Philip teaching the gospel to an Ethiopian as they ride in a chariot
Philip was an enthusiastic and faithful missionary who went into the desert at the command of the Lord. The Spirit directed Philip to an Ethiopian man reading the scriptures in his chariot. When Philip asked if the man understood what he read, he answered, “How can I, except some man should guide me?” (Acts 8:31). Because Philip understood and loved the scriptures, he was able to teach the Ethiopian about Jesus Christ in a way that led him to believe and be baptized. As you study Acts 8:26–40, ponder how you can use the scriptures to help others believe in and come unto Jesus Christ.
Using the words of modern prophets. Modern prophets often use stories from the scriptures to teach principles and doctrine that can be learned from these accounts. Invite students to study the words of modern prophets to identify and understand doctrine and principles from the scriptures and learn how to apply these truths in their own lives.
Student preparation: Invite students to think about spiritual tools or skills that have helped them grow stronger in the gospel. They will have an opportunity to share their ideas during the lesson.
Possible Learning Activities
Using the right tools
Consider bringing a hammer or screwdriver to class or displaying these images. Invite one student to demonstrate using the tool properly. Then ask students what might happen if they tried to pound in a nail or screw in a screw without using the tools.
Using the right tool can help you build or repair items more quickly and easily. Imagine how hard it would be to build or repair items without the correct tools. Consider what the following tools are used for.
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Hammer
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Saw
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Combination Wrench
When are these tools useful?
How can you use them effectively?
In a similar way, certain tools and skills can be used to build and repair our desire to follow the Savior and live His gospel.
As students answer the following questions, encourage them to recall ideas from their lesson preparation. Ensure that sharing does not take too much time.
What are some spiritual tools or skills that have helped you grow in the gospel?
How could you use these tools to invite someone else to come unto the Savior?
One of these tools is our ability to understand and use the scriptures, especially as they teach and testify about Jesus Christ. Ponder for a moment how comfortable you feel using the scriptures to invite others to come unto Jesus Christ. As you study this lesson, seek guidance through the Holy Ghost to know how you can better use the scriptures to help bring others to the Savior.
Philip is called to the desert
Acts 8 records some experiences of Philip, one of the seven brethren called to the ministry by the Apostles (see Acts 6:3–6). To escape the increasing persecution in Jerusalem, Philip traveled to Samaria to continue sharing the gospel. Through the priesthood, he performed miracles, healed numerous people, and “preached Christ unto them” (see Acts 8:5–8). As you study the following account, look for the tools Philip used to succeed in the unexpected assignment he received from the Lord.
If some students struggle reading long scripture blocks on their own, consider reading the following verses aloud as a class or in pairs.
Read Acts 8:26–39, and visualize the events described in this account. You may want to mark words and phrases that are meaningful to you. (Note that a eunuch is a trusted servant, and Esaias is the Greek name for the prophet Isaiah.)
Invite a few students to share words and phrases they have marked and how those help them recognize lessons in the account. Consider using some of the following questions to help deepen their understanding.
You may want to write (or have students write) lessons they identified on the board.
In what ways did the Lord guide Philip? Why is it important to follow the Lord’s promptings as we try to help others come unto Him?
How was Philip able to use his knowledge of the scriptures to teach the Ethiopian about Jesus Christ?
What lessons stand out to you in this account?
Among many truths in this account, you may have identified a principle like the following: When we understand the scriptures and teach about the Savior from them, we can help others come unto Him.
Based on student needs, the following activity could be replaced by the supplementary learning activity about how Philip responded to the promptings of the Spirit.
Using the scriptures to teach about Jesus Christ
When the Ethiopian asked if the scripture he was reading was about the prophet Isaiah or “some other man,” notice that Philip’s knowledge of the scriptures enabled him to immediately begin “at the same scripture, and [preach] unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:34–35).
The scripture passage the Ethiopian read is found in Isaiah 53, a beautiful prophecy about our Savior, Jesus Christ. You may want to cross-reference or link Acts 8:32–33 with Isaiah 53:7–8.
