New Testament Bible Study Assignment Passage: Acts 8:26-39 ✓ Solved

New Testament Bible Study Assignment Passage: Acts 8:26-39

For this assignment, you will be studying a story from the book of Acts. More specifically, you will be studying the narrative of Philip and the Ethiopian from Acts 8:26-39. You will use the skills of Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and Application that you have become familiar with through your reading in Everyday Bible Study.

Observation

A. I have read Acts 8:26-39 in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or CSB) and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV).

B. Having read the passage in both formal and functional translation, list at least 2 similarities and 3 differences between the way both translations cover this story.

C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying:

  1. Main characters: (List them)
  2. Plot: (50-100 words)
  3. Story structure: (50-100 words)

D. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Questions” for observation:

  1. Who:
  2. What:
  3. Where:
  4. When:
  5. Why:
  6. How:

Interpretation

A. Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (words) explain what you think the author is trying to communicate in this passage.

B. Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage. You should be able to express this principle in 1-3 sentences.

Correlation

A. How does this passage from Acts fit within the metanarrative of the Bible? State that type of story you believe this to be (creation, fall, redemption, or new creation) and explain why you believe this to be so?

B. How does your principle from Acts 8:26-39 fit with the rest of the Scripture? Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (words) in length.

C. How does this passage from Acts 8:26-39 reflect the person and work of Jesus Christ? State and explain at least one way that the principle of this passage identifies something of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Application

What points of application can be made using the Four Questions for Application? State and explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions.

  1. The question of duty
  2. The question of character
  3. The question of goals
  4. The question of discernment

Paper For Above Instructions

The narrative of Philip and the Ethiopian, found in Acts 8:26-39, is a rich text that offers profound insights into the nature of evangelism, divine guidance, and the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation for all people. Philip, a deacon and evangelist, is led by the Holy Spirit to engage with an Ethiopian eunuch, a high official of the queen of the Ethiopians, who is reading the Scriptures but struggles to understand them. This incident illustrates several core elements of Christian faith and highlights the universal scope of the Gospel.

Observation

A. In studying Acts 8:26-39, I have read the passage in both formal translations (ESV) and functional translations (NLT). These translations provide valuable perspectives that enhance understanding of the text.

B. Two similarities between ESV and NLT include:

  • Both translations depict Philip's divine appointment to meet the Ethiopian eunuch.
  • Both emphasize the eunuch's confusion regarding Isaiah 53 and Philip's explanation of the Scripture.

Three differences include:

  • ESV uses more formal language while NLT employs contemporary language.
  • The depiction of the eunuch’s reaction to baptism is simpler in NLT compared to ESV.
  • ESV uses the term "chariot" while NLT translates it as "carriage."

C. Basic elements of the story:

  1. Main characters: Philip, the Ethiopian eunuch, the Holy Spirit.
  2. Plot: This narrative unfolds with Philip receiving a command from the angel of the Lord to go south toward the road that leads to Gaza. Upon his arrival, he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch reading from the book of Isaiah. Philip asks if he understands what he is reading, leading to a conversion experience culminated by the eunuch’s baptism.
  3. Story structure: The story can be structured as follows: introduction (Philip's divine mission), conflict (the eunuch's understanding of Scripture), resolution (Philip’s explanation and the eunuch’s baptism).

D. Key observations using the “Key Questions”:

  1. Who: Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
  2. What: Philip explains the Scriptures to the eunuch and baptizes him.
  3. Where: Along the road to Gaza.
  4. When: After the stoning of Stephen, during the early church’s expansion.
  5. Why: To fulfill the evangelistic mission of the church and to demonstrate God's love for all people.
  6. How: Through guidance by the Holy Spirit.

Interpretation

A. The author, Luke, illustrates the importance of obedience to the Holy Spirit and the inclusivity of the Gospel. The narrative serves as a call for believers to engage with those of different backgrounds and to share the message of Christ. The dramatic twist of an Ethiopian eunuch—a Gentile—being evangelized signals a significant expansion of the early church’s mission.

B. A principle drawn from this passage is that the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of their social or ethnic background. Believers are called to be obedient to God's prompting to share their faith.

Correlation

A. This passage reflects the metanarrative of redemption. The Ethiopian’s conversion signifies the Gospel reaching the ends of the earth, aligning with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20—a command to make disciples of all nations.

B. The principle of the Gospel's universality is echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in Acts 10 with Peter's vision, reaffirming that salvation is not confined to any single group and is available to all who believe (Romans 1:16).

C. The narrative highlights Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53) and His role as the Savior for all humanity. The eunuch’s desire to understand Scripture connects directly to Christ’s sacrificial atonement, emphasizing His mission as outlined in Luke 19:10: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

Application

A. The question of duty: Believers have the duty to share the Gospel actively. In my life, this means seeking opportunities to engage with those who may not know Christ, similar to Philip's intentional interaction with the eunuch.

B. The question of character: This passage challenges us to embody the character of Christ, characterized by humility and service, as we reach out to others with love and compassion.

C. The question of goals: The goal is to see others come to faith in Christ. This can be pursued by forming relationships and understanding others' spiritual journeys, encouraging dialogues on faith.

D. The question of discernment: Discernment is crucial in recognizing moments when the Holy Spirit prompts us to speak up about our faith. We must remain sensitive to these opportunities to witness, just as Philip did.

References

  • Luke, Acts. The Holy Bible, ESV.
  • Ellis, E. Earle. The Gospel of Luke: A Commentary.
  • Keener, Craig S. Acts: An Exegetical Commentary.
  • Schnabel, Eckhard J. Acts: An Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Acts.
  • O’Donnell, Paul. "Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch" in Biblical Commentary.
  • Witherington, Ben. Acts: A Sociological Commentary.
  • Jobes, Karen H. "1 Peter" in the New International Commentary on the New Testament.
  • Carson, D.A., and Douglas J. Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament.
  • Horsley, Richard A. "The Challenge of the Acts of the Apostles." Biblical Interpretation.
  • Stinson, Andrew. "The Metanarrative of Scripture and its Influence." The Journal of Biblical Literature.

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