Acts 8:29
Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
4 of 12
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φιλίππῳ
unto Philip
G5376
Φιλίππῳ
unto Philip
Strong's:
G5376
Word #:
6 of 12
fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites
Πρόσελθε
Go near
G4334
Πρόσελθε
Go near
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
7 of 12
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κολλήθητι
join thyself to
G2853
κολλήθητι
join thyself to
Strong's:
G2853
Word #:
9 of 12
to glue, i.e., (passively or reflexively) to stick (figuratively)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The Ethiopian eunuch, likely a high-ranking treasury official, traveled 1,200 miles to worship in Jerusalem despite Deuteronomic law excluding eunuchs from the assembly (Deuteronomy 23:1). His reading Isaiah 53 while returning shows genuine spiritual hunger. Philip's meeting him wasn't coincidence but divine appointment. Early tradition says he evangelized Ethiopia, establishing Christianity there. This conversion demonstrates the gospel transcending ethnic, social, and physical barriers that previously excluded people from covenant community.
Questions for Reflection
- How sensitive are you to the Holy Spirit's promptings to share the gospel with specific people?
- What barriers—social, ethnic, or circumstantial—might be preventing you from obeying the Spirit's evangelistic leading?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Spirit's direct command—'Go near, and join thyself to this chariot'—demonstrates divine orchestration of evangelism. The Greek proselthon (draw near) indicates purposeful approach. This Ethiopian eunuch's salvation fulfills Isaiah 56:3-5's promise that eunuchs won't be excluded from God's people, and anticipates the gospel reaching 'the uttermost part of the earth' (Acts 1:8). The Spirit's guidance shows evangelism isn't random but sovereignly directed. Philip's immediate obedience (8:30) models responsiveness to the Spirit's leading. Reformed theology sees here God's effectual calling—the Spirit prepares both messenger and hearer, ensuring the elect hear the gospel at the appointed time.