Acts 8:30
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Heard him read the Prophet Esaias - The eunuch, it seems, was reading aloud, and apparently in Greek, for that was the common language in Egypt; and, indeed, almost in every place it was understood. And it appears that it was the Greek version of the Septuagint that he was reading, as the quotation below is from that version.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Understandest thou what thou readest?--To one so engaged this would be deemed no rude question, while the eager appearance of the speaker, and the question itself, would indicate a readiness to supply any want of insight that might be felt.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said, how can I, except some man should guide me?.... Which shows that he was of an excellent spirit and temper; since instead of answering in a haughty and disdainful manner, as great men are too apt to do; and instead of charging Philip with, impertinence and insolence, in interrupting him whilst reading, and putting such a question to him, he expresses himself with great and uncommon modesty; with a sense and confession of his ignorance and incapacity and of the necessity and usefulness of the instructions of men, appointed of God to open and explain the Scriptures: and though he wanted such a guide, and could have been glad of one, yet he was willing to use all diligence himself in reading, that he, might, if possible, come at some knowledge of the truth; which was very commendable in him; and no doubt but the spirit he was in was much owing to his reading the word, and to the Spirit of God disposing his mind in this manner: and he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him; which is an instance of his great humanity and courteousness, and of his meekness and condescension, as well as of his vehement thirst after the knowledge of the Scriptures; he concluding, or at least hoping by Philip's question, and by the air and look of the man, that he was one that might be useful to him this way.
Acts 8:30
Philip and the Ethiopian
29The Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to that chariot and stay by it.”30So Philip ran up and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.
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Available to God
By Major Ian Thomas16K36:26Bearing FruitISA 53:5ACT 2:37ACT 8:30ACT 8:32ACT 10:36ACT 16:6ACT 16:25In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a boy named Abraham who had no home, friends, family, money, or food. The preacher gave Abraham a German Testament and explained to him that if he received Jesus as his redeemer, he would be accepted back into the family of God. The preacher emphasizes that when we yield ourselves to Christ, His life overflows through us, impacting our church, community, family, and fellow students. The preacher also shares a personal experience of driving along the Rhine and encountering a weary boy, highlighting the adventure of life when we trust in God.
(Guidelines) Study the Bible
By J. Vernon McGee3.4K09:17JHN 5:39ACT 8:30In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying the word of God. He mentions that Bible classes have been organized in homes and churches, encouraging people to study the Bible. The speaker shares the example of John Wesley, who was known as a man of one book because he dedicated time every morning to read the Bible. The speaker also addresses the misconception of devotional reading, stating that it should not replace studying the Bible in depth. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for individuals to prioritize and make time for studying the Bible.
Jude - Last Days
By Martin Geehan1.3K35:36Last DaysACT 8:30JUD 1:3In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the epistle of Jude, which is a small but powerful book in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the judgments of God and the history of mankind. The preacher highlights the significance of the age of God's grace and the belief that the church will be caught up to be with Christ at the end of this age. He also emphasizes the need to have a personal relationship with God and to be part of the common salvation through Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the final great conflict, the passing away of the heavens and earth, and the establishment of a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness will dwell forever.
The Witness of Stephen
By Les Wheeldon1.2K1:11:08StephenACT 7:51ACT 8:5ACT 8:30ACT 9:5GAL 5:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving away one's possessions and living a life free from sin. He tells the story of a man who was told by Jesus to give away his wealth but chose not to, and as a result, he never enjoyed his money again. The preacher highlights the idea that once the word of Jesus comes to a person, they are considered dead and must seek resurrection life. He also shares the story of a man who exemplified forgiveness and love by not confronting his neighbor when they encroached on his property, ultimately leading to the neighbor's repentance. The sermon concludes with a discussion of the apostle Paul's conversion and the transformative power of encountering Jesus.
Martin Luther - the Scourge of Papacy in the 16th Century
By Ian Paisley95736:11ACT 8:30In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of standing up for Jesus in the face of challenges. He references Emperor Charles V's statement about Luther being a demon in the habit, highlighting the opposition faced by those who preach the word of God. The preacher then shares the story of Elisha and the attack on his personal life by the king of Syria, drawing parallels to Martin Luther's battle against Rome. The sermon emphasizes the need for individuals to turn to Jesus for salvation and to be courageous in their faith.
Imperial Persecutions
By Robin Boisvert82249:59PersecutionACT 8:30In this sermon, the speaker discusses the context of the Roman Empire during the second and third centuries AD. The Empire was vast, stretching from Britain to Persia, but it was also facing challenges from barbarian hordes at its borders. The speaker emphasizes that despite the decline in economics and moral life, the church is a school for sinners and a society of saints. The mention of Constantine highlights the mingling of church and state during this time.
