Study of the Book of the congregation, Week 25 to 31 of March 2024, Chapter 7, paragraphs 14-18 and box on page. 57, 58, Answers.

Study of the Book of the congregation, March 25-31, 2024, Chapter 7, paragraphs 14-18 and box on page. 57, 58, Answers.

Congregation Bible study (30 mins.) bt chap. 7 paras. 14-18 and boxes on pages. 57, 58.

14, 15. a) Who was the Ethiopian eunuch, and how did Philip come across him?

The Ethiopian eunuch was a proselyte, that is, a non-Jew who had converted and become a servant of Jehovah. He had traveled to Jerusalem to worship God, which shows his religious interest and devotion despite not being Jewish by birth.

The Ethiopian eunuch was a prominent member of the court of the queen of Ethiopia, and held the position of treasurer of the Government of Ethiopia. His path crossed that of Philip as the latter followed the instructions of the angel of Jehovah, traveling along the route that connected Jerusalem with Gaza.

b) How did the Ethiopian respond to the message, and how do we know that he was not baptized on impulse? (See note).

The Ethiopian eunuch responded to Philip's message with sincerity and humility. When Philip approached him and asked if he understood what he was reading in the book of Isaiah, the eunuch admitted that he needed help to understand it. From the beginning we see that the eunuch responded favorably to the message and when he understood the message he decided to be baptized.

When the eunuch saw water near the road, he immediately expressed his desire to be baptized, showing a thoughtful and conscious decision. This act was not impulsive, but a conscious and determined response to the understanding of the message of salvation that he had received from Philip. Since the eunuch was already a Jewish proselyte, that is, a convert to Judaism, he was familiar with the religious and spiritual teachings. .

16, 17. How do angels intervene in preaching today?

Today, angels play an important role in preaching work by directing the proclamation of the message of the good news, ensuring that it reaches all people, regardless of nationality, language or culture. According to the Bible, angels are actively involved in the spiritual harvest, helping to gather both those who will be heirs of the heavenly Kingdom and the “great crowd” of people who desire to serve Jehovah.

A palpable example of the intervention of angels in preaching is when receptive people have been praying to God for spiritual guidance. For example, the story is told of two Witnesses who, while preaching with a child, insisted on visiting a specific house where a young woman confessed to them that she had just prayed to receive an explanation of the Bible. This incident illustrates how angels can influence circumstances so that the message reaches those who are sincerely seeking it.

18. Why should we continue to value our ministry?

We must continue to value our ministry because it is an honor to collaborate with angels in a global Bible education program. As Christians, we have the responsibility and privilege to share the good news about Jesus with others. This ministry is a manifestation of our commitment to God and our neighbors, and gives us the opportunity to contribute to the spiritual growth of those around us.

By continuing to strive in our ministry, we demonstrate our gratitude for the privilege given to us and our obedience to Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations. Furthermore, by seeing the fruits of our work in the lives of other people, we experience deep spiritual satisfaction and joy.

ANALYSIS BASED ON THE BOX IN WHAT SENSE WAS HE A EUNUCH?

The term Eunuch comes from the Greek "Eunoukhos" and can refer to either a castrated man or a high official in a king's court. 

Eunuchs in a king's court could perform various functions, such as taking charge of the harem, being cupbearer or treasurer, among others.

The Eunuch whom Philip baptized was in charge of the treasury of the Ethiopian government, indicating that he was a treasurer or minister of finance.

The Ethiopian was a proselyte, that is, someone who was not a Jew who had become a servant of Jehovah. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship God.

The Ethiopian could not be considered a Eunuch in the physical sense, because the law of Moses prohibited castrated men from entering the congregations of Israel, and he was seeking to worship God in Jerusalem.

ANALYSIS BASED ON THE BAPTISM BOX IN “A MASS OF WATER”

In many religions it is believed that it is enough to pour or splash water on the head of the person being baptized. But let us remember that when the Eunuch was baptized, it was done within a body of water. And the text of Acts 8:36-38 reveals that both Philip and the Eunuch went into the water. 

This text clearly demonstrates that, if it were really enough to spill or splash water, the Eunuch would not have stopped the chariot next to a body of water. Because if a little water had been enough to be baptized, possibly he would have done it with the water he carried in the leather container, which was used to cool himself because he was traveling "a path through the desert", since if it had been the case, this would have been more than enough.

And another proof that demonstrates the importance of being immersed to be baptized is demonstrated by Francisco's Greek-Spanish dictionary. R. Adrados the term baptize, which is derived from the Greek baptízō, whose meaning is to immerse or sink in water.

Furthermore, another proof is the biblical texts that talk about baptism, since these fit very well with this definition. For example, the Bible indicates that John was baptizing in Aenon, near Salim. And this place was characterized by the abundance of water that was there.

Finally, it is said that when Jesus performed his baptism, he saw that the heavens opened as soon as he came out of the water, which indicates that he immersed himself in there. For another reason, for true Christians, the only correct way to be baptized is by being completely immersed in water.