Was the eunuch even allowed to worship in the temple? Unknown. Racism would not have been as much of an issue as sexual status (Karen Baker-Flitcher, Feasting on the Word – Year B, Volume 2: Lent through Eastertide - this is true for the ancient world, but not for the way in which Western Christain Scholars have interpreted this story by ignoring the recognizable black African identity of the Ethiopian eunuch or dismissing his baspitm as being less significant ( or even illegitimate) than the baptism of Cornelius For a modern parallel, imagine a diplomat in Washington, D.C., inviting a street preacher to join him in his late model Lexus for a little Bible study.” Barbara Brown Taylor, Feasting on the Word – Year B, Volume 2: Lent through Eastertide.Ĭould have been Jewish (as could have Candance) there were Jewish teachings in Ethiopia going back to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba When Philip speaks to him (at the direction of the Holy Spirit), the Ethiopian invites the talkative pedestrian to join him in his chariot.

“the Ethiopian was someone wealthy enough to ride in a chariot, educated enough to read Greek, devout enough to study the prophet Isaiah, and humble enough to know that he cannot understand what he is reading without help. Who is the Eunuch? Not much is known other than what we have Their world turned upside down by the Spirit is yet turning, and the Jerusalem they know and the home they understand will soon become very complicated.” Willie James Jennings, Acts, p. The Holy Spirit is pushing them toward the Samaritans and beyond… They will soon turn back to Jerusalem, but little do they know that they can never fully go back. They are there, not because they want to be there, but because they are now subject to God’s asserting love. “The apostles are in Samaria, and their voices are being heard in unusual places. His success in Samaria leads Peter and John to go there as well. Philip’s preaching and teaching converts Simon the sorcerer. The crowds were united by what they heard Philip say and the signs they saw him perform, and they gave him their undivided attention.” Immediately after the stoning of Stephen, the church scatters to Samaria, including Philip.Īcts 8:5-6 “Philip went down to a city in Samaria and began to preach Christ to them. Called to be one of the first set of deacons last week

Simon the sorcerer voices