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YL Lesson Sep 16th

Topic from Paul

Acts 8 with the Ethiopian Eunuch to further this discussion of mission.

This passage specifically shows Philip following God’s leading, Philip being near a person who was processing about God, Philip asking to help the man understand, and then Philip explaining the passage to the person.

I want you to emphasize the calling to listen to God, go where he calls us, and not be afraid to enter conversations about the Lord.

Leader TLDR

Lesson will be about Act 8:26-40 — God/Holy Spirit/Angels tell Philip to do things and he obeys. Phil helps a spiritually hungry man understand the Bible. Man is then baptized and rejoices. Phil leaves and continues preaching all the way to Caesarea.

Questions we will be asking:

Have you ever felt God calling you to do something specific, like Philip was called to meet the eunuch? How did you respond?

LEADER NOTES:

Recognize God's call through small nudges or strong impressions.

Reflect on your response: Did you act immediately or hesitate?

Philip boldly asked the eunuch if he understood what he was reading, and it led to a deep conversation. What makes talking about Jesus with others feel scary? How can we overcome that fear?

LEADER NOTES:

Identify common fears: rejection, not having the right words.

Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and practice conversations in a safe setting.

The Ethiopian eunuch was searching for truth, and Philip helped him see Jesus in Scripture. Who in your life might be searching for something deeper, and how can you share Jesus with them?

LEADER NOTES:

Look for signs of spiritual curiosity or struggles.

Approach with genuine care and offer to share your own faith journey.

Projector Questions:

Have you ever felt God calling you to do something specific, like Philip was called to meet the eunuch? How did you respond?

Philip boldly asked the eunuch if he understood what he was reading, and it led to a deep conversation. What makes talking about Jesus with others feel scary? How can we overcome that fear?

The Ethiopian eunuch was searching for truth, and Philip helped him see Jesus in Scripture. Who in your life might be searching for something deeper, and how can you share Jesus with them?

Young Life Talk on Acts 8:26–40 (45 mins MAX for all)

Main Message: Listening to God's Call, Going Where He Sends Us, and Boldly Engaging in Conversations about the Lord

Opening Conversation (Nik and Garrett)

Nik starts by giving the background on this passage

What part of the Bible is this in?

This is in the New Testament. This was written and took place after Jesus had come to earth. This passage is in Acts. This book is a sequel to the book Luke. Its about the history of how the church began and grew. Its a period in history where the Holy Spirit was very active, helping to establish the church.

Who wrote this book?

The majority of scholars believe Luke to be the author.

What is the context of the passage we are reading?

This is right after the martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 7), a wave of persecution arises against the church in Jerusalem. This causes many believers to scatter throughout Judea and Samaria. This scattering is significant because it leads to the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem. Maybe read Acts 8:1-8

The passage we are going to read is about a man named Philip. He is one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, goes to Samaria and preaches the gospel there.

Reading of Scripture and Lesson

Garrett starts by leading us to reading Acts 8:26-40 (picks people to read, or has people read it himself)

Introduce the Passage: Acts 8:26-40 tells the story of Philip, who was led by an angel and the Holy Spirit to meet an Ethiopian eunuch on a desert road. Through this encounter, Philip shows us what it looks like to listen to God, go where He calls us, and share the message of Jesus fearlessly.

Draw a Parallel to Everyday Life:

Possible Idea: Talk about times you’ve felt nudged by God to do something that felt uncomfortable or unexpected.

Possible Idea: Share a story about a moment when you had an opportunity to talk about Jesus but felt hesitant, then reflect on what happened next.

Set the Tone for Discussion: Encourage students to consider how God might be calling them to listen to His voice, step into new places, and boldly talk about their faith, just like Philip.

Possible Highlight Points:

Cultural and Religious Outsider:

As a foreigner (from Ethiopia, which in ancient terms referred to the kingdom of Nubia, modern-day Sudan), the eunuch represented someone outside the traditional Jewish covenant community. His journey to Jerusalem to worship suggests he was a God-fearer, someone who respected and followed the God of Israel without fully converting to Judaism.

However, as a eunuch, Jewish law (Deuteronomy 23:1) would have prevented him from full participation in temple worship because eunuchs were considered ritually impure under the Old Testament law.

Isaiah 56:3-5. In this passage, God addresses the issue of eunuchs who might feel excluded from worship and promises them inclusion and a special blessing:

Isaiah 56:3-5 (NIV): “Let no foreigner who is bound to the Lord say, ‘The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.’ And let no eunuch complain, ‘I am only a dry tree.’ For this is what the Lord says: ‘To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant— to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever.’”

Why would the eunuch not understand what he was reading? Wrong language?

The eunuch was reading the scroll of Isaiah (in Hebrew or Greek). He may have understood the words but not the deeper meaning. Isaiah 53, which talks about the Suffering Servant, points to the Messiah (Jesus), and Philip helps him see how the passage connects to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It wasn’t about a language barrier but rather understanding the spiritual meaning behind the prophecy.

