Reading for May 16th

 Read Acts 8.26-40. In 8. 26-40: The mission goes to Africa. In verse 26: The instructions of a of an angel of the Lord (see Lk 1.11; see Acts 23.8-9) leave no doubt of God's agency in this episode. Gaza is south of Egypt and had Jewish construction from at least south of Egypt and had Jewish communities from at least the the time 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 two questions are again excellent examples of Luke's depiction of teaching (see 2.7, 8, 12). 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 opens the discussion for witness. 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 too 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 rapture or sudden removal (see Ezek 11.24; 1 Kings 18.122 Kings 2.16; Lk 17.34-35). In verse 40: Philip's mission continues north of Gaza along the coat from Azotos to Caesarea, where he was later reported to have a house (see 21.28). Comment or Questions...