According to the route description in the book of Acts, the gospel must go to the ends of the earth after it came to Samaria (Acts 1:8). After the conversion of the Samaritans, the conversion of the Gentiles now comes into focus. And so, Acts 8 is an important transformation in the history of mission as told by Luke. This chapter is a prelude to that worldwide missionary endeavour. At the same time, it is the preparation of the calling of Paul as missionary for the Gentiles (Acts 9:15) and the calling of Peter to the Roman centurion Cornelius (Acts 10:1 – 11:30). The special event of Philip’s meeting with the Ethiopian eunuch is directed by special acts of God—an angel of the Lord and twice the Spirit of God appears. God holds and keeps control! With Philip we step into a chariot and ride along with the eunuch from far-away Ethiopia. It is exciting to read how Jesus’ name, along with the good news about the kingdom reaches the interior of the large continent of Africa for the first time! How special is this story?!
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place.