Page:An Exposition of the Old and New Testament (1828) vol 6.djvu/92

86 judgment shall be taken away; no justice done him; for he must be cut off, but not for himself.

(3.) That he should die patiently; like a lamb dumb before the shearer, nay, and before the butcher too, so he opened not his mouth; never was such an example of patience as our Lord Jesus was in his sufferings; when he was accused, when he was abused, he was silent, reviled not again, threatened not.

(4.) That yet he should live for ever, to ages which cannot be numbered; for so I understand those words, Who shall declare his generation? The Hebrew word properly signifies, the duration of one life, Eccl. 1. 4. Now who can conceive or express how long he shall continue, notwithstanding this; for his life is only taken from the earth? in heaven he shall live to endless and innumerable ages, as it follows in Isa. 53. 10. He shall prolong his days.

2. The eunuch's question upon this, is, ''Of whom speaketh the prophet this? v''. 34. He does not desire Philip to give some critical remarks upon the words and phrases, and the idioms of the language, but to acquaint him with the general scope and design of the prophecy, to furnish him with a key, in the use of which he might, by comparing one thing with another, be let into the meaning of the particular passages. Prophecies had usually in them something of obscurity, till they were explained by the accomplishment of them, as this now was. It is a material question he asks, and a very sensible one; "Does the prophet speak this of himself, in expectation of being used, being misused, as the other prophets were; or does he speak it of some other man, in his own age, or in some age to come?" Though the modern Jews will not allow it to be spoken of the Messiah, yet their ancient doctors did so interpret it; and perhaps the eunuch knew it, and did partly understand it so himself, only he proposed this question, to draw on discourse with Philip; for the way to improve in learning, is, to consult the learned; as they must inquire the law at the mouth of the priests, (Mal. 2. 7.) so they must inquire the gospel, especially that part of the treasure which is hid in the field of the Old Testament, at the mouth of the ministers of Christ. The way to receive good instructions, is, to ask good questions.

3. Philip takes this fair occasion given him, to open to him the great mystery of the gospel concerning Jesus Christ and him crucified. He began at this scripture, took that for his text, (as Christ did another passage of the same prophecy, Luke 4. 21.) and preached unto him Jesus, v. 35. That is all the account given us of Philip's sermon, because it was the same in effect with Peter's sermons, which we have had before. The business of gospel-ministers is to preach Jesus, and that is the preaching that is likely to do good. It is probable that Philip had now occasion for his gift of tongues, that he might preach Christ to this Ethiopian in the language of his own country. And here we have an instance of speaking of the things of God, and speaking of them to good purpose, not only as we sit in the house, but as we walk by the way, according to that rule, Deut 6. 7.

V. The eunuch is baptized in the name of Christ, v. 36—38. It is probable that the eunuch had heard at Jerusalem of the doctrine of Christ, so that it was not altogether new to him. But, if he had, what could that do toward this speedy conquest that was made of his heart for Christ? It was a powerful working of the Spirit with and by Philip's preaching that gained the point. Now here we have,

1. The modest proposal which the eunuch made of himself to baptism; (v. 36.) As they went on their way, discoursing of Christ, the eunuch asking more questions, and Philip answering them to his satisfaction, they came unto a certain water, a well, river, or pond, the sight of which made the eunuch think of being baptized. Thus God, by hints of providence which seem casual, sometimes puts his people in mind of their duty, which otherwise perhaps they would not have thought of. The eunuch knew not how little a while Philip might be with him, nor where he might afterwards inquire for him; he could not expect his travelling with him to his next stage, and therefore if Philip think fit, he will take the present convenience which offers itself, of being baptized; "See, here is water, which perhaps we may not meet with a great while again; what doth hinder me to be baptized? Canst thou shew any cause why I should not be admitted a disciple and follower of Christ by baptism?" Observe, (1.) He does not demand baptism, does not say, "Here is water, and here I am resolved I will be baptized;" for if Philip have any thing to offer to the contrary, he is willing to wave it for the present. If he think him not fit to be baptized, or if there be any thing in the institution of the ordinance, which will not admit such a speedy administration of it, he will not insist upon it. The most forward zeal must submit to order and rule. But, (2.) He does desire it, and unless Philip can shew cause why not, he desires it now, and is not willing to defer it. Note, In the solemn dedicating and devoting of ourselves to God, it is good to make haste, and not to delay; for the present time is the best time, Ps. 119. 60. They who have received the thing signified by baptism, should not put off receiving the sign. The eunuch feared lest the good affections now working in him should cool and abate, and therefore was willing immediately to bind his soul with the baptismal bonds unto the Lord, that he might bring the matter to an issue.

2. The fair declaration which Philip made him of the terms upon which he might have the privilege of baptism; (v. 37.) If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest; that is, "If thou believest this doctrine which I have preached to thee concerning Jesus, if thou receivest the record God has given concerning him, and set to thy seal that it is true." He must believe with all his heart, for with the heart man believeth, not with the head only, by an assent to gospel-truths, in the understanding; but with the heart, by a consent of the will to gospel-terms. "If thou do indeed believe with all thy heart, thou art by that united to Christ, and if thou give proofs and evidences that thou dost so, thou mayest by baptism be joined to the church."

3. The confession of faith which the eunuch made in order to his being baptized; it is very short, but it is comprehensive and much to the purpose, and what was sufficient; I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He was before a worshipper of the true God, so that all he had to do now, was, to receive Christ Jesus the Lord. (1.) He believes that Jesus is the Christ, the true Messiah promised, the Anointed One. (2.) That Christ is Jesus—a Saviour, the only Saviour of his people from their sins. And, (3.) That this Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he has a divine nature, as the Son is of the same nature with the Father; and that, being the Son of God, he is the Heir of all things. This is the principal, peculiar doctrine of Christianity, and whosoever believe this with all their heart, and confess it, they and their seed are to be baptized.

4. The baptizing of him hereupon. The eunuch ordered his coachman to stop, commanding the chariot to stand still; it was the best baiting place he ever met with in any of his journeys; they went down both into the water, for they had no convenient vessels with them, being upon a journey, wherewith to take up water, and must therefore go down into it; not that they stript off their clothes, and went naked into the water, but, going barefoot,