Today, I want to delve into what it truly means to preach Jesus. Reflecting on Acts chapter 8, particularly verse 35, we find Philip explaining the Scriptures and preaching Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch. This brings to mind a crucial question in today’s religious landscape: when we say “preach Jesus,” does this include the teaching of baptism? What else should be encompassed in this proclamation?
Philip’s encounter with the eunuch, starting from Acts 8:26, provides a compelling example. The eunuch was reading from Isaiah, puzzled by a passage in chapter 53, verses 7-8, which spoke prophetically of Christ’s suffering. Philip used this scripture to introduce Jesus to the eunuch, emphasizing Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, a theme echoed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-3.
Isaiah’s prophecies, particularly chapter 53, offer a profound insight into preaching Jesus. They foretell the suffering Jesus would endure for our transgressions and his subsequent exaltation by God, aspects both Paul and Peter emphasized in their teachings.
Turning to the eunuch’s response in Acts 8:36, we see his immediate desire for baptism upon understanding Jesus’ message. This highlights an essential aspect of preaching Jesus: the inclusion and importance of baptism, as commanded by Christ Himself in Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-16. The apostles upheld this in their teachings, recognizing baptism as crucial for the remission of sins, as seen in Acts 2:38 and Romans 6:3-4.
Philip’s interaction with the eunuch in Acts 8:37 further underscores the necessity of faith prior to baptism. Baptism is efficacious only when accompanied by faith, a principle established in John 20:30-31 and Colossians 2:12. It’s not a mere formality; it’s a heartfelt commitment to Christ, as Jesus instructed in Matthew 22:37 and as Hebrews 3:12-14 warns against an unfaithful heart.
In summary, preaching Jesus is multifaceted. It involves teaching about Christ’s suffering and exaltation, the need and urgency of baptism for believers, and the necessity of sincere faith. Unfortunately, many today neglect these aspects, especially the significance of baptism, diverging from the apostolic example. So, I encourage you to reflect: has the full message of Jesus, as Philip preached, been presented to you?
