#1274. The gospel and baptism (23/5/25)
- Matt Beaney
- May 23
- 5 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) as we continue our Ready and Willing series, reflecting on the life of Philip.
Today, we reflect on the message of the gospel and the response of baptism.
You can listen to this devotional below
‘The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptised?” [37] 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.’ (Acts 8:34-40)
1. God uses the gospel to save
Philip gives us a powerful example of gospel-centred mission. When the eunuch asks about the prophecy in Isaiah, Philip takes the opportunity to share the good news about Jesus—specifically His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sin.
Most people we meet won’t be reading Isaiah when we encounter them. But they will have questions—about life, suffering, purpose, or truth. Like Philip, we’re called to meet people where they are and lovingly point them to the cross.
Often, their questions are rooted in deep pain or disillusionment—“How can a good God allow suffering?” “Is there meaning in all this?” In those moments, we lead them to the One who suffered for us and brings peace through His wounds. This is why Paul says:
‘And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.’ (1 Corinthians 2:1-2)
The gospel—not clever arguments—is God’s power to save.
2. Baptism is a vital response to the gospel
It’s striking that it’s the eunuch who asks to be baptised. This suggests that Philip included teaching about baptism in his explanation of the gospel. And rightly so—baptism is always presented in the New Testament as a response to faith in Christ.
On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached the gospel and included this response:
“Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”(Acts 2:38)
Baptism is never used like circumcision was—as a marker of inclusion for infants or as a sign before faith. Instead, baptism is for those who have come to faith, as a sign that they have died with Christ and been raised to new life in Him.
This is echoed in Paul’s words to the Colossians:
Here, Paul isn’t saying that baptism replaces circumcision for infants. He’s describing the spiritual reality behind baptism—it’s a picture of what happens through faith in the work of God.
The eunuch was not baptised to become a Christian; he was baptised because he had become one—through faith. His baptism symbolised that God had:
Forgiven his sins
Made him alive in Christ
Raised him spiritually from death to life
Baptism, then, is an outward sign of an inward transformation. It’s not what makes someone a Christian—but it beautifully and powerfully declares that God has already done the work in them through the gospel.
In response are we ready and will to share the gospel? Are we ready and will to be baptised if we haven’t been as a believer? If we have any parental or leadership role, how can we communicate the importance of believing the gospel and the response of baptism?
Let’s pray together
“Jesus, thank you for the gospel. Thank you that through your death and resurrection, anyone can be forgiven, made alive, and raised with you. Help me to share this good news with others—and to encourage them to respond in faith and obedience, just like this Ethiopian eunuch. Amen.”
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
For your diary: Our next weekend away will be 19th-21st June 2026!!
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
On Sunday, we continued our Ready and Willing? series by looking at Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. From this remarkable story, we reflected on how:
“God is alive and continues to speak to us and through us to bring others to know Him.”
Please read Acts 8:26-40 and discuss:
Main Message – What do you think Luke wants us to understand about God and mission through this encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian?
Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?
Divine Guidance – What does this passage teach us about how God leads His people in mission?
Divine Appointments – ‘Divine appointments’ are Spirit-led encounters in which God connects us with 'people of peace' (those open to us and the gospel). Have you ever experienced a divine appointment like this? Please share.
Baptism Insight – What does this passage teach us about the meaning and significance of baptism?
SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
Mission inspiration from the text - Is there anything else in this text that inspires or instructs us in our mission—how we approach people, how we listen to the Spirit, or how we respond with obedience?
Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation? Take time to name them and pray for them.
Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the “people of peace” mentioned—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
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