Twentieth_Century(i)
26 Meanwhile an angel of the Lord had said to Philip: "Set out on a journey southwards, along the road that runs down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (It is now deserted).
27 So Philip set out on a journey; and on his way he came upon an official of high rank, in the service of Candace, Queen of the Abyssinians. He was her treasurer, and had been to Jerusalem to worship,
28 And was now on his way home, sitting in his carriage and reading the Prophet Isaiah.
29 The Spirit said to Philip: "Go up to the carriage yonder and keep close to it."
30 So Philip ran up, and he heard the Abyssinian reading the Prophet Isaiah. "Do you understand what you are reading?" he asked.
31 "How can I," the other answered, "unless some one will explain it to me?" and he invited Philip to get up and sit by his side.
32 The passage of Scripture which he was reading was this--'Like a sheep, he was led away to slaughter, and as a lamb is dumb in the hands of its shearer, so he refrains from opening his lips.
33 In his lowly condition justice was denied him. Who will tell the story of his generation? For his life is cut off from earth.'
34 "Now," said the Treasurer, addressing Philip, "tell me, of whom is the Prophet speaking? Of himself, or of some one else?"
35 Then Philip began, and, taking this passage as his text, told him the Good News about Jesus.
36 Presently, as they were going along the road, they came to some water, and the Treasurer exclaimed: "Look! here is water; what is to prevent my being baptized?"
37 OMITTED TEXT
38 So he ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water--both Philip and the Treasurer--and Philip baptized him.
39 But, when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the Treasurer saw no more of him; for he continued his journey with a joyful heart.
40 But Philip was found at Ashdod, and, as he went on his way, he told the Good News in all the towns through which he passed, till he came to Caesarea.