Digital Bulletin
Sun, Nov 8, 2026
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Sermon Notes
Acts 8:26-40 NRSV
Written by Rev. Dr. Alf Halvorson
In Acts 8:26–40, God directs Philip away from familiar ministry and toward an unexpected encounter with an Ethiopian official. As they explore Scripture together, the good news of Jesus opens the way to faith, baptism, and joy. This passage invites us to consider how God interrupts our plans, helps us understand Scripture, and sends us across boundaries to share and receive Christ’s love.
- Philip responds to God’s direction without knowing where it will lead (verses 26–30). What stands out about his response? How might we become more attentive to God’s leading when it interrupts our plans?
- The Ethiopian official is reading Scripture but welcomes help understanding it (verses 30–31). What does his example teach us about humility and learning? Who has helped you understand Scripture more deeply? And what might Philip learn from the official’s questions, faith, and joy? How might this encounter widen Philip’s understanding of whom God cares for and sends?
- Philip begins with the passage from Isaiah that the official is reading and shares the good news about Jesus (verses 32–35). How does this description of suffering and humiliation from Isaiah 53 help us understand Jesus? What makes that message good news?
- This encounter brings together people with different backgrounds, social positions, and life experiences. What boundaries do Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch cross? What boundaries might God be inviting us to cross?
- The official asks what would prevent him from being baptized (verses 36–38). What does Philip’s response reveal about recognizing and responding to a moment of readiness? How can our church accompany people toward faith in Christ, baptism, and their next steps with Jesus?
- The official continues his journey rejoicing, while Philip continues sharing the gospel elsewhere (verses 39–40). How does their encounter connect with “Wider and Farther”? What is one concrete step you could take this week to respond to God’s leading?