Understanding In Community

First Christian Church of Chicago
4 days ago
2 min read

Scripture Focus: Acts 8:30–31

“Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” (NIV)

Devotional Thought

Have you ever tried assembling something big without the instructions? (That is not a man thing.) You can stare at the pieces forever and still not see how they fit. That is how Scripture can feel sometimes—until someone helps you see the pattern.

Interpretation

Acts 8:30–31 paints a picture of a sincere seeker who is reading Isaiah’s prophecy aloud yet honestly admits that he cannot grasp its meaning on his own. Philip’s question, “Do you understand what you are reading?” exposes the gap between simply having the Scriptures and truly perceiving what they say about God’s saving work in Christ. The Ethiopian’s reply, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” highlights that God often uses human teachers and spiritual conversation to unfold the truth that is already present in the biblical text. By inviting Philip to come up and sit with him, the passage shows Scripture being opened in community, with one believer helping another move from puzzled reading to understanding of the gospel.

Contemporary Relevance

The Bible is not meant to be a private puzzle we solve alone. Recently, I have heard an increasing number of people say, “I do not need a teacher. The Holy Spirit will reveal what I need to know.” That is a misunderstanding of what John is saying in 1 John. God does instruct His people through the Spirit. But he also teaches his word through trusted voices, and through the shared wisdom of the church. When you read alongside others — listening, asking, discussing — you are participating in how God has always formed His people. Do not be ashamed to seek help. That humility is often where clarity begins.