The Baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch

Text: Acts 8:26-40

Reflection and Question: In the second edition of his book, “Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality,” Jack Rogers explores the use of the word “eunuch” in the ancient world to refer to sexual minorities. In this passage, the apostle Philip is sent by an angel to greet the Ethiopian eunuch who listens to the good news and asks to be baptized. Tradition has it that this believer founded the Christian church in Ethiopia, which continues to this day. How do you feel about an Ethiopian eunuch, shunned as Gentile and as an abomination, being chosen to found the Ethiopian Church?

Prayer: Eternal Spirit, inspire our faith by the example of the Ethiopian eunuch. When we have questions, as he did, may You send a messenger to open Scripture for us and clarify Your good news so that we, too, may go our way rejoicing. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).