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Ethiopian Eunuch
• Pastor Stanton's message for Wed., May 14 2025• Acts 8:26-39 (Philip & the Ethiopian eunuch)• Narrative Lectionary: Year 3• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us for worship! 1stlu.org/worship
Pastor Steve and Pastor Dave discuss what the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch says to us today.
Sunday 11th May 2025 - West and North SitesSunday 18th May 2025 - Central AM & PMSpeaker - Pete SpiersIn the latest in the “Now Go!” series, Pete examines the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch recorded in Acts 8, and lists some of the barriers that we encounter when we want to share the gospel with others. He highlights the growing openness to faith in society, and encourages us to engage in evangelism through prayer, compassion, and courage._________________Acts 8 v 26-4026) Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road – the desert road – that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.' 27) So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means ‘queen of the Ethiopians'). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28) and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. 29) The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.'30) Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?' Philip asked.31) ‘How can I,' he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?' So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.32) This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading:‘He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth.33) In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.'[b]34) The eunuch asked Philip, ‘Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?' 35) Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.36 ) As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptised?' 38) And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him. 39) When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40) Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and travelled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.Recorded at West Site - 11May2025
This week we're reading the story of Philip, and the Ethiopian eunuch as told in Acts 8:26-39. In that story, an angel tells Philip to approach the chariot of an Ethiopian eunuch who is heading home from his visit to the Temple in Jerusalem. When he approaches the chariot, Philip hears the eunuch reading Isaiah 53, one of the songs of the suffering servant. When the eunuch asks Phillip to help him understand, Phillip interprets the gospel for him, leading the eunuch to ask for baptism. We discuss the role of Philip in this text as a human intermediary for the Holy Spirit, going where he is called and meeting people where they are. And we discuss the eunuch, who has been seeking community elsewhere but finally finds full welcome in the community of Christians. And we wrestle with our own offerings of the welcome, and the ways that we, too, can be conduits of the Spirit, knowing when to teach and when to get out of the way.
The Gospel Illustrated: The Ethiopian Eunuch Introduction: In our last two lessons we have explored how we should be thinking and responding when the scriptures refer to the “gospel.” We have had a narrow view of the Lord's purpose for us by thinking that the Lord is just trying to “get us saved.” This has […] The post The Gospel Illustrated: The Ethiopian Eunuch appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
Acts 9 | The Conversion of Paul | Dean Miller | May the 4th, 2025 In Acts 9, we read about the conversion of Paul. Dean talks about the surrounding chapters, which include the conversions of the Roman Centurion Cornelius and the Ethiopian Eunuch, and how we can be like Ananias and Barnabas were to […]
In this episode, Professors Rolf Jacobson, Jennifer Pietz, and Lois Malcolm explore the story of the Ethiopian eunuch from Acts 8, focusing on the themes of the Holy Spirit's guidance in spreading the gospel, the inclusivity of baptism, and the significance of reaching out to those who seek God. They discuss the historical context of the eunuch's story, the implications of his baptism, and the ongoing mission of the church in being sensitive to God's leading. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to the Ethiopian Eunuch's Story 02:49 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Mission 06:02 Inclusivity in Baptism and God's Grace
In Acts 8, we meet two men on different journeys who model one thing: simple obedience to Jesus. Whether you're a seasoned disciple or brand new in faith, God's invitation is the same — hear Him, trust Him, and follow.
