Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:26-40

Author

Frowin Reed OSB, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

Date of Award

12-9-2003

Document Type

Graduate Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Theology

Department

School of Theology and Seminary

First Advisor

Charles A. Bobertz

Subject Categories

Biblical Studies | Christianity | Religion

Abstract

The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch presents the expansion of the mission of the early Church, an expansion both in geography and among peoples, including those persons among the margins in various social groups. This paper investigates the place and purpose of the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch baptized by Philip in Acts 8:26-40. Through a close reading of the text, I attempt to demonstrate that Philip is the primary character of the event, and that his action is an inspired innovation in the mission of the Church. Furthermore, the paper uses this account to demonstrate that the Acts concerned in Luke's work were apostolic and not merely acts of the Apostles chosen by Christ himself. Grammatical style and Greek vocabulary are also examined. This account from Acts is an example of an independent tradition utilized by Luke, as well as an example of the growth of the Christian mission in the early Church.

Comments

Access restricted to College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University on-campus users.

Recommended Citation

Reed, Frowin OSB, "Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:26-40" (2003). School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses. 1855.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/sot_papers/1855