And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”
I usually see it in adults. They believe, they’ve come to faith, they are Christians… they just think baptism is for kids. No, actually, the majority of the recorded baptisms in the New Testament are adults. In fact, only by implication are children baptized. Baptism is for those who believe. This African official is reading from Isaiah and asks Philip about the truth. He is told the Gospel and he believed it! He then asks one of the best questions in scripture: “There’s water right here, can I be baptized?” YES! This teaches us a few things about baptism (1) it is for believers, he believed the good news first; (2) it is by immersion, they found enough water and went down into it vv.38-39; (3) it doesn’t have to be done by a pastor, Philip wasn’t one; (4) it doesn’t have to be done in a church, they were along the road; (5) it doesn’t have to only be done for membership in a local church, Philip left immediately. Baptism is something every believer needs to do, it’s a sign of obedience and genuine repentance. I know, adults, it’s different and you’ll seem weird… think how I feel, I’ve gotten in the water about 25 times this year… it’s is weird, it’s supposed to be. It’s a rite of passage and a way of showing the world you’re a Christian. It’s like a wedding. The commitment is what makes you married, a wedding shows the world. If you have never done it, get baptized…