Acts 8_26-40—Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch by Lettered Streets Covenant
Sunday March 30, 2025 at the Hub City Church The Ethiopian Eunuch | Acts 8:26-40 The Gospel for All | a teaching series through Acts Sermon by Tadd Anderson | Lead Teaching Pastor Sermon Notes: In the gospels, Jesus teaches that the MAIN OBJECTIVE for His DISCIPLES is to FIND LOST PEOPLE in their PROXIMITY who NEED to hear the GOOD NEWS! Luke 19:10 // Matthew 9:13, 37-38 // Mark 16:15-16 // John 20:21 “…Making disciples is fairly easy. You simply bring people along in your spiritual journey. Making disciples is more about intentionality than technique: Discipleship means teaching others to read the Bible the way you read it, pray the way you pray, and tell people about Jesus the way you do. If you have Christian habits in your life worth imitating, you can be a disciple-maker. It doesn't require years of training. You just teach others to follow Christ as you follow Him.” — J.D. Greear The Ethiopian Eunuch - Portrait of Newborn Christian: 1. HUNGRY to KNOW GOD 2. HUMBLED to CONFESS the NEED for HELP 3. A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING of the GOSPEL 4. REPENTANT FAITH resulting in BAPTISM and JOY The Hub City Church is a local expression of the church in Crestview, Florida, making disciples Who Believe the Gospel, Abide in Christ and Obey the Word to the glory of God. Join us next Sunday at 10am. 837 W James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536.
This week, Adnan teaches on the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian in Acts 8. We look at what the story reveals about listening to God's Spirit, believing that he has something to say to each of us, and how hearing God is rooted in Scripture.
One of RMCC's elders, Alan Garcia, teaches on the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch and picks out what we can learn for our own evangelism to those who are "sexually different" from us whether that be in their identity or their views.
Series: 2025 Spring Gospel MeetingService: Wed PMType: SermonSpeaker: Tommy Peeler
Listen in as we learn about the Ethiopian Eunuch and how he set out on a journey where he finds far more than he was even searching for.
It's a phrase that is heard often, 'It's important to have a biblical worldview.' But what exactly does that mean? How is it lived out in everyday life? Dr. Michael Rydelnik is Academic Dean and Professor of Bible and Jewish Studies at Moody Bible Institute addresses that question using the secular and biblical approaches to marriage. Michael also answers questions about the origins of the Seder Dinner, the Ethiopian Eunuch, and approaching the symbolism in Revelation and the literal expression they represent. Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshow/wmbwSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on Sound Doctrine, Pastor Jeff Johnson finishes our study of Acts chapter eight. Phillip had a mission mentality and allowed the Lord to use him as He saw fit. Let's see how God uses him to share Christ with an Ethiopian Eunuch. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29
Last week we read about the conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch and what a great story that was as the Lord guided Philip to him and brought him to faith through an explanation of the word. Today we have the conversion of this radical religious zealot named Saul.
Have you ever been setup by God? If you're a Christian you probably have, even if you haven't noticed it. Today we'll look at the encounter Jesus had with there Ethiopian Eunuch. It's a wonderful example of how God works in our lives today! We're in Acts chapter eight. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29
In this account God illustrates the use of ordinary and supernatural means to bring the gospel through Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch whom he has prepared for salvation. The post God Saves an Ethiopian Eunuch Miraculously (Acts Sermon 20) appeared first on Two Journeys.
In this account God illustrates the use of ordinary and supernatural means to bring the gospel through Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch whom he has prepared for salvation. The post God Saves an Ethiopian Eunuch Miraculously (Acts Sermon 20) appeared first on Two Journeys.
In this account God illustrates the use of ordinary and supernatural means to bring the gospel through Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch whom he has prepared for salvation. The post God Saves an Ethiopian Eunuch Miraculously (Acts Sermon 20) appeared first on Two Journeys.
