Acts 8:28

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

{G5037} Was {G2258} returning {G5290}, and {G2532} sitting {G2521} in {G1909} his {G846} chariot {G716}{G2532} read {G314} Esaias {G2268} the prophet {G4396}.

and now, as he was returning home, he was sitting in his chariot, reading the prophet Yesha‘yahu.

and on his return was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah the prophet.

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

Commentary

Acts 8:28 KJV describes a pivotal moment in the journey of the Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official from Queen Candace's court, who is on his way home from worshipping in Jerusalem. This verse sets the scene for his miraculous encounter with Philip the evangelist, illustrating divine orchestration and the spread of the Gospel.

Context

Prior to this verse, the Ethiopian eunuch is introduced as a devout man, likely a proselyte to Judaism or a God-fearer, who had traveled a great distance to worship in Jerusalem. His return journey finds him engaged in a profound spiritual exercise: reading from the prophet Isaiah. This detail highlights his earnest pursuit of God and His Word, even in the midst of travel. The Holy Spirit had specifically directed Philip to this desert road to intercept this very individual, underscoring God's intentional involvement in evangelism.

Key Themes

  • Devotion to Scripture: The eunuch's act of reading Esaias (Isaiah) while traveling in his chariot demonstrates a deep commitment to studying God's Word. This was not a casual glance but an active engagement with the sacred text.
  • Divine Appointment: This verse is the precursor to a divinely orchestrated meeting. The eunuch's spiritual hunger and diligent study positioned him to receive further revelation through Philip, showcasing God's active role in guiding individuals to truth.
  • Universal Reach of the Gospel: The encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch signifies the Gospel breaking traditional barriers. He was a Gentile, an African, and a eunuch (a group often marginalized in ancient society), yet God extended His grace to him, demonstrating that the Good News is for all people.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Esaias" is the Greek rendering of the Hebrew prophet "Isaiah." The act of "reading" (`anaginosko` in Greek) suggests a careful, deliberate engagement with the text, not merely a casual survey. This active reading is crucial because it leads to the eunuch's question about understanding the passage, which Philip then explains.

Significance and Application

Acts 8:28 underscores several timeless principles. First, it affirms the importance of personal Bible study and a hunger for God's Word. The eunuch's diligence in reading laid the groundwork for his conversion. Second, it highlights the need for spiritual guidance; the eunuch readily admitted he needed someone to explain the scripture to him (Acts 8:31). This emphasizes the role of teachers and evangelists like Philip, who was sent to clarify the prophecies, specifically from Isaiah 53, which speaks of the suffering servant, Jesus Christ. Ultimately, this verse beautifully illustrates God's desire to reach all people, providing the means for them to understand and respond to the Gospel message.

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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

  • Colossians 3:16 (4 votes)

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

  • Acts 28:25 (3 votes)

    And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

  • Deuteronomy 11:18 (2 votes)

    ¶ Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

  • Deuteronomy 11:20 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:

  • John 5:39 (2 votes)

    Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

  • John 5:40 (2 votes)

    And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

  • Psalms 1:2 (2 votes)

    But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.