Be sensitive that some students may not feel they have the ability to understand the scriptures or explain them to someone else. Reassure students that their understanding will increase with time and effort. Remind them that sometimes the most effective teaching is simply sharing how they feel about a scripture passage, because the Holy Ghost will testify of the truthfulness of their words.
Imagine that you are in Philip’s position and have the chance to share your testimony of Jesus Christ with a friend. Read Isaiah 53:3–9, paying attention to what you think and feel about the Savior as you read.
Allow students enough time to thoughtfully answer the following questions. You might consider inviting students to role-play sharing with their friend, or you could invite willing students to share what they wrote with the class.
What would you want your friend to know, feel, or understand about Jesus Christ from this passage? Why?
How could you use what you know and feel about Jesus Christ to encourage your friend to better follow Him?
Strengthened through preparation
Because of Philip’s efforts, the Ethiopian was converted and baptized (see Acts 8:36–38). Like Philip, we can inspire and encourage others to follow and become like Jesus Christ. Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that our personal preparation can help us inspire others to draw closer to God:
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Elder Ulisses Soares
When we earnestly, heartily, firmly, and sincerely seek to learn the gospel of Jesus Christ and teach it to one another with real purpose and under the influence of the Spirit, these teachings may transform hearts and inspire a desire to live according to the truths of God.
Consider inviting students to answer the following questions in their study journals. As time permits, invite willing students to share their insights with the class.
What adjustments could you make in your personal scripture study that will prepare you to help others come to Christ? In what ways might this change strengthen your confidence in using the scriptures?
Which part of today’s scripture study helped you feel closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Why do you think that part influenced you more deeply than the others?
Eunuchs were emasculated men that served in many ancient Near and Middle Eastern societies. They served as soldiers, guarded the royal harems, and often held trusted positions within the court. The Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26–39 was responsible for the treasury of the Ethiopian court. (See Bible Dictionary, “Eunuch.”)
A faithful learner can become an inspired teacher
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
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Elder Ulisses Soares
In the context of learning and teaching the gospel, we are sometimes like the Ethiopian—we need the help of a faithful and inspired teacher; and we are sometimes like Philip—we need to teach and strengthen others in their conversion.
If time permits, after students have read Isaiah 53:3–9, you may want to show the video “#Hallelujah—An Easter Message about Jesus Christ” (1:59) available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org. This video depicts individuals reading portions of these verses from Isaiah and testifying of Jesus Christ.
Philip responds to promptings of the Spirit
Review Acts 8:26–35, and invite students to identify phrases that indicate how Philip knew what the Lord wanted him to do and how Philip responded. Share the following statement, inviting students to consider why responding to spiritual promptings can be so essential.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles related a story about following a spiritual prompting while serving a mission:
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Elder Ronald A. Rasband
One hot July morning my companion and I felt prompted to look up a Temple Square referral. We knocked on the door of the Elwood Schaffer home. Mrs. Schaffer politely turned us away.
As she began to shut the door, I felt to do something I had never done before and have never done since! I stuck my foot in the door, and I asked, “Is there anyone else who might be interested in our message?” Her 16-year-old daughter, Marti, did have an interest and had fervently prayed for guidance just the day before. Marti met with us, and in time her mother participated in the discussions. Both of them joined the Church.
Resulting from Marti’s baptism, 136 people, including many of her own family, have been baptized and made gospel covenants. How grateful I am that I listened to the Spirit and stuck my foot in the door on that hot July day.
How did Elder Rasband respond to the Spirit’s prompting? What happened as a result?
When have you responded to promptings of the Spirit? What happened?
How can you pay closer attention to the promptings of the Spirit?
How could making that change help you share the gospel more confidently with others?
Ponder who the Lord may want you to meet, befriend, or share the gospel with.
An Alternate Lesson Idea
If students would benefit from learning about Simon’s desire to purchase the priesthood in Acts 8:5–24, consider sharing ideas found under “Our hearts need to be ‘right in the sight of God’” in “July 10–16. Acts 6–9: ‘What Wilt Thou Have Me to Do?’” in Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023.