Can our circumstances keep us from God? See how God sends Philip to give surprising insight to an unlikely convert. https://www.ankenyfree.church
Join us as we explore how God uses personal testimonies and extraordinary events to touch lives and bring people to faith. The video discusses the stories of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, Paul and Felix, Paul and Agrippa, and other transformative events in the Bible. Through these examples, we learn that God's work of conviction often happens through the testimony of believers and remarkable happenings. Share this message and see how the Spirit of God speaks to you! 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of Devotions 01:01 Trust and Obey: A Song of Faith 01:42 God's Work of Conviction Through Testimonies 02:58 Paul's Testimony to Felix 05:02 Paul's Testimony to Agrippa 06:09 Conviction Through Outstanding Happenings 06:59 Paul's Conversion on the Road to Damascus 10:05 The Resurrection of Dorcas 12:30 The Philippian Jailer and the Earthquake 14:57 Conclusion and Next Devotion Teaser
Join me as I share inspiring words from the Lord that will bless your heart. Today, we explore the importance of one-on-one witnessing using the story of Philip from Acts chapter 8. We'll dive deeper into God's word and see how personal testimonies can lead people to Jesus. Discover how simple it is to share your faith and the joy of leading someone to Christ. Remember, even if someone doesn't accept Jesus immediately, your words can have a profound impact. Let's get the gospel out and make a difference! 00:00 Introduction and Blessings 00:25 Trust and Obey: A Hymn Reflection 01:06 Diving Deeper into God's Work 01:33 The Power of Personal Testimony 02:14 Philip's One-on-One Witnessing 03:07 The Ethiopian Eunuch's Conversion 08:06 Encouragement to Share the Gospel 09:12 The Simplicity of Salvation 10:59 Final Words and Blessings
9. Messiah's Invitation Isaiah 55:1 - 56:8 Remember from Day 8, that we talked about the City of God to come, where all those who believe will llive and worship the Lord God Almighty for ever! Who is this invitation for? This invitation to join is to all people of all races and nationalities! But they have to respond to the call! Come, see and taste "Come", cries Almighty God through the prophet Isaiah. Come! The gates to my City are open to all who believe! There is no entry charge, its free! This food is free for all! What is this food? It is mercy and pardon. Mercy from God and pardon for sin for all those who respond to the call God has put out. Everlasting Covenant Disclosed This is the everlasting Covenant (Isaiah 55:5-6) or the new Covenant we have talked about and was proclaimed by other prophets such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Just as each of the previous covenants had a symbol to authenticate the agreement, so does this! Noah's covenant had the rainbow, Abraham had circumcision and Moses had the sprinkling of blood. This new and everlasting Covenant will also have a sign! The sign is disclosed in 55:13 as a everlastingly transformed universe! Amazing! This is the climax of Isaiah so far! This is why the Messiah Servant must suffer in Isaiah 53! This new everlasting covenant does not cancel the other covenants, but rather fulfills them. The final result of the Messiah Servant's work will be everything that Almighty God has promised and all promises of God will find their Amen in the Servant. Everlasting Covenant Result Because of this New Covenant, even though Israel will go into exile, they will return from it stronger. As in Isaiah 55:4-5, David was made a witness to the covenant and leader of people, so too will Israel. Once restored to the land, this Messiah Servant will come from Israel, and Israel will be used to conquer people spiritually for the Lord. And this is no dream, hallucination or fantasy as some of the people of Israel would be thinking. But the thoughts and mind of God is so much higher than mere mortal humanity. For as Isaiah 55:8-9 states "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," says Yahweh. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Just as plants grow when rained upon, so too will Almighty God's plans. His word has gone out and it will not return with nothing (Isaiah 55:11). His word has power to speak the universe into existence. His word will bring a restoration from exile, a redeemed creation and a renewed world (Isaiah 55:12-13). It will be a place of joy and excitement! Come Quickly Everybody! It is with a sense of urgency that Isaiah speaks these words of God. Decisions must be made but guest must come! The spiritual food of mercy and pardon is available to all, but the offer must be taken up! If the offer is rejected, then the consequences are disastrous for the person who does not believe. That is why the command to seek while God can be found, for there will come a time when the gates will be closed and no more admittance allowed. Everlasting Covenant Features What are