Acts 8:26-40

Teaching Notes

In Acts 8:26–40, we are given a beautiful picture of what it looks like to live a Spirit-filled life through the story of Philip and the Ethiopian official. Philip is in the middle of an incredible revival in Samaria when God calls him to leave it all behind and head down a desert road. It doesn’t make sense, but Philip doesn’t argue—he simply obeys. That kind of trust and willingness is one of the marks of a Spirit-filled life, where we walk by faith, even when we don’t know the full story.

On that road, Philip meets an Ethiopian official who is returning from Jerusalem, searching for God but still without answers. He is reading the prophet Isaiah, but he can’t quite understand what it means. At just the right time, the Spirit prompts Philip to go near, and as he listens, he realizes this is the opportunity God had prepared.

Philip steps in with boldness and simply points the man to Jesus through the Scriptures. The Ethiopian’s heart is ready—he believes, and right there on that desert road he asks to be baptized. The Word of God pierces his heart, the Spirit opens his eyes, and his life is forever changed. He goes on his way rejoicing, while Philip continues to follow the Spirit’s lead, preaching Christ wherever he goes.

This story reminds us that the Spirit-filled life is one of obedience, trust, and readiness. It’s about having ears to hear the Spirit’s promptings, eyes to see the opportunities He places in front of us, and hearts willing to step out in faith. Just like Philip, we are called to live open-handed, available for however God wants to use us—whether in the middle of revival or on a quiet desert road—because when we do, God’s power moves, and lives are transformed.