Reading for July 13th

Read Acts 8.26-40. In 8.26-40: The mission goes to Africa. The instructions of an angel of the Lord (see Lk1.11; see Acts 23.8-9) leave no doubt of God's agency in this episode. Gaza is south of Egypt and had Jewish communities from at least the time of the Babylonian destruction (see Isa 11.11; Zeph 3.10). Oriental rulers often placed eunuchs, castrated slaves, or servants in significant positions of trust. In Isa 56.3-5, the eunuch and the foreigner are symbols of Israel's hope of restoration. In verse 29:  Now the Spirit directs Philip, instead of an angel (26). In verses 30-31: The ancients regularly read aloud, although this remains an unusual setting for eavesdropping. The two questions are again excellent examples of Luke's depiction of teaching (see 2.7, 8, 17). In verses 32-33: The passage of the scripture is Isa 53.7-8 (in the Greek version) which points to God's servant who suffered. In Acts, his life is taken away from the earth (as the Greek version of Isa reads) points to Jesus' exaltation (see Acts 1.22; 3.21). In verse 34: The Ethiopian's question (see Acts 1.22; 3.21).  Scholars remain interested in the question for their understanding of Isaiah. In verse 36: The question proves to be an enduring concern for what is to prevent or obstruct entry into the kingdom (see Lk 11.52; 18.16; Acts 10.47; 11.17). In verse 39: Philip is snatched as in a rapture or sudden removal (see Ezek 11.24; 1 Kings 18.12; 2 Kings 2.16; Lk 17.34-35). In verse 40: Philip's mission continues north of Gaza along the coast from Azotos to Caesarea where he was later reported to have a house (see 21.8) Comments or Questions..