Then he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Acts 8:38 HCSB
The Greek word baptizo means “to dip” or “to immerse” and comes from another word meaning “to dip into dye.” When a cloth is dipped into a dye it becomes the color of the dye. When a follower of Christ is baptized, it is a symbolic way of identifying with Jesus Christ. We baptize believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The person being baptized is identifying with the triune God. Note that baptism always follows a person becoming a believer. In Jesus’ final command He directs us to make disciples and baptize them. That is why it is not Scriptural to baptize or sprinkle babies. They have not yet become believers and the act of baptism does not save a person. Faith and belief in Jesus Christ is what saves a person. Baptism is an outward expression of what has taken place in one’s heart. I recently saw a picture on Facebook of a friend of mine in Missouri that had the pleasure of baptizing her daughter. It is always exciting to see people become
believers and get baptized, especially your children.
The Ethiopian eunuch wanted to be baptized because he believed what Philip had shared from the Scriptures and wanted to follow Christ’s command to be baptized. Therefore, they stopped the chariot and Philip baptized him in the river.
Challenge: Have you been baptized as a believer? If not, talk to your pastor about following Christ’s command to be baptized. Pray for those who need to become believers and be baptized.