The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18


which he was reading is found in Isaiah lii:
I, s. Our English translation, made here
from the Greek, differs somewhat, but not
essentially, from that taken from the Hebrew
in Isaiah. The first part of the passage, as
all evangelical writers admit, expresses the
meekness of Jesus in submitting to punish
ment. The other portion is more obscure,
and various opinions are given of It's mean
ing. SIN his humiliation his judgment was
taken away" seems to refer to the injustice
with which he was treated, being denied the
right of trial, or rather put to death after
being declared innocent The phrase "whO
shall declare his generatiOn?" probably
means, who shall tell the number Of his seed ?
that is, his spiritual seed, his disciples
" For mis- life is taken from the earth, gives
the reason for numerous generation, namely,
his sacriGcial Offering. This idea is more
fully given in the next clause of the passage,
not here quoted. Il may be remarked, that
the portion of this passage of Isaiah here
given, seems not selected on account Of any
special use to be made of these particular
verses, but to indicate the passage, the whole
of which refers to the Messiah. And Philip
no doubt COMPOUNDED the whole context, and
not simply the words quoted, as those the
Euhuch was reading when he joined him.
V. st. Before Christ came the Jewish in
terpreters generally applied this ffty.third
chapter of Isaiah to the Messiah; but after
Christ came, and his followers claimed that
this and similar prophecies we're fulfilled in
Jesus of Nazareth. they sought other inter-
pretatiOns, one of which was to apply this
passage to the prophet himself. This inter
probation may have been already suggested,
and been heard by the Ethiopian when at
Jerusalem. As regards this inquirer himself,
we see that he was not ready to admit this
Jewish evasion, but sought to know the
truth, and was perhaps revolving in his mind
its application to Jesus of Nazareth, of which
he had heard at Jerusalem.
V. So. The expression "Opeued his
mouth, indicates more formal discourse
than an ordinary conversation. Taking up
this passage of Isaiah he preached Jesus
Every Christian reader is familiar with the
gospel contained in the chapter referred to.
Philip preached Jesus, name chosen to set
forth Christ as Saviour. The awakened
inquirer, not only wanted truth, but as q
sinner he wanted Saviour,
HIS baptism, va. 96-4O.
Y. S5. The proposition of the Eunuch tc
be baptised implies that he had received the
gospel into his heart as Philip preached tc
him, aud also that he had known before, or
what is more probable, that Philip had ex
planned to him the nature of Christian bsp
tism. This would readily be suggested by 6
clause of the passage he was ezpoundiDg
So shall he sprinkle many nations" (Isaiaf
J Iii d5.) The modern division into chapters
did not then break the connection. They
came unto q certain water" is literally
&" they came to some water, which implies q
{ small quantity. Toe Ethiopian, as if struck
, with the unlocked for fact, exclaimed, "See
J water and asked what now hindered hil
complying with the command of Jesus that
believers should be baptized.
V. 81. Philip required SIS the condition Of
his baptism that be should "beleve with all
his heart" having faith ID more than an in
tellectual conviction of the truth of Christian
ity, and Philip guarded his nearer on this
point and required that Christ should be re-
'eeiyed with all the heart. The Ethiopian in
reply made full confession of Jesus; for
under the circumstances we must give their
full import to the names and terms used
Philips demand, and his scQuiesceuce in this
as satisfactory confession, require such an
Interpretation.
V. SO. His command implies that there
was at least one attendant, his driver and
doubtless there were others, They both
then went down to, or into the water. This
impression cannot imply 8ubmersion of the
person, unless Philip was also submerged
Standing either on the brink, or in the water
Philip baptized the Ethiopian. This he did
not as a deacon, but in the exercise of his
of4;ea az an eyangelist. Xxi: 81
V. 80. If these words mean the coming
up out of the water after an immersion, they
apply alike to both Philip and the Eunuch.
The language describing Philips removal,
implies that it was miraculous. But the rea
son he was no longer seen by the Ethiopian
vas, because the latter went on his way and
the word should be so translated "The
Euuuch saw him no more; for he went on
mis- way" He was now a joyous believer
and professor of the faith of Jesus Christ.
V. 40. Azotus is the ancient Ashdod, a
city Of the Philistines not far from the Medi-
terrauean. From this city Philip passed
norsbward along or near the coast till he
reached Caesarea, seal port town of great
prominence, and afterwards the place Of res
idence of the Roman governors. He preach
ed the gospel in all the intervening cities
| CeIarea seems to have been hencefOrth the
place of his permanent abode, or at least the
centre of his eyangelisic work, Xxi: 8, 81
l. A heather inquirer found salvation by
following the light that he had, dim at first,
out ever Frightening. So will every sinner
who diligently INQUIRIES the wsy of life.