the hallmarks of this Covenant? Two of the characteristics are justice and openness Justice: Isaiah 5:7 tells us that God had looked for justice but found only injustice and suffering. Those who respond to this Everlasting Covenant will need to administer justice and live obedient lives. They are to do this, because God's righteousness is about be disclosed (Isaiah 56:1). They are to live an obedient life to God, not to earn salvation, but rather as a hallmark of having agreed the New Covenant with God, to symbolize that they are God's people. Openness: This offer is open to all! Just as the nation of Israel was always meant to be a light of God to the nations, so too are the people of the New Covenant. They are to be a light to every nation of God's goodness and glory, extending an invitation to all to join in this life of the New Covenant. They were to accept all those who chose to accept the offer of being bound to God Almighty through this New Covenant (Isaiah 56:3, 6). An obvious example is that of the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:26-40. This man was a eunuch from a foreign land, and according to Isaiah 56:4-7, he was to be welcomed by other acceptors of this New Covenant. All of this resulting from the Messiah Servant's work. Jesus as this Messiah Lets see again from his own life and words how Jesus is this Messiah Servant. This Jesus welcomes the burdened: Matthew 11:28-30"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Are you burdened down with cares, stresses and strains? Come to Jesus today and let him take them. Are you hungering and thirsting after righteousness? Then come to Jesus who offers Living Water and is the Bread of Life. John 7:37-38 Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water." Or John 6:35 "Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." Are you seeking God! Then seek! Ask! You will find! Matthew 7:8 "For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened." This is Jesus who said in John 12:46 "I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness"! What's more, He said that all those who follow Him are lights to the world as well Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world." That's why Jesus gave the command in Matthew 28:18-20 for His followers to go into all the world to tell about Him. Fulfilling the Covenants Frequently, this Jesus said that He was to fulfill what was written. One example of this is Luke 18:31-33 He took the twelve aside, and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be completed. For he will be delivered up to the Gentiles, will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit on. They will scourge and kill him. On the third day, he will rise again." Primarily though is Jesus' Words in Luke 22 whereby Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Communion. Luke 22:19-20 He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me." Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Christians do this regularly as a remembrance of Jesus until He comes again! The bread symbolizes His body broken on the cross and the wine symbolizes His blood shed on the cross. Further more it has other symbolic meanings, all of which symbolize the New Everlasting Covenant - a Covenant guaranteeing salvation! Amongst these meanings are that it: Symbolizes fellowship with other believers in the worldwide church in openness and integrity Symbolizes our dependence on Christ for spiritual life and spiritual food. We receive the benefits of His sacrifice as the Suffering Servant. It signifies in the New Covenant for Christians to tell all others of this offer to come and join. It is also for Christians to live an obedient life to God Almighty, to love justice and be welcoming to all! Thank you. Right mouse click or tap here to save this Podcast as a MP3.
A new MP3 sermon from Let the Bible Speak Radio is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch 3 Subtitle: Series in The Book of Acts Speaker: Dr. Alan Cairns Broadcaster: Let the Bible Speak Radio Event: Radio Broadcast Date: 12/19/2024 Bible: Acts 8:16-40 Length: 27 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Let the Bible Speak Radio is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch 4 Subtitle: Series in The Book of Acts Speaker: Dr. Alan Cairns Broadcaster: Let the Bible Speak Radio Event: Radio Broadcast Date: 12/20/2024 Bible: Acts 8:16-40 Length: 28 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Let the Bible Speak Radio is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch 2 Subtitle: Series in The Book of Acts Speaker: Dr. Alan Cairns Broadcaster: Let the Bible Speak Radio Event: Radio Broadcast Date: 12/18/2024 Bible: Acts 8:16-40 Length: 28 min.
A new MP3 sermon from Let the Bible Speak Radio is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch 1 Subtitle: Series in The Book of Acts Speaker: Dr. Alan Cairns Broadcaster: Let the Bible Speak Radio Event: Radio Broadcast Date: 12/17/2024 Bible: Acts 8:16-40 Length: 28 min.
