In the Interpretation commentary series, Will Willimon observes that Philip does not go up to and interact with the Ethiopian because he is an amazing and enthusiastic person; rather, Philip interacts with the Ethiopian as an act of obedience. It is the angel of the Lord who instructs Philip to go up to the chariot and it is because Philip begins to ride with the Ethiopian that he is able to share the good news of Jesus. And when the Ethiopian hears the good news he believes and is baptized.
Jesus instructs us to love our neighbors and to love God. Therefore when we love others it is not because we are enthusiastic and amazing people; rather, when we love others we love them because we are being obedient to Christ. And when we are obedient to Christ we will have the opportunity to share the love of Christ and the good news.
Does this mean that we should live without enthusiasm or that followers of Christ are not amazing? God Forbid. This means that folks who follow Christ can have enthusiasm and be amazing because they follow Christ.
We love because Christ first loved us and we love others so that we might be obedient to God. In that obedience we have the privilege of sharing the good news. May we be obedient this day.
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