“Do you understand what you are reading?” Acts 8:30

“Do you understand what you are reading?” is taken from the passage of Acts 8:26-40 where an Ethiopian eunuch, with basic knowledge of the word of God, was lost in his understanding and invited Philip to help him. Basic knowledge of the word of God because of his statement: “How can I, “unless someone explains it to me?”. The understanding of the passage helped him to get his salvation even though he was already a ‘’worshiper ‘’ (Acts 8:27). Anyone may be tempted to think that this man was a worshiper without salvation because of his basic knowledge of the word of God. I will disagree with such a person because having an extensive knowledge of the word of God is not enough to be saved but having the right attitude and the passage of John 3 will testify.

In John 3 the Bible describes Nicodemus as a member of the Jewish ruling council (John 3: 1) and also Israel’s teacher (John 3:10). Being a member of the Jewish ruling council and a teacher of the word of God in Israel was a sign of power and extensive knowledge of the word of God. However, with all his vast knowledge of the word of God, Nicodemus was ignorant of the most important thing in the word of God: The way to salvation, being born of water and the Spirit. From the private conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, it is evident that Jesus was demonstrating to Nicodemus that his extensive knowledge of the Bible did not prevent him from passing aside the most essential thing in the Bible. Here is the proof: “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? (John 3:10). However, we should congratulate Nicodemus with extensive knowledge of the word of God, and the Ethiopian eunuch with basic knowledge of the word for having the right attitude to reconsider their knowledge and think again about their salvation. It is the same attitude everyone is encouraged to have.

Yes. It may be time to put aside how long we have been reading or teaching the Bible. It may also be the time to put aside how long we have been attending a local church. These are some of the excuses we use to demonstrate we are saved but we are completely wrong. We should instead care more about the most important message from the Bible. The message of salvation: being born of water and the Spirit.