One of the things I most love about our “Becoming the Church” study on the Acts of the Apostles in my congregation is seeing the early church wrestle in the midst of differing interpretation of the Holy Spirit’s activity.For example, In Acts 8, an Ethiopian Eunuch asks Philip, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” What an interesting question. Why did the eunuch ask such a thing?
Well, in Deuteronomy 23:1 we read, “No one whose testicles are crushed or whose penis is cut off shall be admitted to the assembly of the Lord.” So, it says pretty clearly that, according to Deuteronomy, the eunuch is not welcome, and never can be.
But then you read Isaiah 56:4-5 which says, “For thus says the Lord: To the eunuchs who keep my sabbaths and hold fast my covenant, I will give, in my house and within my walls, a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.” So, if you’re reading Isaiah, the eunuch is certainly welcome, and will hold a place of prominence higher than sons and daughters.
So, is the eunuch welcome? Well, do you lean into Deuteronomy or Isaiah? Does fellowship depend on one’s body or the body of Christ?
Those who lean into Deuteronomy have a perfectly Biblically-based reason for saying “No” to the eunuch. Those who lean into Isaiah have a perfectly Biblically-based reason for saying “Yes” the the eunuch. Both groups are Biblically right.
So…what does one do? Can Deuteronomy and Isaiah be in communion with each other?
All I know is, Philip baptized the eunuch, the eunuch went on his way rejoicing, and Philip continued proclaiming the Good News..
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