant; under Mosaic Law, eunuchs were generally excluded from the assembly of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:1). However, by this time, many eunuchs, especially those who were Gentiles, became "God-fearers" or proselytes, drawn to Jewish monotheism and worship. His presence in Jerusalem for worship underscores his genuine devotion and spiritual hunger, setting the stage for God's inclusive heart for those previously excluded.

Linguistic Nuances

The term "eunuch" (Greek: eunouchos) could refer literally to a castrated male, often employed in ancient courts, or more broadly to a high-ranking court official, regardless of physical condition. Given his "great authority" and role as treasurer, he was certainly a person of considerable power and influence. His journey to Jerusalem for worship, despite potential social or religious barriers, highlights his sincere devotion.

Significance and Application

Acts 8:27 emphasizes that God sees and values those who earnestly seek Him, regardless of their background, social status, or perceived limitations. The Ethiopian eunuch represents the earnest seeker from far-off lands, whom God actively pursues through His messengers. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereign hand in directing our paths and His desire for all people to come to know Him. It encourages us to be obedient to divine nudges, as Philip was, for we never know what divine appointment awaits us on even the most unexpected roads.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 68:31

    Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.

  • Zephaniah 3:10

    From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, [even] the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering.

  • Isaiah 56:3

    ¶ Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I [am] a dry tree.

  • Isaiah 56:8

    The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather [others] to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.

  • Jeremiah 38:7

    Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;

  • Psalms 87:4

    ¶ I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this [man] was born there.

  • 1 Kings 8:41

    Moreover concerning a stranger, that [is] not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake;
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