The passage from Acts gives us some insights on Philip and an Ethiopian court officer. What was Philip like? He could hear God, when God spoke (vv 26, 29). He was obedient to what God asked of him: go on a journey from Jerusalem to Gaza (vv 26-27); and meet up with an Ethiopian (v 29). He was well-versed with the word of God, so that when he was asked about the passage from Isaiah 53:7-8, he could link that text immediately with "the Good News of Jesus" (v 35). And he was an enthusiastic proclaimer of the Good News (v 40) - a missionary disciple.

What about the Ethiopian? He must have been devoted to his Jewish faith to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem (v 27). He must have been thirsty for God to dig into God's word right after his pilgrimage (v 28). He was honest about his lack of understanding of the Isaiah passage (v 31); and humble enough to ask for clarification (v 34). He was open to the Good News of Jesus and submitted himself to baptism (vv 36-38).

Will we be like Philip - loving God enough to do God's will; knowing holy scriptures deep enough to explain it to others; and brave enough to be a proclaimer of the Good News at all times in all places?

Will we be like the Ethiopian - thirsty enough to be constantly seeking God in different ways; honest and humble enough to seek guidance and clarification when we need it; and open enough to receive new revelations from God?