This episode may serve to show that it was Greek speaking Jews (such as Philip) who took the initiative in bringing the gospel to those who were not considered part of Judaism (Samaritans and Gentiles).1
God uses Philip to make known the good news about Jesus to an Ethiopian. This Ethiopian minister brings the name of Jesus to the African continent, even before the gospel reaches the (entire) European continent. Philip does not need to travel far for this, for God places the far-away foreigner on his path. This becomes the first heathen who is baptized, even before Peter baptizes the high-ranked officer Cornelius.
This history is a precursor and a preview that the mission goes to the nations—the worldwide perspective as God had promised in Isaiah. The Spirit of the Lord ensures that the plan to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth is being executed (Acts 1:8). Those who were outcasts under the terms of the old covenant (Acts 8:26–40; Deuteronomy 23:1) are now, on account of Jesus, fully accepted as members of God’s people (Isaiah 56:3–8). The Ethiopian travelled a long way to God. Through the Spirit it became a special way with God and Christ, and it turned into a joyful way with much happiness! Also today, God uses his angels and his Spirit to seek people everywhere and to preserve his church worldwide, preserving it by his Word.
This passage also marks the beginning of a move from a focus on mass conversions to that of individuals in the book of Acts.2
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.