First African Christian Convert:

The Ethiopian eunuch is traditionally considered the first Gentile convert from Africa, and his conversion is a powerful symbol of the gospel reaching beyond the Jewish world. Many scholars believe that his conversion helped bring Christianity to Africa, making him an important figure in the early spread of the faith.

What’s up with Philip getting teleported, or just walking somewhere else?

After baptizing the eunuch, Philip is suddenly "carried away" by the Spirit (Acts 8:39). The Bible doesn't explain exactly how this happens, but it seems to describe a supernatural event where Philip is transported to a different location, Azotus (20 miles away). Some interpret it as teleportation, while others suggest Philip simply felt strongly compelled to leave and move on to his next mission. Either way, it highlights God's control and power in directing Philip to where he was needed next.

Philip's Obedience and God's Positioning

Philip’s Obedience: Philip followed the Holy Spirit’s direction without hesitation, demonstrating trust and faithfulness. His obedience placed him where God needed him to be, allowing God to work through him in a specific way.

God’s Positioning: By obeying, Philip was positioned perfectly for a divine appointment. Our own obedience can similarly place us in positions where God can use us effectively.

The Ethiopian Eunuch: A Big Shot and an Outsider

Status and Exclusion: The eunuch was a high-ranking official but still felt excluded from Jewish worship. This shows that significant status doesn’t shield someone from spiritual searching or feeling like an outsider.

Spiritual Seeking: Despite his position, he was seeking deeper truth, illustrating that everyone, regardless of their status, can have profound spiritual needs.

Application: Reaching Out to the Unapproachable

Engage with Others: Like Philip, we might be called to reach out to people who seem distant or unapproachable. Our willingness to connect can make a difference.

Positioning Ourselves: Stepping out in faith, even with those who seem unlikely to be receptive, allows God to work through us. Trust that God can use these interactions to fulfill His purposes.

The only reason you guys are in this group is because someone invited you to be here.

Group Discussion (Nik explains, put questions on projector)

Split up into groups, each with a leader if possible

Have you ever felt God calling you to do something specific, like Philip was called to meet the eunuch? How did you respond?

LEADER NOTES:

Recognize God's call through small nudges or strong impressions.

Reflect on your response: Did you act immediately or hesitate?

Philip boldly asked the eunuch if he understood what he was reading, and it led to a deep conversation. What makes talking about Jesus with others feel scary? How can we overcome that fear?

LEADER NOTES:

Identify common fears: rejection, not having the right words.

Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and practice conversations in a safe setting.

The Ethiopian eunuch was searching for truth, and Philip helped him see Jesus in Scripture. Who in your life might be searching for something deeper, and how can you share Jesus with them?

LEADER NOTES:

Look for signs of spiritual curiosity or struggles.

Approach with genuine care and offer to share your own faith journey.

Closing Thought (Nik and Garret)

Wrap up by encouraging everyone to be open to where God might be calling them, even if it's unexpected or feels out of their comfort zone. Remind them that God equips those He calls and gives them the courage to share the good news of Jesus, just like He did with Philip.

Acts 8:26-40 Breakdown for Dummies

Angel tells Phillip to go somewhere. And he did it.

Phillip meets Eunuch who had come to Jerusalem

Eunuch was reading Isaiah.

Spirit spoke to Philip and told him to go to him, and he did.

Phil asked E if he understands what hes reading

E says no, and Phil is invited to read it with him.

They read a version of Isaiah 53:7-8

E asks Phil if the prophet Isaiah wrote it about himself or if it was about someone else.

Phil then shares the good news about Jesus with E.

E see water and wants to be baptized.

Phil baptizes E.

When they came up out of the water, the spirit of the lord carried Philip away, and the E never saw him again.

E went on rejoicing

Phil then finds himself at Azotus, and preached the gospel in Everytown till he got to Caesarea Summary: God/Holy Spirit/Angels tell Philip to do things and he obeys. Phil helps a spiritually hungry man understand the Bible. Man is then baptized and rejoices. Phil leaves and continues preaching all the way to Caesarea.

Deeper Learning Questions (Nik’s Notes)

1. What is a Eunuch?

A eunuch is a man who has been castrated, often early in life, so he could serve in royal courts or hold positions of trust. This was common in ancient cultures because eunuchs were considered loyal and less likely to threaten the king's power or engage in scandal. In this case, the Ethiopian eunuch was an important official serving the queen of Ethiopia.

2. What is the setting?

The story takes place on a desert road between Jerusalem and Gaza (Acts 8:26). Philip is led by the Spirit to meet the Ethiopian eunuch, who had likely come to Jerusalem to worship and was on his way back to Ethiopia in his chariot, reading the scroll of Isaiah. Persecution and Scattering: After the martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 7), a wave of persecution arises against the church in Jerusalem. This causes many believers to scatter throughout Judea and Samaria. This scattering is significant because it leads to the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem.

