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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.

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