ACC ~ Acts 8 v34 - 40

OVERVIEW:

The remarks of the Fathers in regard to this section have already been discussed in the overview to the previous section. In regard to this part of the narrative, modern commentators point to such Lukan themes as joy and the action of the Holy Spirit, themes often present in accounts of a Gentile’s conversion. However, some commentators presume that the eunuch was Jewish, arguing that Luke would not relate the first account of the conversion of a pagan to such a small incident. These are not themes to which the patristic commentators devote attention.

8:34 | About Whom Does the Prophet Speak?

THE READING OF THE SCRIPTURES. CHRYSOSTOM: But meanwhile, as I was saying, let us be ashamed of ourselves in comparison to the eunuch on account of his baptism and his reading. He lived in wealth and power, but look, he allowed himself no rest even on the road. What must he have been like at home, in his leisure hours, this man who could not bear to be idle even on his travels? What must he have been like at night? Those of you who are in stations of dignity, pay attention! Imitate his modesty and piety! Although he was about to return home, he did not say to himself, “I am going back to my own country; there I shall receive baptism.” Such were the cold words spoken by many. But he did not need signs; he did not need miracles. From the prophet alone he believed. … But why is it that he sees him not before he goes to Jerusalem but after? It was necessary that he should not see the apostles under persecution, because he was still weak. He was not easily satisfied, for no prophet instructed him. Since even now, if someone should wish to devote himself to the study of the prophets, he does not need miracles. And, if you please, let us take up the prophecy itself. … He probably heard that he was crucified, that “his life is taken away from the earth” and everything else about him, “who had done no wrong,” that he prevailed to save others as well, and who he is, whose generation is unutterable. He probably saw the riven rocks there and heard how the veil was rent, and how there was darkness, and so on. And all these things Philip said to him, simply taking his text from the prophet. It is a great thing, this reading of the Scriptures! What Moses said was fulfilled, “Sitting, lying down, rising up and walking, remember the Lord your God.” HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 19.

8:35 | Telling the Good News of Jesus

PHILIP OPENED HIS MOUTH. BEDE: Philip means “the mouth of a lamp,” and there is a beautiful meaning in “the mouth of a lamp” opening his mouth as he brought the obscurities of prophecy into the light of knowledge. However, according to the historical sense this circumlocution can also designate the considerably longer discourse that he was then about to deliver. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 8.35.

8:36 | What Is to Prevent My Being Baptized?

HE HAS THE FAITH PERFECTLY. CHRYSOSTOM: And notice again his modesty. He does not say, “Baptize me,” or keep quiet, but he utters something halfway between eagerness and reverent fear, saying, “What is to prevent me?” Do you see that he has learned the doctrines [of faith] perfectly? For the prophet indeed had the entirety: incarnation, passion, resurrection, ascension, judgment to come. If he shows great eagerness, do not wonder. Be ashamed, those of you who are unbaptized! “And he commanded the chariot to stop.” He spoke and gave the order before he heard [Philip’s answer]. “And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught up Philip.” This was to show that what had happened was divine, that he should not think that it was only a man. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 19.

FAITH NECESSARY FOR BAPTISM. BEDE: Here another translation, which follows the Greek model, has a few more verses in which it is written, “Behold, here is water. What is there to prevent my being baptized?” And Philip said to him, “If you believe with all your heart you will be saved.” And he answered and said, “I believe in Christ, the Son of God.” And he ordered the carriage to stop, and so forth. I believe that these verses were originally inserted in our version too, but through scribal error they were later removed. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 8.36B-38.

8:38 | Philip Baptized the Eunuch

WITH OR WITHOUT HUMAN MEDIATION. AUGUSTINE: This same Philip, who had baptized people, and the Holy Spirit had not come upon them until the apostles had come along and laid their hands on them, baptized the eunuch of queen Candace who had been worshiping in Jerusalem, and on his way back from there he was reading the prophet Isaiah in his chariot and not understanding it. Philip was prompted to approach the chariot, and he explained the reading, insinuated the faith, preached Christ. The eunuch believed in Christ and said, when they came to some water, “Look, here is water; who is to prevent me being baptized? Philip said to him, “Do you believe in Jesus Christ?” He answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” And immediately he went down with him into the water. Once the mystery and sacrament of baptism had been carried out, since there was no expectation of the apostles coming as on the previous occasion, so that no one should think the gift of the Holy Spirit was at the disposal of mortals, the Holy Spirit came immediately. SERMON 99.11.

8:40 | Philip Was Found at Azotus

HE PREACHED UNTIL HE CAME TO CAESAREA. BEDE: This refers to the Caesarea in Palestine, where, as is described below, he [Philip] had a home, which is still shown today, and also a chamber for his four daughters, who were virgins with the gift of prophecy. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 8.40.