By the end of Acts 8, the gospel has come to the despised Samaritans and then a pious eunuch on a deserted road. One group was steeped in false religion and even had an affinity for the magic arts. The other gentleman was wealthy, educated, important and religious. However, both were equally lost and unqualified to earn God’s salvation. Moreover, God brought them the gospel through the same means and even the same man. This is a simple model, isn’t it? In the first half of ch.8, Philip comes across pagans with a little blend of religion and he preaches the good news of Jesus Christ. In the second half of ch.8, Philip providentially encounters a man from outside the borders of the promise land and yet preaches the good news of Christ to him also. This is our responsibility as well and that is to faithfully explain and proclaim the Scriptures and then let the Lord do what he wants to do with that. Even though God loves to save, listen to Paul’s words in 2 Cor. 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. 15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? 17 For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.
This passage is important for at least a couple of reasons. First, we can’t make Christ smell sweeter to someone. Based on the condition of one’s heart, Christ may be a stench to them and we can’t change their heart with our own persuasive abilities. God has to do a work in someone for them to see Christ as the pearl of great price. Secondly, the truth of this passage should increase our praise to God for his grace in Christ towards us. If God did not change us, Christ would be a repelling fragrance to us, not an appealing one. This supernatural work in us gives us hope for our lost loved ones, for if he did that kind of work in us, then he can certainly do it in others. And Christ did not die in vain for “The Lamb will receive the reward for which he suffered, died and rose again.”