How the Gospel Spread to Africa

At the time after Jesus’s death and resurrection, the disciples were zealous for God and travelled the region, spreading the gospel to different parts of the world. Phillip preached in the regions of Samaria and one day an angel instructed him to travel to the south towards a road that goes down from Jerusalem towards Gaza (Acts 8:26).

When Phillip got there he saw the Ethiopian eunuch, who had come to Jerusalem to worship, returning in his chariot while reading the writings of the Prophet Isaiah. The Holy Spirit prompted Phillip to join the eunuch and on approaching he heard him reading. Phillip asked if he understood what he was reading. Phillip proceeds to explain to the eunuch that Isaiah prophesied about Jesus Christ. Of his birth, ministry, crucifixion and his ascension into heaven (Acts 8:27-35).

The eunuch is so excited about hearing the good news. “And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptised”(Acts 8:36)? The eunuch was baptised and went on his way rejoicing, having received the good news of Jesus Christ.

The eunuch’s position within Ethiopia was strategic, given his influence and ability to spread the gospel within the northern regions of Africa. At that time in the gospels, we saw the disciples being sent to strategic people, with influence within their own societies, who could proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many people have the erroneous perception that Christianity originated in Rome or in Europe. The paintings of Jesus by Michelangelo and other European artists did not help matters. For many years, drawings, paintings and television shows have depicted Jesus as European.

This may not seem like a big deal for some people, however the issues of identity and visible representations of different cultures is a historical issue. Many children have grown up with identity crisis as depictions of beauty have wrongly emphasised European features and standards. Persons who fall outside of these ideals, have felt inadequate or pressured into meeting these standards. Physical appearance is one dimension of this argument. The other important aspect is the spiritual significance and the need that people have, to be able to identify with a spiritual figure.

God created us in his own image and he made us all equal in his sight. Man made inventions and systems have created race, class and other divisions. This has negatively associated some people with superiority, while ascribing an inferior status to other people. These systems were created by the devil himself and need to be dismantled through the blood of Jesus Christ. My point is to highlight God’s love for all people from different ethnicities, cultures, languages and countries. God was so concerned for his people, that he allowed the apostles to share the gospel with people, who could through their influence, spread the gospel to the world. Through Phillips meeting with the eunuch, the gospel spread to Africa.

A.P.-Y.