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Philip Baptizes an Ethiopian OfficialThe Watchtower—1996 | July 15
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“What Prevents Me From Getting Baptized?”
“I beg you,” the Ethiopian said to Philip, “about whom does the prophet say this? About himself or about some other man?” (Acts 8:34) The Ethiopian’s confusion was not surprising, for the identity of the “sheep,” or “servant,” of Isaiah’s prophecy had long been a mystery. (Isaiah 53:11) How clear this must have been when Philip declared to the Ethiopian “the good news about Jesus”! After a while the Ethiopian said: “Look! A body of water; what prevents me from getting baptized?” So Philip baptized him right then and there.—Acts 8:35-38.
Was this a hasty act? Not at all! The Ethiopian was a Jewish proselyte.b So he was already a worshiper of Jehovah with a knowledge of the Scriptures, including the Messianic prophecies. However, his knowledge was incomplete. Now that he had received this vital information regarding the role of Jesus Christ, the Ethiopian understood what God required of him and was ready to comply. Baptism was appropriate.—Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:21.
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Philip Baptizes an Ethiopian OfficialThe Watchtower—1996 | July 15
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Of course, newer ones should not be rushed into baptism. First they must acquire accurate knowledge of Jehovah God and of his Son, Jesus Christ. (John 17:3) Then they must repent, abandoning wrong conduct and turning around so as to conform to God’s standards. (Acts 3:19) This takes time, especially if wrong thinking and conduct have been deeply ingrained. While new ones should count the cost of Christian discipleship, great blessings result from entering into a dedicated relationship with Jehovah God. (Compare Luke 9:23; 14:25-33.) Those who are Witnesses of Jehovah enthusiastically direct such new ones to the organization that God is using to accomplish his will. (Matthew 24:45-47) Like the Ethiopian, these will rejoice in learning about and conforming to what God requires of them.
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