THE SIX QUESTIONS (ACTS 8:26-40): WHAT REALLY MATTERS
(Message by Tanny Keng)
1. The Six Questions
a) An Ethiopian, travelling by chariot on a lonely road, was reading Isaiah 53. He wondered who the prophet was speaking about. God answered his question.
b) We find six questions in Acts 8:26-40, and all of them are very important.
i) First, Philip asks, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
ii) Then the Ethiopian asks, “How can I, unless someone guides me?”
iii) He also asks, “Please, will you come up and sit with me in my chariot, and help me understand?”
iv) When Philip is seated, the Ethiopian asks the key question, “Who is the prophet speaking about — is it himself or someone else?”
v) After a while, the Ethiopian asks his fourth question, “Look! Here is water. What prevents me from being baptized?”
vi) Philip replies by asking the Ethiopian, “Do you believe with all your heart? If you do, you may be baptized.”
2. What Really Matters
a) There could have been other questions. Philip could have asked why he should go south to a deserted place instead of north where there are towns full of people. The Ethiopian could have asked how Philip happened to be on that road at the very time and place he was needed.
b) But the questions Philip and the Ethiopian asked were the questions that mattered. No “beating around the bush” That's what happens when someone really wants to know and someone else really wants to tell.
The End ...
1. The Six Questionsa) An Ethiopian, travelling by chariot on a lonely road, was reading Isaiah 53. He wondered who the prophet was speaking about. God answered his question.
b) We find six questions in Acts 8:26-40, and all of them are very important.
i) First, Philip asks, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
ii) Then the Ethiopian asks, “How can I, unless someone guides me?”
iii) He also asks, “Please, will you come up and sit with me in my chariot, and help me understand?”
iv) When Philip is seated, the Ethiopian asks the key question, “Who is the prophet speaking about — is it himself or someone else?”
v) After a while, the Ethiopian asks his fourth question, “Look! Here is water. What prevents me from being baptized?”
vi) Philip replies by asking the Ethiopian, “Do you believe with all your heart? If you do, you may be baptized.”
2. What Really Matters
a) There could have been other questions. Philip could have asked why he should go south to a deserted place instead of north where there are towns full of people. The Ethiopian could have asked how Philip happened to be on that road at the very time and place he was needed.
b) But the questions Philip and the Ethiopian asked were the questions that mattered. No “beating around the bush” That's what happens when someone really wants to know and someone else really wants to tell.
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