Fr. Mike focuses on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch and how it demonstrates the importance of having guidance when reading Scripture. Although God's Word is infallible, we can easily misunderstand it without proper interpretation, which is why we have the Magisterium of the Church. Lastly, Fr. Mike also touches on the role of persecution in the life of the Church, and St. Paul's encouragement to abide by the law of love. Today we read Acts 8, Romans 13-14, and Proverbs 27:15-17. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Today's Scripture passages are Ezekiel 17 - 18 | Acts 8:26 - 9:19. Read by Ekemini Uwan.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
This week we are listening an exhortation by Bro. David Fraser on the Ethiopian Eunuch that was given at the Pinetown Ecclesia in South Africa October 30, 2016. We hope this strengthens your Faith and brightens your day! Thank you for listening, God bless, and talk to you next week. Send talk suggestions or comments to: GoodChristadelphianTalks@gmail.com For Show Notes, visit our website: GoodChristadelphianTalks.com Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch. Such a good story. I used to think I knew what this story was about - that I had it all figured out. But this story has depth, and layers, and we can learn so much more from it than we maybe expect. The basic read is that we should all be like Philip and courageously tell people about the good news of Jesus so that unacceptable outsiders might be changed and become insiders. Hmm...does that interpretation sound familiar? Yeah, there's so much more going on in the story - more than just the eunuch's conversion. The narrative changes and turns and moves forward when someone asks a good question. Just before sabbatical, I talked about how important questions are - they're doorways that can open up lots of possibilities. This is another example. So we'll pay attention to the questions. So here's some context to the eunuch's story. He can't practice his Jewish faith on account of his eunuchness. Spell check is saying I made that word up. Who cares? Now we get to the questions... 1) "How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?" A doorway is open and on the other side is community, relationship, people, help. We all long for it, need it. So we'll talk a bit about that. 2) Is he talking about himself or someone else? The eunuch was struggling with some verses in Isaiah. So Philip connects it to Jesus. It's likely the eunuch saw himself in Jesus - someone who had been pushed aside and rejected. But resurrection, new life is possible through Jesus! 3) "What's preventing me from being baptized?" Yeah, lots of things. He's a queer black foreigner from Ethiopia. He's a eunuch. Don't you know your Hebrew scriptures, Philip? He doesn't belong. We have rules, man. But Philip says nothing. No religious test. He just baptizes him. So the eunuch isn't the only one converted that day; Philip was also converted. He recognizes that Jesus changes everything - that the resurrection changes everything. The Spirit is going to do what the Spirit is going to do - conquer isolation and fear and welcome any one the Spirit wants into the Kingdom of God. The eunuch and Philip were both transformed all because someone asked a good question. We're left with a question of our own. And it's not a question about how wide God's embrace is. It's not a question about who's in and who's out. The question for us is, will we participate with the wild Spirit of God in our day or not? Speaker: Aaron Vis Scripture: Acts 8:26-40 http://bible.com/events/49332573
Philip the Evangelist rode in a chariot with the Ethiopian Eunuch on the Gaza Road two thousand years ago. Brian Zahnd road on a train with Yu in Paris on the day Derrida died. The two stories are not entirely different.
We are currently studying the Book of Acts and have reached chapter 8. Last week, we discussed the story of Simon the Magician and his response to the gospel. This week, we encounter another man who was exposed to Jesus and the gospel, but his reaction was very different from Simon's. This prompts us to consider: How will we respond when we encounter Jesus? If you'd like to follow along, please turn to Acts chapter 8.
A chariot, a chance encounter, and a question that changed everything: What stands between you and your freedom?In this episode, Philip meets an Ethiopian nobleman who is searching for truth and freedom in the Scriptures. Through a divine encounter, Philip explains the gospel, leading the Ethiopian to embrace faith in Jesus and receive baptism, symbolizing his new life in Christ.Today's Bible verse is 2 Corinthians 3:17, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first few minutes of this sermon were not recorded. Here is a link to the Great Isaiah Scroll: http://dss.collections.imj.org.il/isaiah https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n2pLurXYstP7vOSu6R52SIQiW6sS57bg/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nxE4mz1Yke-J1hWg3sk2y5SiVXTRGSYD/view?usp=sharing
Part 4 of the Sermon Series Christ and the ISIS Cult, "Wisdom, Resistance, and Love” is a transformative sermon. We'll explore how the Holy Trinity guides us in reclaiming our African spiritual roots, honoring the legacy of Queen Candace of Ethiopia, and learning from the Ethiopian Eunuch's story in Acts 8. Discover how these ancient lessons challenge cultural assumptions, strengthen the Black church's resilience, and call us to live in divine love and justice.