02 May 2021 is the Fifth Sunday of Easter and our Bible story from the New Testament Book of Acts is Philip’s meeting with the Egyptian Eunuch.

Because this text is relevant to the fundamental issue of racism, it’s a passage which comes up regularly in this period after Easter and previously on this website: Why Christians must share the Good News of Jesus without partiality or prejudice.

Below, you will find this week’s main scriptural reading, the video service from St James’ (recorded live on 02 May 2021) and a musical selection from Katherine Robertson.

This week’s main reading

Acts 8:26-40 (New International Version)
Philip and the Ethiopian
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

32 This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading:

“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
33 In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth.”

34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

36 As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptised?” [37] 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him. 39 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. 40 Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and travelled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

Video recording of St James’ Church service for 02 May 2021

God is not interested in sectarian disputes between so-called believers. He is interested in those who live on the edges. Those who are genuinely open and anxious to receive good news. Are we, in turn, anxious to share that good news with them or are we more interested in protecting our corner, our beliefs and prejudices?

rev. geoff mckee

Musical Selection

Many Gifts, One Spirit by Allen Pote is a hymn which expresses unity, creativity and witness of the Spirit.

We are all unique and the Lord asks us to love one another, just as He loves us.

This sensitive performance by the Hallelujah Singers demonstrates a real feeling of love and compassion.