The first convert to Christianity from Africa provides an excelling example of God's providence and grace. From the perspective of the evangelist, Phillip, the story teaches us about God's providence, given that he was peculiarly guided to the right person, at the right place, at the right time, to see the salvation of God. And from the perspective of the evangelized, the Ethiopian eunuch, the story teaches us about God's grace, which was abundantly and uniquely bestowed upon this man of Africa in so multi-faceted a manner that it led to his sound conversion and (presumably) subsequent mission for Christ. Here, we powerfully see God's kindness to and love for Africans, and their rightful response to his great grace.
There were seven qualities in the Ethiopian (i.e., African) man which sets him apart as a man indubitably ordained to eternal life. All Africans would do well to follow the faith of so gracious a man as this eunuch was, that they, too, may experience the goodness of God in the gospel.
1. The Ethiopian Eunuch was Spiritually-Minded (vv. 27-28)
This African man, though rich and of great authority, was not minded about earthly things, but about heavenly ones (see Colossians 3:2). He took time out of his busy schedule to go up to Jerusalem to worship the true God, and did not waste his time on his long chariot-ride in idleness, but was diligently reading the scriptures.
2. The Ethiopian Eunuch was Humble (vv. 30-31)
This African man did not think himself too exalted to speak to a lowly evangelist running up to his great chariot, but bowed down his ear to instruction (see Proverbs 22:17). He did not arrogantly pretend to know things he had no real understanding about. He humbly admitted his ignorance of the scripture he was reading, even going so far as to explicitly express his need for help in a very self-abasing way: "How can I, except some man should guide me?"
3. The Ethiopian Eunuch was Receptive (v. 31b)
This African man, in the midst of his spiritual journey, was seeking for someone to assist him, and did not wait for Phillip to ask if he could teach him about the scriptures. He himself "desired Phillip that he would come up and sit with him." He was so receptive to learning the truth that he practically begged Phillip to come and teach him.
4. The Ethiopian Eunuch was Inquisitive (v. 34)
This African man was not mindless and distracted in the exposition and explanation Phillip provided to him. He was attentively and actively engaged, asking Phillip good questions, and prying for deep understanding of the truths of God. He was not satisfied with superficial comprehension, but wanted to sincerely know, through and through.
5. The Ethiopian Eunuch was Zealous (v. 36)
This African man was not indifferent and unconcerned about the spiritual truths he was learning, but drew out the implications for himself, and applied the message immediately to his own life. He came to see Christ as the only Savior, and that Christ was therefore worthy of a total commitment. He may have heard of baptism before, given the popularity of John the Baptist, or may have heard something of it in Phillip's explanation of the life of Christ. Whichever the case, having believed in Jesus for his salvation, he saw he needed to be baptized, that he might begin to follow in the steps of his Savior. Again, he took the initiative of himself, and asked to be baptized, doing so (we may suppose) in such a way to prevent Phillip from saying no—"what doth hinder me to be baptized?"
6. The Ethiopian Eunuch was Resolute (v. 38)
This African man did not waver with respect to his Christian convictions. He had truly come to trust entirely in the merits of Christ alone for salvation, seeing him as the Christ, the Son of God (see John 20:31). When told he must believe with "all" his heart to be baptized, he boldly professed his full-fledged faith in the Messiah: "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
7. The Ethiopian Eunuch was Impressionable (v. 39)
This African man was greatly moved by the gospel presentation, and the brief time of discipleship Phillip had ministered to him. Though Phillip was immediately taken by the Spirit away from him after his baptism, he was not grieved, but went on his way glad: "he went on his way rejoicing." The gospel had made a profound and life-changing affect on his affections and his very life. Phillip had left, but Jesus stayed, and gave to this man "joy unspeakable, and full of glory" (1 Peter 1:8).
May God impart such grace to all of Africa, that a great revival may come to them, a people greatly beloved of God!