The Holy Spirit in Action (Part 2)
By J.B. Rowell80829:11MAT 28:19ACT 8:30ACT 8:35In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others. He shares personal experiences of distributing gospel tracts in various languages and encourages the audience to take action in spreading the gospel. The speaker also highlights the need to overcome fear and hesitation when approaching people with the message. He urges young men and women to dedicate their lives to reaching others for Christ and emphasizes the urgency of the task at hand. The speaker also mentions the potential challenges and restrictions faced by missionaries in certain parts of the world, emphasizing the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities available to share the gospel.
Do You Understand What You Read?
By C.H. Spurgeon0The Power of PrayerUnderstanding ScripturePSA 119:18PRO 2:3DAN 2:18JHN 16:13ACT 8:301CO 2:12EPH 1:17COL 1:9JAS 1:5REV 5:5C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of understanding the Scriptures through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to seek divine enlightenment in their study of God's Word. He illustrates this by referencing the earnest prayers of Daniel and John, who sought God's help to unlock deeper truths. Spurgeon asserts that prayer is essential for gaining wisdom and understanding, likening it to a hammer that breaks down the barriers of difficult doctrines. He encourages believers to diligently combine prayer with their study, assuring them that through this practice, they will uncover the treasures of Scripture. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a prayerful approach to understanding the Bible, which leads to spiritual growth and fulfillment.
The Vital Value of Understanding the Word of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0Understanding ScriptureRole of the Holy SpiritACT 8:30T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the vital importance of understanding the Word of God, arguing that many Christians stop short of a deeper comprehension that leads to true satisfaction in their faith. He highlights the Ethiopian eunuch's journey as a representation of the need for spiritual guidance and the role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating the Scriptures. Sparks asserts that understanding the Bible is not merely about gaining comfort or guidance for daily life, but about grasping the greater purpose of God’s eternal design centered in Christ. He calls for believers to seek a deeper relationship with the Scriptures, which can only be achieved through the Holy Spirit's work in their hearts. Ultimately, the sermon challenges Christians to move beyond superficial engagement with the Bible to a transformative understanding that leads to joy and fulfillment in their spiritual lives.
Get Understanding
By Anton Bosch01KI 3:9JOB 6:24JOB 28:12PSA 32:9PSA 119:144PRO 3:13PRO 4:7ACT 8:30Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding above material possessions, highlighting how often we prioritize acquiring things over gaining true understanding. He draws parallels between the human tendency to collect physical items and the need to also collect knowledge, experiences, and most importantly, understanding. Using examples from Solomon's life and biblical teachings, he stresses that understanding is invaluable and freely available, yet often overlooked or discarded. The sermon encourages believers to pray for an attitude of understanding, to seek wisdom diligently, and to prioritize gaining spiritual insight above all else.
Out of Darkness Into Light
By Asa Mahan0ACT 8:30HEB 7:251PE 2:2Asa Mahan preaches about the importance of feeding and nurturing young converts in the faith, emphasizing the need for proper spiritual care and guidance for new believers. He shares personal experiences of his own spiritual journey, highlighting the profound impact of understanding the grace of God and the transformative power of Christ in sanctification. Mahan stresses the significance of teaching young converts the foundational truths of the Christian faith, guiding them towards a deeper relationship with God and a life of holiness.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Heard him read the Prophet Esaias - The eunuch, it seems, was reading aloud, and apparently in Greek, for that was the common language in Egypt; and, indeed, almost in every place it was understood. And it appears that it was the Greek version of the Septuagint that he was reading, as the quotation below is from that version.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Understandest thou what thou readest?--To one so engaged this would be deemed no rude question, while the eager appearance of the speaker, and the question itself, would indicate a readiness to supply any want of insight that might be felt.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said, how can I, except some man should guide me?.... Which shows that he was of an excellent spirit and temper; since instead of answering in a haughty and disdainful manner, as great men are too apt to do; and instead of charging Philip with, impertinence and insolence, in interrupting him whilst reading, and putting such a question to him, he expresses himself with great and uncommon modesty; with a sense and confession of his ignorance and incapacity and of the necessity and usefulness of the instructions of men, appointed of God to open and explain the Scriptures: and though he wanted such a guide, and could have been glad of one, yet he was willing to use all diligence himself in reading, that he, might, if possible, come at some knowledge of the truth; which was very commendable in him; and no doubt but the spirit he was in was much owing to his reading the word, and to the Spirit of God disposing his mind in this manner: and he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him; which is an instance of his great humanity and courteousness, and of his meekness and condescension, as well as of his vehement thirst after the knowledge of the Scriptures; he concluding, or at least hoping by Philip's question, and by the air and look of the man, that he was one that might be useful to him this way.