Philip and the Ethiopian

Acts 8:26-39 is the first passage that comes to my mind when I hear the term "witnessing."

1. An angel of the Lord prompted Philip to a particular location
2. Philip met an Ethiopian eunuch "on his way." This sounds like the kind of coincidence that the Lord arranges sometimes.
3. The eunuch was a person of faith with great influence and incomplete understanding
4. The Spirit told Philip to go to the eunuch's chariot. Key lesson: listen to the Lord's prompting
5. Philip listened
6. Philip asked the eunuch a direct question: "Do you understand?" Key lesson: ask people who appear interested in spiritual matters, "Do you understand?" and let them quide the conversation. This is the main idea of NH401.
7. The eunuch asked about a passage in Isaiah.
8. Philip told about the "good news of Jesus." Key lesson: As Christians, we should be able to start with wherever someone is spiritually and lead them to the story of Jesus.
9. The payoff: "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"
10. Philip saw immediate benefit to his witness. Key lesson: Listen to the Spirit's prompting, be obedient, and you'll sometimes see spectacular results.