Many “teachable moments” pass us by each day and often without our awareness. A teachable moment is the time when someone is searching for God and open to His teaching. The person may be a friend, family member or stranger whom we happen to meet at the opportune time. One such moment is mentioned in Acts chapter 8 as Philip the evangelist meets the eunuch from Ethiopia. This story shows us that God connects people who want to teach His word with those who want to learn it.

God provides the MESSENGER for teachable moments (Acts 8:26). Philip was one of the “seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom [the apostles] put in charge of the task [of serving food to the Hellenistic widows]” (6:3-5). However, persecution broke out in Jerusalem with the stoning of his co-worker, Stephen. Interestingly, the Christians preached the word as they scattered (8:4). Even while Philip fled Jerusalem to return to his home at Caesarea the Lord selected him for a special mission.

God provides the MISSION for teachable moments (8:26-29). Philip's mission was simple: “Arise and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza” (8:26) and “Go up and join this chariot” (8:29) that the Spirit pointed out. The mission was centered in a man in the chariot who was struggling to understand the Lord's word. Go teach him!

God provides the MESSAGE for teachable moments (8:30-34). The message is the good news about Jesus. Philip did not have to make up the message. He simply told the story of Jesus. Jesus said, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem” (Luke 24:46-47).

God provides the METHOD for teachable moments (Acts 8:35-38). Philip's method was to start where the student's interest rested in scripture. Philip taught the eunuch the good news about Jesus from the same scripture he had been reading aloud. Please note that in Philip's telling about Jesus, baptism (immersion) must have been an important part of the discussion. The account stresses that the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?” (8:36b).

God provides the MIRACLE for teachable moments (8:39-40). The miracle occurred after Philip baptized the eunuch. The miracle was the “joy” of salvation. “When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing” (8:39).

Let's keep our eyes open for the “teachable moments” God gives us. As we teach the good news of Jesus, we can at least free one prisoner at a time.