But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
■ BOTH MEN AND WOMEN: Both were being baptized – this was a big deal in those days, when most of the culture considered women to be the not much better than property, livestock. But Jesus makes no distinction. Baptism, and the blessings and promises that come with it, is for both men and women.
Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
■ Simon Magus was a sorcerer, a practitioner of witchcraft, the dark arts. Not a person of light. But Baptism is available and effective for EVERYONE who believes, no matter what sorts of evil you have been involved with before.
As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"
■ An Ethiopian eunuch is an African: a Black man. He was a man of power and riches, Treasurer for a Queen. He was a man who had been made a eunuch – physically altered so as not to be a full man, whether by choice or by force). BAPTISM IS FOR EVERYONE: No matter what race, status, or what unspeakable things have been done to you, willing or otherwise -- baptism is for you!
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'
■ Paul’s conversion story being told again. “WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?” I would ask that of those who are observers of baptisms, but have not yet participated. What are you waiting for?
Are you waiting for an engraved invitation? It's right there, in the Bible.
Are you waiting until you get your act together? Surrendering to Jesus in baptism -- THAT will change you!
Are you waiting until other things change in your life? You need Him now more than you ever will.
Now is the time to be baptized.
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