Preaching Jesus: The Ethiopian Eunuch’s Conversion - Troy Postlethwait

I want to talk to you about a man in Scripture who shows us what it truly means to hear the gospel, to understand it, and to respond to it. In Acts 8, we meet the Ethiopian eunuch—a man seeking truth—and we see how God used preaching to bring him to salvation.

We just read from Isaiah 53, where the prophet foretold of a suffering Messiah. The eunuch was reading from this very chapter on his journey home from Jerusalem. Though he was a religious man, making a long journey to worship, he still had questions. God sent Philip, guided by the Spirit, to meet him right where he was—physically and spiritually.

When Philip heard the eunuch reading from Isaiah, he asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The eunuch replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” That response is so honest. It reminds me that understanding Scripture sometimes requires help. So Philip began right where the eunuch was—in Isaiah 53—and he preached Jesus to him.

But what does it mean to preach Jesus?

From Isaiah, Philip would have explained that Jesus was led like a sheep to the slaughter, that He was silent before His accusers, that He bore our iniquities. Jesus didn’t resist; He didn’t defend Himself. He willingly gave His life. Isaiah said there was no beauty or form in Him that would attract people. Jesus didn’t draw followers by appearance—but by sacrifice. As Jesus Himself said in John 12:32, “And I, if I am lifted up, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

Philip would have shown the eunuch why we need Jesus. Isaiah 53:6 says, “All we like sheep have gone astray.” Paul echoes this in Romans 3:10 and 3:23—there is none righteous, no not one, for all have sinned.

Philip likely explained that the old sacrifices under the Law were not enough. As we read in Hebrews 10:1–4, the blood of bulls and goats could never truly take away sin. They were a shadow—pointing to the ultimate sacrifice: Jesus Christ, who died once for all.

And even our own righteousness, Isaiah says, is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We can’t save ourselves—not by works, not by goodness. Only Jesus—perfect, sinless—can bear our sins and offer us salvation (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Isaiah 53:5 tells us, “He was wounded for our transgressions... and by His stripes we are healed.” That’s what the eunuch heard. That’s what Philip preached.

But preaching Jesus isn’t just about who He is—it’s about what He requires. Philip didn’t stop at explaining the prophecy. He showed the eunuch how to respond. As they traveled, they came upon water. The eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”

Philip answered, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And the eunuch said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Then they stopped the chariot, and both went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.

What happened next? The eunuch went on his way rejoicing. Why? Because now he was forgiven, saved, and added to the body of Christ. That’s the power of preaching Jesus. That’s the power of the gospel.

So this morning, I want to ask you:
Do you know Jesus?
Have you heard His Word? Have you believed that He is the Son of God? Have you repented of your sins, confessed Him openly, and been baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38)? That’s what He asks of you.

Maybe you’ve already obeyed the gospel, but somewhere along the way, you’ve drifted. Just like the eunuch needed guidance, maybe you need to be brought back on the path. You can come back today. You can ask God for forgiveness and renew your walk with Him.

So the question is—do you need Jesus today?