“—he went on his way rejoicing!” Acts 8:39
Reading the stories of those converted to Christ is always entertaining and educational. They teach us much about the Lord, human nature and ourselves. Here we read of the Ethiopian Eunuch who came to know Christ through the ministry of Phillip. Living in this sin saddened world we need to take note that his redemption led to his rejoicing –it always does. J. R. Miller wrote:
“He did not give up his journey and decide to go back among the other Christians, because he was now a believer. He went on his way to his own country and to his own business; but he had a new secret of joy in his heart. Part of the duty of this new convert was to carry the knowledge of Christ back to the people among whom he had been living. He had found something which they needed, and which would bless them as it had blessed him.
We learn that a new-born Christian is not to give up his work. Of course, if he is engaged in any sinful occupation he must give it up. But if his occupation is right, he is usually to stick to it, and carry Christ with him into it. A carpenter when converted, is to continue a carpenter—with Christ.
To be a Christian, makes one happy. This man went on his way rejoicing. His heart was full of song. The Christian goes on in his work day by day; but while he works his heart sings, and the songs make the way shorter and the burdens lighter for him, while at the same time they give cheer to others on whose ears they fall.“
