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potentate. (Compare “dynasty.”) Luke 1:52 suggests that the dunastes of the world
systems will be replaced by the Prince of Peace. In Acts 8:27, the dunastes only exists
during the reign of Candace, queen of Ethiopia. Jesus’ kingdom is a perpetual dunastes
without end.

Act 8:28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

The chariot is either moving slowly or standing still. The Ethiopian’s chariot is similar to a
stagecoach with a driver. The eunuch is setting in the back of the chariot reading the Scriptures
when Philip arrives. Later, he will command the driver to stop the chariot (verse 38).

PHILIP OBEYS THE SPIRIT

Act 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

Philip now understands why the Lord has sent him into the desert. He does not know who the
Ethiopian is, but it does not matter. Philip is one man who has been responsible for the salvation
of many in his home country.

Act 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said,
Understandest thou what thou readest?

The Holy Spirit speaks to Philip and tells him to go to the chariot. Again, Philip is quick to obey.
He actually runs! When he arrives, he hears the eunuch reading aloud at the very place of Isaiah’s
prophecy.

Act 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that
he would come up and sit with him.

This is the purpose of ministry, to guide, not to dominate or run the lives of others. Guidance is
still the cry of people today. When we act under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, His job becomes
ours. He is sent to guide us into all truth.

Act 8:32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;
and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

Act 8:33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation?
for his life is taken from the earth.

Philip is quoting Isaiah 53:7-8 here.

Act 8:34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet
this? of himself, or of some other man?
The eunuch has been blinded by religion and Satan and is unable to understand the simplest of
Scriptures (2 Corinthians 4:4). God will use Philip to help lift the veil.