Philip in Samaria: Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, goes to Samaria and preaches the gospel there.

3. What part of the Bible categories is Acts in?

The Book of Acts is part of the New Testament. It's classified as a historical book because it details the early history of the Christian church, particularly after Jesus' resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke, written by Luke himself. History of early church, and acts of God

4. Who was Philip?

Philip was one of the seven men chosen to help with the distribution of food to widows in the early church (Acts 6:5). He is often called Philip the Evangelist (to distinguish him from Philip the Apostle). Philip was a faithful servant who preached the gospel in Samaria and beyond, including this encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch.

5. Should we be listening to angels as an authority? I mean they are not God?

In Acts 8:26, it says, "Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, 'Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.'" Here, the angel gives direction to Philip, but it’s crucial to recognize a few things about the role of angels in Scripture:

Angels as Messengers: The word "angel" literally means "messenger." Throughout the Bible, angels are depicted as delivering messages or instructions from God. They are not acting on their own authority but are sent by God to communicate His will. In Acts 8, the angel directs Philip, but it's clear that the instruction ultimately comes from God.

Angels Are Not to Be Worshiped: Scripture makes it clear that angels are not to be worshiped or placed on the same level as God. In Revelation 22:8-9, when John tries to worship the angel, the angel quickly corrects him, saying, “Don't do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!”

Testing the Message: In Galatians 1:8, Paul warns against even accepting a message from an angel if it is contrary to the gospel: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!" This highlights that any message from an angel must align with God’s revealed truth and character.

Should We Listen to Angels?

Yes, but only in the sense that angels, when sent by God, carry His message or guidance. Their authority is derived from God, and they do not operate independently from Him. The key is discerning whether the message aligns with Scripture and God's will.

In Acts 8, Philip listens to the angel because he knows it's a message from God, and it aligns with the mission of spreading the gospel. Similarly, if we were to encounter an angelic message today, we would need to discern it in light of God’s Word and His truth.

So while angels aren’t God, they are messengers of God and should be heeded when it is clear that they are speaking on His behalf. But we also need to be cautious and test any spiritual experience against Scripture.

6. What is the court official of Candace?

The Ethiopian eunuch was a court official of Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians (Acts 8:27). The term "Candace" was not a name but a title for the queen, much like "Pharaoh" in Egypt. The eunuch was in charge of the queen’s treasury, making him a high-ranking and influential figure in the Ethiopian kingdom.

7. Who is the spirit mentioned? Holy Spirit, an angel?

In this passage, the Holy Spirit is guiding Philip (Acts 8:29). After the initial message from the angel, the Spirit tells Philip to approach the Ethiopian's chariot. The Holy Spirit plays a key role in guiding believers in the New Testament, empowering them for mission and service.

8. Why would the eunuch not understand what he was reading? Wrong language?

9. What’s up with Philip getting teleported, or just walking somewhere else?

After baptizing the eunuch, Philip is suddenly "carried away" by the Spirit (Acts 8:39). The Bible doesn't explain exactly how this happens, but it seems to describe a supernatural event where Philip is transported to a different location, Azotus. Some interpret it as teleportation, while others suggest Philip simply felt strongly compelled to leave and move on to his next mission. Either way, it highlights God's control and power in directing Philip to where he was needed next.

10. Why was this Eunuch special?

Cultural and Religious Outsider:

However, as a eunuch, Jewish law (Deuteronomy 23:1) would have prevented him from full participation in temple worship because eunuchs were considered ritually impure under the Old Testament law.

56:3-5. In this passage, God addresses the issue of eunuchs who might feel excluded from worship and promises them inclusion and a special blessing:

High-Ranking Official:

The eunuch was the treasurer for the queen of Ethiopia (Candace), making him a person of significant influence and power. His position as a trusted court official showed that he had achieved a prestigious and important role in his society, despite his outsider status in Jewish religious practices.

As a man of status, wealth, and power, he was also educated enough to be reading the scroll of Isaiah, which was not something every traveler had access to.

Spiritual Hunger and Openness:

The eunuch was spiritually hungry. Despite the challenges he faced as an outsider and eunuch, he still traveled all the way to Jerusalem to worship. On his return journey, he was reading Scripture, actively seeking understanding of God’s word.

His eagerness to learn is clear when he openly invites Philip to explain the passage of Isaiah to him. This shows a deep openness to God and a willingness to embrace the truth, even though he didn’t fully understand yet.

Symbol of the Gospel Reaching All People:

This encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch is significant in the Book of Acts because it shows the gospel breaking cultural and social barriers. The gospel message wasn't just for the Jewish people but was spreading to all nations, including people from distant lands like Ethiopia.

His conversion and baptism marked the inclusivity of God’s kingdom, where even someone who had been excluded under the old covenant could now be fully welcomed into the family of God through faith in Jesus.

First African Christian Convert:

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Philip preaching path:

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