Acts 8:36

"Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached to him about Jesus."

Key Reflection

In the context of Acts 8:36, Philip begins his sermon by referencing a particular scripture, likely from the Old Testament, which he then uses as a springboard to preach about Jesus. The original audience would have understood that this method was common in first-century Judaism, where scriptures were seen as prophetic and messianic in nature. By starting with a scriptural text, Philip emphasized the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting how Jesus fulfills these prophecies, thus making his message more compelling and authoritative.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 36. As they went on their way. A certain water. The expression used here does not determine whether this was a river, a brook, or a pond or standing pool. And there are no circumstances to determine that. It is well known, however, that there is no large river, or very considerable stream, in this vicinity. All that is intimated is, that there was water enough to perform the rite of baptism, whether that was by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. It must be admitted, I think, that there might have been water enough for either.

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