"the eunuch said, 'Look here is water. Why should I be be baptized? And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Phillip and the eunuch went down into the water and Phillip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Phillip away and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing."
- Acts 8:36-39
I absolutely love this story. In the beginning it says 'the Spirit told Phillip "go to that chariot and stay near it'". (V. 29) This is a classic case of obedient evangelism. If Phillip wouldn't have listened to the Lord and the Spirit's urging, this man probably wouldn't have been saved. But Phillip listened and found the eunuch could not understand the scriptures he was reading.
In our culture we tend to be too busy to sit and make time for people. We are too focused on attendance and filling seats, and not enough on the spiritual growth and transformation of people. One thing I learned in college is that it's not about numbers it's about souls. Numbers dwindle and fluctuate, but if you're focused on the heart and growth of those you are called to minister and disciple; that's where it's at.
Teaching and explaining what is confusing. Phillip took the time to explain and teach the eunuch and from that Phillip was able to baptize him and change his life. THAT is what it's all about. Listening to the Lord, allowing the Spirit to guide you and lead you to change the lives of people. Never been afraid to be obedient to listen to the Lord's urging. You could have the opportunity to change a life.
"Let us not be satisfied till we get faith, as the Ethiopian did, by diligent study of the Holy Scriptures, and the teaching of the Spirit of God; let us not be satisfied till we get it fixed as a principle in our hearts. As soon as he was baptized, the Spirit of God took Philip from him, so that he saw him no more; but this tended to confirm his faith. When the inquirer after salvation becomes acquainted with Jesus and his gospel, he will go on his way rejoicing, and will fill up his station in society, and discharge his duties, from other motives, and in another manner than heretofore." - Matthew Henry Commentary
1 Corinthians 15:58
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