Chalke Talk 22: The scandalous inclusion of Acts 8

The Ethiopian Eunuch of Acts, chapter 8, verse 26-38 is someone who should never have been welcomed into the fold. He was Ethiopian, while God’s love was for Jews. And Scripture had totally forbidden the participation of a Eunuch – or someone with ‘crushed sexual organs’ – in worship.

So why is it that Philip, one of the early church leaders, takes the step to baptise him?  Should he not at least have waited to consult with other leaders – to ask probing questions or to develop a jointly-agreed position statement? 

Steve argues in this week’s edition of Chalke Talk that:

“The fact that this scandalous story is preserved for later audiences – such as ours – can be for no other reason than the early Church came to believe that Philip’s actions, however shocking they appeared to be, were in line with the teaching and example of Christ; were inspired and guided by the Spirit of God, and set the tone for their future mission.”

What do you think?  Do you agree with Steve?